Commentary Cell Science Reviews Vol 5 No 2 ISSN 1742-8130

When green algae give light to blind mice

The genetic heterogeneity associated with retinal degeneration arises from the large number of genes that have been implicated and the variety of mutations which affect them. This diversity has driven researchers to develop alternatives to gene replacement strategies in order to treat a spectrum of retinal diseases. Complementary strategies also need to be devised to adapt to the different stages of the disease, from early treatments to late-stage therapies. Thus in parallel to gene replacement techniques, advances in neurotrophic factor support and transplantation of photoreceptors into the retina have thus far shown promise. The development of a retinal prosthesis has progressed strongly, allowing retinas which are entirely devoid of photoreceptors to recover some basic visual input to a brain which has already learned to treat that information. In this context, considerable emphasis shoule be placed upon the work of Lagali et al and their predecessors who have adapted the function of surviving bipolar and retinal ganglion cells to serve as photoreceptors. The transfer of photosensitive protein complexes to these cells offers a new vista for the restoration of visual function as it evokes brain stimulation and the improvement of visual perception (optomotor response). Although much additional work is required to increase the sensitivity of this genetically adapted retina and to mimic its normal excitatory mode of operation, these early breakthroughs promise exciting potential human applications.

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