Lens fibre cell differentiation and organelle loss: many paths lead to clarity.

ABSTRACT: The programmed removal of organelles from differentiating lens fibre cells contributes towards lens transparency through formation of an organelle-free zone (OFZ). Disruptions in OFZ formation are accompanied by the persistence of organelles in lens fibre cells and can contribute towards cataract. A great deal of work has gone into elucidating the nature of the mechanisms and signalling pathways involved. It is apparent that multiple, parallel and redundant pathways are involved in this process and that these pathways form interacting networks. Furthermore, it is possible that the pathways can functionally compensate for each other, for example in mouse knockout studies. This makes sense given the importance of lens clarity in an evolutionary context. Apoptosis signalling and proteolytic p

SUBMITTER: Wride MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3061109 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature