The effect of oxidative damage on the calpain proteases in cultured ovine lens

Abstract

In cataracts the lens of the eye becomes opaque. This can be caused by many different factors and can develop in a number of ways. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, many of the cortical cataracts display raised levels of calcium and increased proteolysis of the major lens proteins, the crystallins. This has lead several groups to investigate the possible involvement of the calcium-dependent proteases or calpains in cataracts. A line of sheep at Lincoln University inherits cataracts and provides an opportunity to investigate the role of calpain in cataract formation.