Gamma-crystallin, a major cytoplasmic polypeptide disulfide linked to membrane proteins in human cataract

Examination of human cataract has revealed the presence of a number of unique complexes containing cytosol and membrane components: the high molecular weight disulfide linked aggregates and membrane preparations containing disulfide linked cytosol polypeptides. It is now shown that a major cytosol species associated with these complexes is gamma-crystallin. This conclusion is based upon investigation of polypeptides released by reduction and comparisons based on amino acid, immunochemical and sequence analyses. It is suggested that two types of complexes may be closely related.