A gene associated with the formation of age-related cataract, a leading cause of blindness, has been identified by scientists.
The EphA2 gene encodes an enzyme that plays a role in the repair of damaged proteins in the eye. Expression of the EphA2 gene decreases with age, which means damaged proteins can clump together and cause the eye lens to become cloudy, resulting in obscured vision, according to the study in the July 31 issue of the journal PLoS Genetics .
The international group of researchers, including a team from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, have identified several mutations in the EphA2 gene that are associated with age-related cataract. They plan to search for more mutations.
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