Developmental senescence orchestrates hyaloid vessel regression in the postnatal eye

While retinal and choroidal systems support visual function in the mature eye, the hyaloid network plays a vital yet temporary role supporting the developing lens and inner retina. Its postnatal regression is essential for optical clarity, yet the mechanisms guiding the process remain incompletely understood.

Here, single-cell RNA sequencing of postnatal mouse hyaloids reveals pervasive cellular senescence, characterized by cell cycle arrest and a distinctive secretory profile within hyaloid vascular smooth muscle, endothelial, and immune cell populations, displaying high Cdkn1a and expression of SASP factors. Genetic ablation of Cdkn1a impedes normal hyaloid regression, demonstrating that developmental senescence is essential for timely vascular remodeling and functions alongside apoptosis and macrophage-mediated clearance.