Scleraxis expressing scleral cells respond to inflammatory stimulation

This study investigates scleral fibroblasts, which maintain the collagenous extracellular matrix of the sclera, and their response to inflammation. The researchers used scleras from mice expressing a fluorescent marker (GFP) under the control of the scleraxis gene, a marker for tendon cells, to identify and study these cells. The study found that scleral cells expressing scleraxis responded to inflammatory stimulation by upregulating inflammatory and fibrotic markers, and that dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, could reduce this response.

• 1
  Scleral cells express tendon-associated markers such as scleraxis, tenomodulin and mohawk.
• 2
  Inflammatory stimulation with IL1-ß upregulates the expression of inflammation- and fibrosis-associated proteins in scleral cells.
• 3
  Dexamethasone significantly reduces the response of scleral cells to IL1-ß stimulation and collagen degradation.