Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Degeneration in a 3D Microfluidic Hydrogel Model

This project aims to develop an advanced in vitro model using a 3D hydrogel-based biomechanical modulatory system on a microfluidic platform to assess increasing environmental stiffness on retinal ganglion cell axons.

Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons traversing the optic nerve head are highly susceptible to glaucomatous damage, yet the link between optic nerve head biomechanics and RGC axonal degeneration remains poorly understood. To address this, researchers will implement 3D platforms integrating microfluidics and hydrogels with tunable stiffness to model biomechanical aspects affecting RGC axons in the optic nerve head.

The link between optic nerve head biomechanics and RGC axonal degeneration is poorly understood, necessitating an effective model to study tissue stiffness and RGC degeneration in a human cellular context. This proposal’s innovation lies in developing an in vitro human stem cell-derived culture system using a microfluidics platform with tunable hydrogels. This setup uniquely simulates biomechanical and structural attributes of the lamina cribrosa, previously absent in stem cell models of glaucomatous RGC degeneration.

Upon completion, the study will uncover insights into RGC axonal dysfunction due to biomechanical changes in context of human tissue using a stem cell model. By targeting the biomechanical aspects of the lamina cribrosa, the study could lead to novel therapeutic interventions beyond traditional approaches regulating intraocular pressure. Incorporating hydrogels in the microfluidic system allows study of complex cellular interactions in a 3D microenvironment, applicable to other age-associated optic nerve degeneration. This offers hope for more effective glaucoma treatments.