Preventing Blindness: Blocking TGF¤-induced EMT And Cataract Development
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$343,824.00
Summary
Cataract, the loss of transparency of the eye lens, is a major cause of blindness. We have identified molecules in the lens important for maintenance of its transparency and plan to characterise their effectiveness in preventing cataract formation.
Most diseases are much more common in the elderly. The reasons are poorly understood. We have evidence that the most common eye diseases, cataract and presbyopia, are due to the fact that the large molecules that make up the lens do not turnover. In lenses of older people proteins, which make up the bulk of the transparent tissue, become degraded. It turns out that very long lived proteins are quite common in the body. This proposal seeks to determine what role degradation of these ancient prote ....Most diseases are much more common in the elderly. The reasons are poorly understood. We have evidence that the most common eye diseases, cataract and presbyopia, are due to the fact that the large molecules that make up the lens do not turnover. In lenses of older people proteins, which make up the bulk of the transparent tissue, become degraded. It turns out that very long lived proteins are quite common in the body. This proposal seeks to determine what role degradation of these ancient proteins has in other diseases of aging.Read moreRead less
The Role Of EphA2 Signalling And Environmental Modifiers In Cataract.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$591,547.00
Summary
In cataract the clear lens in the eye becomes opaque causing blindness. Cataract is very common in the elderly, but is rarely also seen in babies and children. In babies certain gene defects, and in the elderly the genes and environmental factors contribute to cataract. The EPHA2 gene causes cataract in both young and old people. This project aims to understand how EPHA2 and other related genes cause cataract in young and old people, to prevent, delay or improve its treatment in the future.