CRYBB1

CRYBB1 (Crystallin Beta B1) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with CRYBB1 include Cataract 17, Multiple Types and Cataract Microcornea Syndrome. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations related to this gene include structural constituent of eye lens. An important paralog of this gene is CRYBB3.

Crystallin Beta B1

Crystallins are the dominant structural components of the vertebrate eye lens.

Lens development in camera-type eye Source: GO_Central
Visual perception Source: GO_Central

Cataract 17, multiple types (CTRCT17):
An opacification of the crystalline lens of the eye that frequently results in visual impairment or blindness. Opacities vary in morphology, are often confined to a portion of the lens, and may be static or progressive. In general, the more posteriorly located and dense an opacity, the greater the impact on visual function. CTRCT17 includes nuclear and pulverulent cataracts, among others. Nuclear cataracts affect the central nucleus of the eye, are often not highly visually significant. The density of the opacities varies greatly from fine dots to a dense, white and chalk-like, central cataract. The condition is usually bilateral. Nuclear cataracts are often combined with opacified cortical fibers encircling the nuclear opacity, which are referred to as cortical riders. Pulverulent cataracts are characterized by a dust-like, 'pulverised' appearance of the opacities which can be found in any part of the lens.
CRYBB1 mutations may be a cause of congenital cataract and microcornea syndrome, a disease characterized by the association of congenital cataract and microcornea without any other systemic anomaly or dysmorphism. Clinical findings include a corneal diameter inferior to 10 mm in both meridians in an otherwise normal eye, and an inherited cataract, which is most often bilateral posterior polar with opacification in the lens periphery. The cataract progresses to form a total cataract after visual maturity has been achieved, requiring cataract extraction in the first to third decade of life (PubMed:16110300 and PubMed:21972112).

Specific cleavages in the N-terminal arm occur during lens maturation and give rise to truncated forms, leading to impaired oligomerization and protein insolubilization.