A hypomorphic cystathionine ß-synthase gene contributes to cavefish eye loss by disrupting optic vasculature

Abstract

The teleost Astyanax mexicanus has sighted morphs living in surface rivers and various blind morphs living in caves. Here, the authors suggest that loss of eyes in cave morphs is linked to mutations in the cystathionine ß-synthase a (cbsa) gene, which cause eye degeneration by disrupting function of the optic circulatory system.