Molecular Genetics of Cataract

Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2015:134:203-18. doi: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.05.004. Epub 2015 Jun 12.

Abstract

Lens opacities or cataract(s) represent a universally important cause of visual impairment and blindness. Typically, cataract is acquired with aging as a complex disorder involving environmental and genetic risk factors. Cataract may also be inherited with an early onset either in association with other ocular and/or systemic abnormalities or as an isolated lens phenotype. Here we briefly review recent advances in gene discovery for inherited and age-related forms of cataract that are providing new insights into lens development and aging.

Keywords: Age-related; Cataract; Genes; Inherited.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Cataract / genetics*
  • Crystallins / genetics
  • Crystallins / metabolism
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Humans
  • Inheritance Patterns / genetics

Substances

  • Crystallins