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Published on: August 19, 2025
Plasma Proteomics Identifies Proteins and Pathways Associated with Cataract: A Prospective Cohort Study
Yuzhou Zhang1, Jun Yu1, Yu Peng1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Ophthalmology Science
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study identified 58 plasma proteins linked to cataract development, with Beta-crystallin B2 (CRYBB2) showing a strong association. Mendelian randomization analysis suggests causal links for four proteins, offering insights into cataract pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Proteomics
- Genetics
Background:
- Cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment globally.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cataract development is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically identify plasma proteins associated with cataract development.
- To explore potential causal relationships between plasma proteins and cataract using genetic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Prospective population-based cohort study of 49,581 UK Biobank participants.
- Cox proportional hazards models and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were employed.
- Colocalization analysis was used to assess shared genetic variants for protein-cataract associations.
Main Results:
- 58 out of 2920 plasma proteins showed significant associations with cataract risk.
- Beta-crystallin B2 (CRYBB2) exhibited the most robust association (HR: 1.60).
- MR analysis supported causal relationships for CRYBB2, V-set and immunoglobulin domain-containing protein 4, mevalonate kinase, and metalloproteinase inhibitor 1.
Conclusions:
- Distinct plasma proteomic signatures are associated with incident cataract.
- Findings provide novel insights into cataract pathogenesis.
- Identified proteins may serve as potential targets for early detection and therapeutic development.
