Int. J. Dev. Biol. 48: 1015 - 1029 (2004)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.041865dg

Vol 48, Issue 8-9

Special Issue: Eye Development

Anterior segment development relevant to glaucoma

Open Access | Published: 1 November 2004

Douglas B. Gould¹, Richard S. Smith^1,2 and Simon W.M. John*^,1,2,3

¹The Jackson Laboratory, ²The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bar Harbor, Maine and ³Department of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Abstract

Development of the ocular anterior segment involves a series of inductive interactions between neural ectoderm, surface ectoderm and periocular mesenchyme. The timing of these events is well established but less is known about the molecular mechanisms involved. Various genes that participate in these processes have been identified. As the roles of more genes are determined, developmental pathways and networks will emerge. Here, we focus on recent advances made using mouse models. We summarize key morphological events in formation of anterior chamber structures, including the aqueous humor drainage structures that are involved in intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation and glaucoma. We discuss the developmental roles of genes that associate with abnormal anterior segment development and elevated IOP or glaucoma (including Bmp4, Cyp1b1, Foxc1, Foxc2, Pitx2, Lmx1b and Tyr ) and how some of these genes may fit into developmental networks.

Keywords

ocular development, glaucoma, trabecular meshwork, dysgenesis