The role of integrin-linked kinase in the pathogenesis of cataract

Integrin is a cell surface receptor that is widely expressed in mammals.Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a key kinase of the integrin signaling pathway which combines with integrins to communicate cell and extracellular matrix.Recent studies have shown that ILK can activate phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/serine protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) and transforming growth factor beta/Smad (TGF-β/Smad) signaling pathways, which can promote cell proliferation, adhesion and migration of lens epithelial cells.It also can activate glycogen synthase kinase 3β/β-catenin (GSK3β/β-catenin) and other signaling pathways mediate aquaporins to regulate the water transport process.Eventually these changes can affect osmotic pressure of lens and lead to the formation of cataract.Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide.It is a multi-factorial optic disorder associated with various risk factors such as aging, genetic, metabolic abnormalities, trauma, ultraviolet light exposure, poisoning and malnutrition.But the pathogenesis of cataract is not fully understood.ILK can mediate the migration, adhesion, proliferation and apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells through a variety of signaling pathways.Therefore, it is very important to study the role of ILK in the pathogenesis of cataract in the prevention and treatment of cataract.In this article, we reviewed the role of ILK in the pathogenesis of cataract from recent years.