title: [Progress in the study of the protection of α-crystallin to retinal ganglial cells].
abstract: α-crystallin is the predominant structural protein in the lens. It is a member of small heat shock proteins (sHsps) and has the common functions of sHsps. α-crystallin also plays important roles in the protection of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Studying the protection mechanism significantly contributes to the theory and therapy of optic nerve injury. This review is focused on biological characteristics and functions of α-crystallin and the protection mechanism of α-crystallin towards RGCs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Beijing 100039, China.
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Shi-ke
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: Zhi-hong
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D006801:Humans; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D012165:Retinal Ganglion Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D038201:alpha-Crystallins
chemical_list: D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D038201:alpha-Crystallins