RAC1 overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells
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Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Preparation and Culture of Rat Lens Epithelial Explants for Studying Terminal Differentiation
Published on: September 22, 2009
1Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University Dalian 116001, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Cataract is a main cause of blindness worldwide. RAC1 has been reported to have a close relationship with the proliferation and migration of cells. However, the relationship between RAC1 and cataract is not yet clear. The proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells are key factors in the formation of cataract as well as in the complication of cataract surgery. In this study, the effect of RAC1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells was explored. Results showed that RAC1 overexpression promoted the proliferation of lens epithelial cells and increased the protein level of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. RAC1 overexpression also promoted migration and invasion of lens epithelial cells and had an influence on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. These results indicate that RAC1 may become a therapeutic target of cataract and inhibition of RAC1 may become a promising way for the therapy of cataract.
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