| abstract |
The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Pitx3 polypeptides, fragments thereof and homologs thereof and Pitx3 polypeptides encoded thereby. Pitx3 polypeptides play an important role in development of eye structures, e.g., the lens, and was shown herein to be associated with the formation of cataracts, Anterior Segment Mesenchymal Dysgenesis (ASMD), and Peter's anomaly. Thus, the invention provides methods for predicting whether a subject has or is at risk of developing cataracts or other disease associated with an aberrant Pitx3 and methods for treating cataracts or diseases or conditions associated with an aberrant Pitx3. |