Hence, these studies, together with our previous studies, show that αvβ3 integrin is an important regulator of the organization of the actin cytoskeleton, phagocytosis and signaling of GTPases such as Rac in TM cells thus suggesting that alterations in cell-matrix signaling are likely to contribute to the dysregulation of trabecular meshwork function that leads to glaucoma. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is glaucoma.