Extracellular-Matrix Mechanics Regulate the Ocular Physiological and Pathological Activities

Figure 1

ECM stiffness-regulated mechanical signaling pathways in RPE cells. (a) Increased ECM stiffness leads to the generation of abnormal RPE cells. (b) The RPE cells are located outside the retina and attached to the choroid. (c) Increased ECM stiffness modulates intracellular downstream signaling molecules such as YAP/TAZ and F-actin through integrins and other transmembrane proteins, thereby promoting phosphorylation of YAP and its subsequent translocation of nuclear where it interacts with the TEAD family of transcription factors to form transcription complexes that further regulate RPE cell migration, proliferation, and contraction of target genes (including CTGF, collagen I, α-SMA, c-MYC) that are implicated in PVR development. RPE: retinal pigment epithelium. PVR: proliferative vitreoretinopathy. CTGF: connective tissue growth factor. α-SMA: α-smooth muscle actin. TGF-β: transforming growth factor-β.