Do Cross-linked Actin Networks Form In Cells Other Than The Trabecular Meshwork?

Cross-linked actin networks (CLANs) are straight actin fibers of the cytoskeleton rearranged into geodesic structures and have been previously associated with the trabecular meshwork (TM). The incidence of CLANs in the TM has been found to increase with glaucoma and the steroid dexamethasone (DEX) has long been established to induce CLANs in vitro and ex vivo. We have recently shown CLANs are present in lamina cribrosa cells of the optic nerve head (ONH) and therefore the current study was undertaken to see if other cells in the eye form CLANs, spontaneously or induced by DEX.