Mouse mutations as models for studying cataracts

Human cataracts may be congenital or appear later in life; nuclear, cortical and lens epithelial proliferation forms have all been described. Due to the high degree of genetic homology, it is not surprising that multiple spontaneous or induced single gene mutations result in morphologically similar forms in the mouse. There are many different mutations in inbred strains of mice in which cataracts are a part of the phenotype. These mutations are of potential value in deciphering the molecular mechanisms involved in cataract formation. This report reviews the currently published cataract mutations in mice.