A single cell analysis of anterior segment development focusing on Schlemm's canal

Abstract

Purpose : Schlemm’s canal (SC) plays a central role in ocular physiology. SC develops from blood vessels through a process recently described as canalogenesis. Impaired canalogenesis has implications in regulation of ocular physiology and congenital glaucoma. The transcriptomic control of SC development is unknown.

Methods : Single cell RNA sequencing of mouse anterior segment at critical developmental time-points enables complex assessment of inter-cellular and intra-cellular dynamics during development.

Results : We have generated single cell profiles for over 290,000 cells across multiple developmental ages. We observe dynamic populations of cells charting the course of anterior segment development.

Conclusions : Pathway analysis and predicted dynamic cellular crosstalk highlights the importance of signaling between Schlemm’s canal and surrounding tissues, especially the trabecular meshwork, during canalogenesis.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.