Transcriptome Changes Driving Multiple Regulatory Pathways Involved in TGF-β-Induced Anterior Subcapsular Cataract.

Transgenic mice overexpressing TGF-β1 in the lens have been studied for over three decades, and yet the impact of active TGF-β1 -overexpression on the lens epithelial transcriptome is undefined.

We have addressed this knowledge gap by examining the gene expression landscape of these unique lens epithelia.

Candidates involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, inflammatory response, extracellular matrix organization, and mechano-sensation were elevated, while those involved in lipid metabolism, Wnt-suppression, Bmp- and Notch-activation were reduced.