Concurrence of Danish Dementia and Cataract: Insights from the Interactions of Dementia Associated Peptides with Eye Lens α-Crystallin
2008

Danish Dementia and Cataract: How Dementia Peptides Affect Eye Lens Proteins

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ira Surolia, Sharmistha Sinha, Debi Prasad Sarkar, P. Yadagiri Reddy, G. Bhanuprakash Reddy, Avadhesha Surolia

Primary Institution: Department of Biochemistry, South Campus, Delhi University, New Delhi, India

Hypothesis

The study investigates the specific correlation between the Danish dementia peptide and cataract formation through its interaction with eye lens α-crystallin.

Conclusion

The Danish dementia peptide redADan significantly compromises the chaperone activity of α-crystallin, leading to cataract formation.

Supporting Evidence

  • The redADan peptide caused significant opafication of rat lenses in organ culture.
  • Other dementia-associated peptides showed much less effect on lens transparency.
  • RedADan peptide exhibited a high degree of specificity in compromising the chaperone activity of α-crystallin.

Takeaway

This study shows that a specific peptide related to Danish dementia can make eye lenses cloudy, which is a sign of cataracts.

Methodology

The study used ex vivo, in vitro, biophysical, and biochemical techniques to analyze the interaction of dementia-associated peptides with α-crystallin.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002927

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication