It describes what is known about the molecules and mechanisms that control and regulate these processes. Some of the recent progress made in understanding the molecular basis of lens development is highlighted along with some of the challenging areas for future research. Jochen Graw Mouse mutants affecting lens development are excellent models for corresponding human disorders. Recent investigations in our laboratory refined the linkage of 0.6 cM proximal to the marker D19Mit10 . The Cat3 mutations are characterised by vacuolated lenses caused by alterations in the initial secondary lens fibre cell differentiation.
Secondary malformations develop at the cornea and iris, but the retina remains unaffected.
The mutation has been mapped to chromosome 10 close to the markers D10Mit41 and D10Mit95 . The Cat2 nop mutation is characterised by a mutation in the third exon of Crygb leading to a truncated B-crystallin and the termination of lens fibre cell differentiation. The Cat2 mutants are interesting models for human cataracts caused by mutations in the human CRYG genes at chromosome 2q32-35. Aphakia, Hereditary cataract, Linkage analysis, Mouse model, Nuclear opacity, Vacuolated lens. To investigate the aetiology of cataract, it is necessary to measure both the type and severity of lens opacities, as well as the does and duration of exposure to the putative risk factor.