Lanosterol

News today: "...scientists analyzed the genes of two related families that both often suffered cataracts from birth.

"The researchers discovered that these families carried mutations in a gene involved in manufacturing a small molecule known as lanosterol. Normal versions of lanosterol in healthy eyes help prevent the kind of protein clumping that leads to cataracts, while the abnormal version seen in both families did not.

"To examine what effects lanosterol might have on cataracts, scientists experimented on dogs with naturally occurring cataracts.

"After six weeks of treatment with lanosterol eyedrops, lens cloudiness and cataract size decreased in the dogs. Similar results were seen in experiments with human lens cells and rabbit lenses on lab dishes. "

Too good to be true? Perhaps. Stay tuned.