Crystallins

Crystallins are the general name for the soluble fractions of proteins found in the lens of the eye. They are an important part of the structure of the lens and play a key role in its function. Crystallins are also known as crystal proteins or crystalloids.

There are three main types of crystallins: alpha, beta and gamma crystallins. Alpha crystallins are large molecules that provide strength and stability to the lens. Beta crystallins play a role in regulating the transparency of the lens, and gamma crystallins are responsible for its elasticity and flexibility.

Crystallins are an important component of the eye lens, which ensures its transparency, strength and flexibility. They also play an important role in maintaining eye health and can be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of various diseases.

Crystallins are the general name for the soluble fractions (or proteins) of the lens (the lens of the inner eye). They are located inside the posterior chamber of the eye and make up about 8% of the mass of the lens. These proteins play an important role in the development and renewal of the lens, as well as in maintaining the shape and structure of the lens and its transparency.

Crystallins are classified as alpha, beta and gamma. Alpha crystallin is composed of oligomers of polypeptide chains, each of which has about 35 amino acids. Gamma-crystallin also consists of polypeptides, but gamma-crystallin is larger and more complex than alpha-crystallin and is present in humans by several percent more. Beta crystallin occupies an intermediate position between alpha and gamma - it has a similar structure, but greater mass. All three groups of crystallins are involved in the formation and regeneration of the lens, however, their functions may differ. For example, gamma crystallin has greater resistance to heat and a more stable structure compared to alpha and beta crystallin, which is important for maintaining lens transparency at high temperatures.

Alpha and gamma crystallins are found in large quantities in the lens solution. However, crystallin proteins do not themselves constitute a crystal: the gamma-crystallin content in the crystal is higher