A study of beta-crystallin aggregation and insolubilization as it occurs in mammalian lenses during normal aging and cataractogenesis is proposed. Biological probes in the form of monoclonal and/or monospecific polyclonal antibodies to native crystallins or synthetic polypeptides will be used to track specific beta- crystallin subunits as aggregation proceeds in vivo or as reaggregation of isolated subunits takes place in vitro. The influence of calcium on aggregation and whether or not degradation of subunits accompanies aggregation will be monitored. The composition of beta-crystallin aggregates in such cataractous lenses as occur in galactose fed rats, diabetic, hypermature and senile human lenses will be determined by comparison of microdissected opaque regions to adjacent nonopaque regions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01EY001156-16
Application #
2158057
Study Section
Visual Sciences A Study Section (VISA)
Project Start
1978-04-01
Project End
1995-07-31
Budget Start
1993-02-01
Budget End
1995-07-31
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
1993
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
605799469
City
Newark
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07107