抗白内障薬/抗老眼薬の創製を見据えて:水晶体透明性維持機構の解明と疾患予防の基盤研究

The lens of the eye is an avascular and anuclear tissue that serves to focus objects on the retina. Cataract is opacity within the clear lens that changes the transparency and refractive index of the lens causing significant visual impairments. These impairments can severely restrict the ability to carry out daily activities. Cataracts is common among elderly person occurring in more than 80％ of patients aged 80 or older. Notably, we have recently identified key compounds that are eŠective against cataract formation. Presbyopia is also an ocular disease that typically develops in people over the age of 45 while aŠecting almost 100％ of people over the age of 65. Recent research suggests that age-related changes in hydrostatic pressure of the lens controlled by Na/K ATPase contribute to the development of presbyopia. In the lens, Na/K ATPase has been shown to be regulated by transient receptor potential cation channels, vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and 4, thus suggesting the potential role of TRPV1 and TRPV4 in the development of presbyopia. This review article summarizes data obtained from our laboratory with my colleagues highlighting the critical role of aquaporin 0 (AQP0) in maintaining a healthy lens redox environment, key molecules that delay the onset of cataract in vivo, as well as potential mechanisms of lens hydrostatic pressure control that may be associated with presbyopia.