Disruption of alpha3 connexin gene leads to proteolysis and cataractogenesis in mice.
Cell
; 91(6): 833-43, 1997 Dec 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9413992
ABSTRACT
Gap junction channels formed by alpha3 (Cx46) and alpha8 (Cx50) connexin provide pathways for communication between the fiber cells in the normal transparent lens. To determine the specific role of alpha3 connexin in vivo, the alpha3 connexin gene was disrupted in mice. Although the absence of alpha3 connexin had no obvious influence on the early stages of lens formation and the differentiation of lens fibers, mice homozygous for the disrupted alpha3 gene developed nuclear cataracts that were associated with the proteolysis of crystallins. This study establishes the importance of gap junctions in maintaining normal lens transparency by providing a cell-cell signaling pathway or structural component for the proper organization of lens membrane and cytoplasmic proteins.
Buscar en Google
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Catarata
/
Conexinas
/
Cristalino
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cell
Año:
1997
Tipo del documento:
Article