The gene discovery approach has provided candidates for formulating and testing hypotheses on the role of specific genes in cataract. A number of studies examining a wide range of populations have shown that in humans, female gender is a risk factor for both cortical and nuclear cataract. Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy is associated with a decreased incidence of lens sclerosis, and older age at the onset of menopause carries a decreased risk of cortical opacities. Animal studies have shown that estrogen confers protection against cataractogenesis. The goal of the study is to elucidate the cellular processes underlying the gender differences by using an interdisciplinary approach, including cDNA microarray, protein and morphological analysis.
Oxidative stress induces differential gene expression in a human lens epithelial cell line.
Osmotic response element is required for the induction of aldose reductase by tumor necrosis factor- . Therapeutics 289, 1559-1563, 1999. Expression of prion protein in human lenses.