CRYM (μ-crystallin), encoded by the *CRYM* gene, is a protein initially identified in the lens of the eye, where crystallins maintain lens transparency. Beyond ocular tissues, CRYM is expressed in the thyroid, kidney, and nervous system, suggesting diverse physiological roles. It functions as a ketimine reductase, metabolizing sulfur-containing amino acids, and binds thyroid hormones (T3) with high affinity, implicating it in thyroid hormone regulation and cellular metabolism. CRYM also interacts with cytoskeletal components, influencing neuronal structure and function.
Mutations in *CRYM* are linked to neurological disorders, including autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss and neurodevelopmental conditions. Its role in hormone binding and metabolic pathways has spurred interest in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases. CRYM antibodies are essential tools for studying these mechanisms, enabling detection of protein expression, localization, and interactions in research models. They are widely used in techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to explore CRYM's tissue-specific functions and dysregulation in disease. Recent studies also investigate CRYM's potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker, particularly in thyroid dysfunction and neurological pathologies.