Genetic modifiers of rodent animal models: the role in cataractogenesis

Abstract

Visual impairment leads to a decrease in quality of life. Cataract is the most commonly observed ocular disease in humans that causes vision disorders. The risk factors associated with cataract development include aging, infections, eye injuries, environmental causes, such as radiation and exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight, and genetic mutations. Additionally, several cataract patients display phenotypic heterogeneity, suggesting the role of genetic modifiers in the modulation of severity and onset time of cataractogenesis. However, the genetic modifiers associated with cataract have not been identified in humans yet. In contrast, the identification and mapping of genetic modifiers have been successfully carried out in mice and rats. In this review, we focus on the genetic modifiers of cataract in the rodent models.