The possible role of alpha-crystallins in human senile cataractogenesis.
alpha-Crystallins possess molecular chaperone properties and are one of the most abundant of the lenticular proteins. Posttranslational modifications of these proteins have been implicated as a possible etiology of human cataracts. This article will review current knowledge concerning the effects of known posttranslational modifications upon the molecular chaperone properties and aggregation behavior of alpha-A and alpha-B crystallin. Based upon these effects, experimental approaches will be discussed that may be useful in the development of reagents that may selectively inhibit the cataractogenic process in the aging human lens.
Takemoto
L
L
Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506, USA.
Boyle
D
D
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002417:Cattle; D003459:Crystallins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D018832:Molecular Chaperones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational
D003459:Crystallins; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D018832:Molecular Chaperones