Fig. 3

Cataracts form in double mutants and large aqp0a^−/− mutants. Lens opacity assays were performed on live, anesthetized fish at a range of juvenile and adult stages. WT fish had no cataracts at any stage analyzed, even at very large adult stages. Double mutants had cataracts at all stages analyzed: (A) SL 8 to 11 mm (100%, n = 4 fish), 11 to 15 mm (100%, n = 6), 15 to 20 mm (100%, n = 11); (B) 20 to 23 mm (100%, n = 2), > 23 mm (100%, n = 3). At young stages, aqp0a^−/− or aqp0b^−/− mutants had no opacity ([A] shown at 15–20 mm SL), while large adult aqp0a^−/− (> 23 mm) had consistent cataract (100%, n = 8) compared to much lower frequency in aqp0b^−/− (25%, n = 8, lenses were typically clear as shown in [B]). Excised lenses from aqp0a^−/− or double mutant large adults had anterior polar opacities (anterior pole is outlined with a yellow dotted line) while double mutants also had nuclear cataracts (C). Please see Supplementary Figure S2 for more examples of double mutant phenotypes.