Journal article

Epha2 genotype influences ultraviolet radiation induced cataract in mice

A Dave, JE Craig, K Skrzypiec, S Quinn, M Barnes, N Di Girolamo, DA Mackey, KP Burdon, RU de Iongh, S Sharma

Experimental Eye Research | ACADEMIC PRESS LTD- ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD | Published : 2019

Abstract

Age-related cataract is the major cause of blindness worldwide. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the disease. Genetic variation in the Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) gene is associated with the risk of age-related cataract in multiple populations, and exposure to ultraviolet-B (UV–B) radiation is a well-established risk factor for the disease. Epha2 knockout and UV-B radiation independently lead to cataract in mice, and UV-B radiation reportedly alters EPHA2 expression in cultured cells. We hypothesised that an interaction between UV-B radiation exposure and Epha2 signalling may influence cataract development. To test this hypothesis, 5-week-old Epha2+/+ and Epha2+/− mi..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Awarded by Flinders Medical Centre Foundation


Funding Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia (grant#GNT11009955), and the Flinders Medical Centre Foundation and Flinders University, South Australia, Australia. JEC and KPB are recipients of NHMRC Practitioner and Senior Research Fellowships, respectively.