Age-Related Cataract Model Customization Services

Age-related cataract is a significant global health issue, leading to vision impairment and blindness. Cataracts develop due to cumulative damage to lens proteins and epithelial cells, often exacerbated by oxidative stress, genetic predispositions, or metabolic disorders. Animal models are indispensable for replicating these pathophysiological changes and facilitating the discovery and validation of drugs.

Fig. 1 Common types of age-related cataracts. (Dauer LT, et al., 2017)

CD BioSciences offers comprehensive and customized age-related cataract models tailored to specific research needs to support the evaluation of drug efficacy and mechanistic investigations.

Custom Mouse Models of Age-Related Cataract

H₂O₂-induced mouse models

CD BioSciences offers H₂O₂-induced cataract models that replicate oxidative damage, a central contributor to age-related cataract. Our scientists administer intraocular doses of H₂O₂ to provoke cortical or nuclear cataract formation. Depending on clients' requirements, we adjust the dosage and exposure duration of H₂O₂ to simulate different levels of oxidative stress, enabling the preclinical evaluation of antioxidants for their protective effects against lens opacity development.

Genetically engineered mouse models

CD BioSciences offers an extensive suite of genetically engineered mouse models to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related cataract and to facilitate the preclinical evaluation of targeted therapeutics. Our services span from colony generation and breeding to phenotypic analysis, molecular validation, and downstream pharmacological testing.

• Aged nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-null mice. Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Our company offers aged Nrf2-null mice that develop cataracts spontaneously due to impaired detoxification pathways and the accumulation of oxidative stress.
• Lens glutathione synthesis knockout (LEGSKO) mice. We offer the LEGSKO mice that are specifically engineered to lack the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc) in lens epithelial cells, resulting in depleted glutathione (GSH) levels. These mice exhibit early-onset nuclear cataracts due to oxidative damage and protein aggregation.
• Glutaredoxin-2 (Grx2) mice. We provide Grx2-deficient mice that exhibit age-dependent lens opacity due to impaired redox regulation in lens fiber cells, which are ideal for evaluating mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics and antioxidant drug candidates.

Senescence-accelerated mice (SAM)

Some SAM strains exhibit a spectrum of aging-related phenotypes, such as lens opacity. We offer SAM models to replicate aging impacts on ocular health. We also use SAM models to support clients in evaluating potential interventions at different stages of cataract development, providing insights into both prevention and treatment.

Applications of Age-Related Cataract Models

CD BioSciences provides custom age-related cataract models and integrated preclinical services to support mechanism studies and the evaluation of drug efficacy.

Mechanism studies

Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in age-related cataract is crucial for developing effective therapeutics. We use custom cataract models to help clients conduct mechanism studies, assessing oxidative stress pathways, protein aggregation dynamics, and alterations in lens metabolism to support the development and optimization of therapeutics.

Drug discovery and development

We use custom age-related cataract models to support clients in drug screening and in evaluating the therapeutic potential of drug candidates to delay or reduce lens opacity. Leveraging advanced analytical platforms, we help clients evaluate the lens tissue penetration, intraocular retention time, and metabolic stability of drug candidates.

Age-related cataracts remain an urgent issue in aging and ophthalmological research. CD BioSciences empowers pharmaceutical, academic, and biotech clients with reliable cataract model customization services. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or make an online inquiry.

References

1. Fan X, et al. The LEGSKO mouse: a mouse model of age-related nuclear cataract based on genetic suppression of lens glutathione synthesis. PLoS One. 2012, 7 (11): e50832.
2. Dauer LT, et al. Guidance on radiation dose limits for the lens of the eye: overview of the recommendations in NCRP Commentary No. 26. Int J Radiat Biol, 2017, 93 (10): 1015-1023.