SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine)- null mice all began to develop cataract at an early age indicates that the SPARC gene is critical to lens functions and transparency. Although cataract is the primary cause of blindness worldwide, the importance of lens epithelial cells in regulation of cataractogenesis is not fully understood. This proposal outlines 2 specific aims attempting to understand the role of SPARC in lens epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. The lens is derived from one cell type (lens epithelium). Lens epithelial cells proliferate and differentiate into fiber cells that constitute the body of the lens throughout life. This process is regulated tightly by environmental cues and is critical for normal lens growth. SPARC, a secreted prototypic matricellular glycoprotein with counteradhesive and antiproliferative functions, might be a key factor in the regulation of this process. SPARC-null mice provide an excellent opportunity for understanding not only cataractogenesis but also the function(s) of SPARC itself.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32EY006987-03
Application #
6384559
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-VISA (01))
Program Officer
Liberman, Ellen S
Project Start
2001-07-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-07-01
Budget End
2002-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$49,412
Indirect Cost
Name
The Hope Heart Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Seattle
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
98122
Yan, Qi; Blake, David; Clark, John I et al. (2003) Expression of the matricellular protein SPARC in murine lens: SPARC is necessary for the structural integrity of the capsular basement membrane. J Histochem Cytochem 51:503-11
Yan, Qi; Clark, John I; Wight, Thomas N et al. (2002) Alterations in the lens capsule contribute to cataractogenesis in SPARC-null mice. J Cell Sci 115:2747-56