An extrinsic membrane polypeptide associated with high-molecular-weight protein aggregates in human cataract.

A 43,000-dalton polypeptide has been isolated from the high-molecular-weight disulfide-rich fraction of the water-insoluble protein of human cataractous lenses. On the basis of immunochemical reactivity and fluorescent antibody binding, this polypeptide is localized in the membrane region of the lens cell. This observation suggests an interaction between the soluble lens proteins and membrane-associated polypeptides in the formation of large protein aggregates which may cause cataract.