Figure 9

Summary of the TGFβ-dependent development of anterior and posterior ocular structures. (a) NC-derived cells (blue) contribute to structures of the anterior eye segment and the primary vitreous (PV). TGFβ signaling is involved in the formation of the ciliary body (CB) and the trabecular meshwork (TM), and in control of PV growth. Moreover, normal PV development and/or TGFβ signaling are important for correct retinal patterning. (b) In the cornea, prospective stromal keratocytes and endothelial cells are of NC origin. Here, TGFβ signaling is needed for the expression of the transcription factors Foxc1 and Pitx2 and for normal differentiation of NC-derived cells into collagen-synthesizing stromal keratocytes. Moreover, in forming corneal endothelial cells (and in the TM), expression of Foxc1 and cell survival requires TGFβ signaling.