Researchers Discovered A New Blindness Gene

Retinal dystrophy affects as many as two million people globally. There are no effective treatments available for the common cause of blindness. However, genes therapy could one day be used to treat retinal dystrophy. Researchers discovered a new blindness gene, IFT122, in canines with retinal dystrophy, which could lead to novel treatments for dogs and people.

"Retinal dystrophy has been described in over 100 dog breeds, with related investigations helping to identify new genes associated and pathogenic mechanisms with blindness across different breeds. IFT122 is a good example, offering a potential explanation for unsolved human cases as well," Professor Hannes Lohi states.

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“A new blindness gene uncovered in a canine study”