Introduction of an extra tryptophan fluorophore by cataract-associating mutations destabilizes ßB2-crystallin and promotes aggregation.

ß/γ-Crystallins are predominant structural proteins in vertebrate lens with unique properties of extremely high solubility, long-term stability and resistance to UV damage. Four conserved Trp residues in ß/γ-crystallins account for UV absorbance and thereafter fluorescence quenching to avoid photodamage. Herein we found that ßB2-crystallin Trp fluorescence was greatly enhanced by the introduction of an extra unquenched Trp fluorophore by cataract-associated mutations S31W and R145W. Both mutations impaired oligomerization, decreased stability and promote thermal aggregation, while S31W was more deleterious. S31W accelerated ßB2-crystallin aggregation under UV damaging conditions, whereas R145W delayed. These observations suggested that the introduction of an extra Trp fluorophore had complicated effects on ßB2-crystallin stability and aggregation against various stresses. Our findings highlight that the number of Trp fluorophores in ß/γ-crystallin is evolutionarily optimized to exquisitely perform their structural roles in the lens.