Abstract

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the major risk factor for glaucoma. The molecular mechanism of elevated IOP is unclear, which impedes glaucoma therapy. 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-inducible Poly-ADP-ribose Polymerase (TIPARP), a member of the PARP family, catalyses mono-ADP-ribosylation. Here we showed that TIPARP was widely expressed in the cornea, trabecular meshwork, iris, retina, optic nerve, sclera, and choroid of human eyes. The expression of TIPARP was significantly upregulated in the blood and trabecular meshwork of patients with primary open angle glaucoma compared with that of healthy controls. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix deposition and cell adhesion was decreased in TIPARP-upregulated human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cells. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that collagen types I and IV, fibronectin, and α-SMA were increased in TIPARP-downregulated or TIPARP-inhibited HTM cells. In addition, cross-linked actin networks were produced, and vinculin was upregulated in these cells. Subconjunctival injection of the TIPARP inhibitor RBN-2397 increased the IOP in Sprague–Dawley rats. Therefore, we identified TIPARP as a regulator of IOP through modulation of extracellular matrix and cell cytoskeleton proteins in HTM cells. These results indicate that TIPARP is a potential therapeutic target for ocular hypertension and glaucoma.