Gammacrystallins

Gammacrystallins are a group of proteins found in the eye lens, which are responsible for maintaining the transparency and refractive index of the lens. They are a subgroup of the crystallin proteins, which also include alpha-crystallins and beta-crystallins. Gammacrystallins are characterized by their high molecular weight and their ability to form large aggregates within the lens fiber cells. There are two main types of gammacrystallins: gamma-A and gamma-D. Gamma-A crystallins are expressed in the lens during development and are thought to play a role in lens fiber cell differentiation. Gamma-D crystallins, on the other hand, are expressed in the adult lens and are involved in maintaining lens transparency and refractive index. The expression and aggregation of gammacrystallins are tightly regulated, and disruptions in this process have been linked to the development of cataracts, a common cause of blindness. The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of gammacrystallin expression and aggregation are an active area of research in the field of ophthalmology.