Cyclase associated actin cytoskeleton regulatory protein 2 (CAP2) organizes the actin cytoskeleton to influence the biomechanical properties of the ocular lens.

ABSTRACT: Cyclase-associated actin cytoskeleton regulatory protein 2 (CAP2) is a conserved actin-binding protein that promotes actin filament (F-actin) turnover by disassembling ADF/cofilin-decorated filaments, supporting F-actin remodeling in differentiating cells and tissues. In the ocular lens, the actin cytoskeleton is critical for maintaining tissue biomechanical properties during fiber cell maturation. To assess CAP2's role in the lens, we examined lens-specific CAP2 knockout (CAP2 ^cKO ) mice at cellular and tissue levels. CAP2 ^cKO lenses were normal in size, shape, and transparency but exhibited increased stiffness under compression and enhanced recovery after load removal. While total actin levels and F-actin were unchanged, immunofluorescenc

SUBMITTER: Cheheltani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12632846 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature