Lens regeneration in mice: implications in cataracts

Lens regeneration in adult mice is possible when the lens capsule is left behind after lentectomy. The lens is regenerated by the remaining adherent lens epithelial cells, which differentiate to form lens fibres within days, showing normal morphology and bow regions. Epithelial to mesenchymal cell transformation is also seen during the early stages. The mouse, therefore, can become an indispensable animal model for cataract research, surgery and therapy. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.