# Cataractogenesis, Connexin Mutants and Genetic Modifier(s)

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY · 2021 · $360,563

## Abstract

Project Summary
Genetic variances, environmental stress factors and aging can initiate pathological conditions in lens cells
leading to different types of cataracts. Previous studies show that the postnatal onset and severity of lens
nuclear cataracts are impacted by a functional loss of connexin 46 (Cx46) with genetic variances including
CP49 and periaxin (Prx) occurred between mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and 129 Svjae (129). This research
proposal will evaluate novel hypotheses about how intercellular gap junctions consisting of Cx46 and Prx
mediated membrane/cytoskeletal complexes coordinately regulate interior lens fiber cell morphogenesis and
calcium homeostasis needed for lens transparency. This project will provide a comprehensive mechanistic
understanding about how calcium influx and efflux as well as interlocking structures of lens fibers are
regulated and maintained by the adhesion and transport mosaic systems including gap junctions, Aqp0, calcium
channels linked to cytoskeletons through scaffold proteins such as Prx. Completion of this research project will
also provide essential knowledge about genetic variations among common mouse strains such as C57BL/6J
and 129 to the lens research community.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10235510
- **Project number:** 2R01EY013849-18
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY
- **Principal Investigator:** Xiaohua Gong
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $360,563
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2002-02-01 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10235510

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10235510, Cataractogenesis, Connexin Mutants and Genetic Modifier(s) (2R01EY013849-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-10 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10235510. Licensed CC0.

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