Gene Responsible For Age Related Cataracts

Scientists have discovered a gene that appears to be associated with the formation of age related cataracts – a condition that leads to many people to blindness.

According to a study in the July issue of PLoS Genetics, over half of Americans 80 years and older, will have developed a cataract or will endure cataract surgery. The research team studied the EphA2 gene which normally encodes an enzyme that is responsible for the restoration of impaired eye proteins.  Expression of the EphA2 gene diminishes with time and age, which causes damaged proteins to merge and cause cloudiness of the eye lens, leading to obscured vision.

The diverse research team have distinguished several EphA2 mutations that are linked to age related cataracts.