Temperature-dependent structural and functional properties of a mutant (F71L) αA-crystallin: Molecular basis for early onset of age-related cataract

► We investigated the effect of F71L mutation in αA-crystallin. ► Thermal stability of the protein was compromised due to F71L substitution. ► The F71L-mutant has defective chaperone-like activity upon heat treatment. ► F71L-mutant failed to protect the αB-subunit from heat-induced aggregation. ► The F71L-mutation may cause cataract in synergy with other factors during aging.