Calcium ion-induced crystallin aggregation

Calcium ion-induced crystallin aggregation refers to the process by which calcium ions (Ca²⁺) promote the aggregation of crystallin proteins, particularly in the lens of the eye. This phenomenon is closely linked to cataract formation, as aggregated crystallins lose their solubility and transparency, leading to lens opacification. Calcium ions interact with specific sites on crystallin molecules, inducing conformational changes that expose hydrophobic regions or alter charge distributions. These changes facilitate protein-protein interactions that lead to supramolecular self-aggregation. Elevated intra-lenticular Ca²⁺ concentrations are observed during aging or under pathological conditions, correlating with increased risk for cataractogenesis.

Other names

Crystallin aggregation by CalciumCa2+-induced crystallin aggregationCalcium-mediated crystallin aggregation