Retinal Degeneration News and Research

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Retinal tissue may degenerate for a number of reasons. Among them are: artery or vein occlusion, diabetic retinopathy, R.L.F./R.O.P. or disease (usually hereditary). Retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, lattic degeneration, and macular degeneration are characterized by progressive types of retinal degeneration.

Clinical trial shows CRISPR gene editing has exciting potential to treat a rare form of blindness

A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine investigated the potential use of gene editing to correct a congenital retinal degeneration called CEP290 that causes early-onset vision loss.

8 May 2024

CRISPR-based gene editing shows promise in treating rare form of blindness

About 79% of clinical trial participants experienced measurable improvement after receiving experimental, CRISPR-based gene editing that is designed to fix a rare form of blindness, according to a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

6 May 2024

CRISPR gene editing shows promise for treating individuals with a form of inherited blindness

Results from a groundbreaking clinical trial of CRISPR gene editing in 14 individuals with a form of inherited blindness show that the treatment is safe and led to measurable improvements in 11 of the participants treated.

6 May 2024

ZIP7: A novel target for treating degenerative diseases associated with misfolded proteins

Proteins are the workhorses of life. Organisms use them as building blocks, receptors, processors, couriers and catalysts.

30 Apr 2024

Researchers take important step toward genetic therapy for hereditary conditions

Researchers who work with tiny drug carriers known as lipid nanoparticles have developed a new type of material capable of reaching the lungs and the eyes, an important step toward genetic therapy for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss.

5 Mar 2024

Gut bacteria may be responsible for sight loss in certain inherited eye diseases

Sight loss in certain inherited eye diseases may be caused by gut bacteria, and is potentially treatable by antimicrobials, finds a new study in mice co-led by a UCL and Moorfields researcher.

26 Feb 2024

Deep learning shines a new light on Parkinson's detection through the eye

Study demonstrates the potential of deep learning algorithms to predict Parkinson's disease (PD) through retinal fundus imaging, offering a non-invasive, early diagnostic tool.

18 Feb 2024

Researchers discover mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression

The genetic material, in the form of DNA, contains the information that is crucial for the correct functioning of every human and animal cell.

2 Feb 2024

Breakthrough in gene editing: Enhanced virus-like particles promise new era in genetic disease treatment

Researchers developed an advanced prime editor-engineered virus-like particle (PE-eVLP) system, significantly enhancing gene editing efficiency in human cells and showing potential for treating genetic diseases.

9 Jan 2024

Engineered virus-like particles power up gene editing, correcting blindness in mice

Prime editing, a versatile form of gene editing that can correct most known disease-causing genetic mutations, now has a new vehicle to deliver its machinery into cells in living animals.

8 Jan 2024

Grape consumption improves key markers of eye health in older adults

In a recent randomized, controlled human study, consuming grapes for 16 weeks improved key markers of eye health in older adults.

6 Oct 2023

Researchers discover new mechanism in the progression of age-related macular degeneration

Research led by Nicolas Bazan, MD, PhD, Boyd Professor, Ernest C. and Yvette C. Villere Chair for the Study of Retinal Degeneration, and Director of the Neuroscience Center of Excellence at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, suggests that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) decreases an essential fatty acid, preventing the formation of a class of protective molecules and reducing repair potential. The discovery may also open new therapeutic avenues for AMD.

12 Sep 2023

Review examines visual disturbances among Parkinson’s disease patients

In a recent review published in Brain Sciences, researchers reviewed existing data on visual impairments among Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.

9 Aug 2023

SPG-15: A Mother's Fight for a Gene Therapy Cure, Maddi's Story

News Medical spoke to the CEO and founder of the Maddi Foundation to gain a patient perspective on how important research in gene therapy is.

3 Jul 2023

New small-molecule drugs show potential clinical utility in treating world’s leading causes of blindness

In a University of California, Irvine-led study, researchers have discovered small-molecule drugs with potential clinical utility in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

9 May 2023

Using engineered stem cells to treat ALS and retinitis pigmentosa

Cedars-Sinai investigators are developing a novel way to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and retinitis pigmentosa using engineered stem cells that may eventually lead to personalized treatments.

20 Apr 2023

Dormant cone photoreceptors in the degenerating retina may retain visual function, research suggests

New UCLA research in mice suggests that "dormant" cone photoreceptors in the degenerating retina are not dormant at all, but continue to function, producing responses to light and driving retinal activity for vision.

27 Mar 2023

Role of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase pathway in corneal damage due to blue light exposure

Researchers observe corneal damage by blue light exposure is due to PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition.

1 Mar 2023

OHSU researchers confirm first-ever nonhuman primate model of Usher syndrome

Those with Usher Syndrome -- the leading hereditary cause for simultaneous deafness and blindness, for which there is no treatment -- may have a new reason for hope now that researchers have confirmed the first-ever nonhuman primate model of their disease.

13 Feb 2023

Using lipid nanoparticles and messenger RNA to treat blindness associated with rare genetic condition

Oregon State University College of Pharmacy scientists have demonstrated in animal models the possibility of using lipid nanoparticles and messenger RNA, the technology underpinning COVID-19 vaccines, to treat blindness associated with a rare genetic condition.

11 Jan 2023