School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, East Anglia NR4 7TJ, UK.
Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2011 Apr 27;366(1568):1190-2. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0377.
Millions are rendered blind or exhibit visual impairment due to pathologies of the lens of the eye. Lens research therefore addresses the direct need to gain insights into the cellular and molecular basis of disease, but, moreover, serves as a valuable experimental system to answer fundamental biological questions. This themed issue showcases the scientific knowledge of the processes involved in the development, structure, ultrastructure, physiology and pathology of the lens and how this information has the potential to significantly further knowledge in various fields of research. The issue is divided into three main areas. Firstly, the lens is discussed as a developmental model for embryonic induction, as an elegant system for studying the role of growth factors in development, and for analysis of the molecular control and cellular basis of cellular differentiation. The genetic basis of disorders of lens development, including paediatric cataract (lens opacity), are also discussed in this section. Secondly, adult lens structure and ultrastructure are covered, as well as the lens as a model for homeostasis and solute exchange. Finally, the papers in the latter part of the special issue review lens pathology, including the lens as a model for normal and pathological ageing, vitreoretinal influences on lens function and cataract and the lens as a model for fibrotic disease. Overall, the articles highlight the lens as a continuing, very important and attractive model system for biologists working in many different research areas.
由于眼睛晶状体的病变，数百万人失明或出现视力障碍。因此，晶状体研究不仅直接需要深入了解疾病的细胞和分子基础，而且还可以作为一个有价值的实验系统，来回答基础生物学问题。本期特刊展示了与晶状体发育、结构、超微结构、生理学和病理学相关过程的科学知识，以及这些信息如何有潜力在各个研究领域显著推进知识的发展。本期特刊分为三个主要部分。首先，晶状体被讨论为胚胎诱导的发育模型，作为研究生长因子在发育中的作用以及分析细胞分化的分子控制和细胞基础的优雅系统。该部分还讨论了晶状体发育障碍的遗传基础，包括儿童白内障（晶状体混浊）。其次，涵盖了成人晶状体的结构和超微结构，以及晶状体作为平衡和溶质交换的模型。最后，特刊的后一部分的文章回顾了晶状体病理学，包括晶状体作为正常和病理性衰老、玻璃体视网膜对晶状体功能和白内障的影响以及晶状体作为纤维化疾病模型的研究。总的来说，这些文章强调了晶状体作为一个持续的、非常重要和有吸引力的模型系统，适用于在许多不同研究领域工作的生物学家。
