Crystallins of the β/γ-superfamily mimic the effects of lens injury and promote axon regeneration
D Fischer, TG Hauk, A Müller, S Thanos - Molecular and Cellular …, 2008 - Elsevier
Adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) can survive axotomy and regrow lengthy axons when
exposed to lens injury (LI). The neuroprotective and axon-growth-promoting effects of LI
have been attributed to an infiltration of activated macrophages into the inner eye and
recently also to astrocyte-derived CNTF. The present work reveals that certain purified lens
proteins (crystallins) cause the effects of LI. Intravitreal injections of β-or γ-crystallins, but not
of α-crystallin, strongly enhanced axon regeneration from retinal explants in culture, within …
exposed to lens injury (LI). The neuroprotective and axon-growth-promoting effects of LI
have been attributed to an infiltration of activated macrophages into the inner eye and
recently also to astrocyte-derived CNTF. The present work reveals that certain purified lens
proteins (crystallins) cause the effects of LI. Intravitreal injections of β-or γ-crystallins, but not
of α-crystallin, strongly enhanced axon regeneration from retinal explants in culture, within …