At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in the development of transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2)-induced models to support glaucoma research and therapeutic development. Our experimental models are designed to recapitulate the pathological features of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), providing researchers with a robust platform to investigate glaucoma mechanisms and evaluate novel therapeutics.
The Role of TGFβ2 in Glaucoma
TGFβ2 is a key profibrotic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of POAG. Elevated levels of TGFβ2 in the aqueous humor and trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue are highly correlated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and TM dysfunction. TGFβ2 activates both canonical Smad-dependent and non-canonical signaling pathways. This leads to increased production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, cytoskeletal reorganization, and formation of cross-linked actin networks (CLANs), as well as altered cell adhesion and functionality in the TM. These changes result in a stiffer TM, increased outflow resistance, and elevated IOP, which are hallmarks of POAG.
Fig. 1 TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways. (Hachana S and Larrivée B, 2022)
Get to Know Our Custom TGFβ2-Induced Glaucoma Models
Our team of seasoned scientists has extensive experience in developing and validating TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models, ensuring reliable results for your glaucoma research.
Lentivirus-mediated TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models
Our experts utilize lentivirus encoding active human TGFβ2 under the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter to develop lentivirus-mediated TGFβ2 overexpression models, ensuring stable, long-term expression of TGFβ2 in the TM. Our lentivirus-mediated TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models are designed to assist researchers in investigating the chronic effects of TGFβ2 on TM pathology and IOP regulation.
Adenovirus-mediated TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models
We also offer adenovirus-mediated TGFβ2 overexpression models, which can be customized to achieve controlled expression levels of TGFβ2 for studying dose-dependent effects on IOP and TM pathology. Our adenovirus-mediated TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models are ideal for short-term studies and the rapid evaluation of drugs.
Customizable Parameters for Custom TGFβ2-Induced Glaucoma Models
Ace Therapeutics understands that each research project has unique requirements. Our TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models can be customized based on:
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Route of administration | Select between intravitreal or intracameral injection of viral vectors (e.g., lentivirus-mediated TGFβ2 overexpression constructs) to align with experimental requirements. |
| Expression level | Optimize the viral vector dose to achieve the desired level of TGFβ2 expression and IOP elevation. |
| Model duration | Choose model duration based on research objectives (e.g., acute efficacy assessment/chronic pathogenesis studies). - Short-term models (typically 1-4 weeks): Suitable for rapid evaluation of drugs and investigation of acute IOP change mechanisms. - Long-term models (typically ≥ 8 weeks): Ideal for recapitulating the chronic pathological progression of POAG and evaluating long-term therapeutic efficacy. |
TGFβ2-Induced Glaucoma Model Evaluation Services
We offer a wide range of model evaluation services, providing end-to-end solutions for your glaucoma research needs.
- IOP measurement
We provide comprehensive IOP measurement services, ensuring reliable data on IOP changes over time. - Outflow facility assessment
By measuring aqueous humor outflow facility, we can help researchers understand the impact of TGFβ2 on TM function and outflow resistance. - Histopathological analysis
We offer detailed histopathological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining and immunohistochemistry, to evaluate structural changes in the TM and assess inflammation or other pathological features. - Molecular analysis
Our molecular analysis services can be used to detect TGFβ2 expression and related proteins in aqueous humor and TM tissue, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of TM dysfunction.
Ace Therapeutics is dedicated to supporting glaucoma research with custom TGFβ2-induced glaucoma models and comprehensive evaluation services. Our animal models and technologies provide a robust foundation for understanding the pathogenesis of glaucoma and developing effective therapeutics. Contact us to explore how we can support your preclinical glaucoma research with our animal models!
Reference
- Hachana S and Larrivée B. TGF-β Superfamily Signaling in the Eye: Implications for Ocular Pathologies. Cells. 2022, 11(15): 2336.