Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0086543 (cataract)
 29,165 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

BACKGROUND: Deletion of the gene for the enzyme alpha-(1,3) galactosyltransferase in the BalbC mouse generates the GalKO mouse, an animal which develops early bilateral cataract. The cause is not obvious. As part of studies to elucidate the mechanism involved, we have examined the rate of development and the location of opacities. METHODS: The development of cataract was monitored through daily observations on more than 200 animals from 50 litters. The first appearance of opacity was noted as well as the time at which the cataract was mature. Slitlamp photography was used to determine the location of the opacity. RESULTS: Without exception, every animal developed bilateral cataract. A white pinhead opacity was observed in one eye at an average age of 36 to 37 days and in the second eye, one to two days later. There was no apparent preference for either eye or for gender. Rapid progression to full opacities occurred, on average, within seven to eight days. Slitlamp photography revealed early nuclear and posterior cortical changes as well as fibre folds and swollen sutures. CONCLUSIONS: The GalKO mouse cataract appears to be an autosomal dominant trait. The nature and rapidity of the lens changes are indicative of severe biochemical alterations resulting in osmotic cataracts. It is possible this may be a novel cataract model.
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PMID:Cataract development in the GalKO mouse. 1248 85

The Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc epitope is the key antigen in the hyperacute rejection of pig-to-man xenotransplantation. In the alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (alpha-1,3GT-KO) mouse - a model for xenograft donor pigs - a targeted mutation of the alpha-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene (Ggta1) has been constructed. These mice are depleted of the carbohydrate antigen and besides the mice are also known to develop cortical cataracts. The present study aimed at evaluating the morphology and the degree of the cataract in a population of alpha-GT KO mice, its age of onset, its progression and the impact the cataract may have on aggression, anxiety and perception of light. The alpha-gal epitope could be shown in the lenses with lectin GS1 B4 in all wild-type and none of the alpha-GT KO mice. Histology showed apparent cataract in all alpha-GT KO mice from six weeks of age. Apart from a single wild-type mouse with a small degree of microscopically visible cataract without epithelial involvement at the age of 30 weeks none of the wild-type mice showed signs of cataract. Behavioural testing demonstrated significantly more mounting behaviour and a longer duration of attacking in the alpha-GT KO mice. Apart from this, the agonistic behaviour was not influenced by genotype. Neither did the genotype affect anxiety or perception of light.
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PMID:Aggression in cataract-bearing alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout mice. 1834 65