Role of crystallins in XXXX .

@entity1 @entity32 @entity296 @entity589 @entity6 @entity231 @entity989 @entity735 @entity6960 @entity2412 @entity4854
BACKGROUND: Crystallins are the major structural @entity735 responsible for maintaining the refractive index of the lens. However, recent studies suggest that they also have a functional significance in non-lenticular tissues. Prolonged uncontrolled @entity6 results in the development of macro and microvascular complications that are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in @entity6 @entity1 all over the world. SCOPE OF REVIEW: Recent studies have shown that crystallins play an instrumental role in @entity6 and its complications. Therefore, this review highlights the current data on the impact of chronic @entity4854 on expression, distribution, glycation, phosphorylation, chaperone-like function and, anti-apoptotic activity of crystallins. Furthermore, we discussed the insights for developing therapeutic strategies for @entity2412 including natural agents, peptides, and pharmacological chaperones that modulate or mimic chaperone activity of a-crystallins. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of crystallins appears to be a common feature of chronic @entity6 . Further, chronic @entity4854 induces the glycation and phosphorylation of crystallins, mainly a-crystallins and thereby alters their properties. The disturbed interaction of aB-crystallin with various apoptotic mediators including @entity589 and caspases is also an important factor for increased cell death in @entity6 . Numerous dietary agents, peptides, and chemical chaperones prevent apoptosis and the loss of chaperone activity in @entity6 . GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the role of crystallins will aid in developing therapeutic strategies for alleviating pathophysiological conditions such as @entity6960 , @entity32 , oxidative stress and apoptosis associated with chronic complications of @entity6 including @entity231 , @entity989 , and @entity296 . This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Crystallin Biochemistry in Health and Disease.
