[The 43KD polypeptide in the proteins of human lens]

The total proteins, water--soluble proteins and the urea--soluble proteins of the lens from fetal, adult and senile cataract were determined by SDS--PAGE. It was found that there was a 43KD polypeptide in the capsular--epithelium of all lens stated above. The band on SDS-PAGE corresponding to 43KD polypeptide was wide in the water--soluble proteins of the cortex and nucleus of the lenses obtained from over 14-year-old individuals. It became blurred in the urea--soluble proteins of cortex and nucleus of lens with aging, whereas it became almost disappeared in the senile cataract lens.