However, considering that the encoded protein is normal and that a 50% decrease in Cx46 or Cx50 in mouse lenses does not affect transparency, one could speculate that mutations in the non-coding regions may affect the level of expression of the connexin to a value that is insufficient to cause cataracts early in life but the sustained alteration over long periods of time becomes more significant and leads to opacities. The gene discussed is GJA8; the disease is cataract.