Scientists have revealed a gene causing a loss of vision

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh have revealed a gene causing gradual the retina degeneration and the loss of vision. It's a RPGR gene. As it turned out, the gene provokes the development of a hereditary eye disease, such as X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. Currently, there is no effective treatment for this disease.

The scientists obtained skin samples from two patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and transformed stem cells into photoreceptors (photosensitive cells of the retina). Then these cells were

compared to the cells of healthy relatives of patients. The structure of photoreceptors in people with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and their relatives were different, Deccan Chronicle reports.

In subsequent studies in mice, the scientists identified molecules that support the structure of photoreceptors by means of RPGR. If RPGR is damaged, the structure of the photoreceptors is disrupted. Due to this, they can not work properly that causes a loss of vision. Perhaps, these data may be useful in the development of new methods of treatment of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa.

Source: Deccan Chronicle.