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One-time treatment may fix damaged adult retinas, reverse vision loss
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a one-time gene therapy treatment that repairs damaged retinas and reverses vision loss caused by faulty CaBP4 gene copies, which affect both humans and dogs.
- The therapy involves injecting a harmless virus carrying a working CaBP4 gene into the retina, improving vision in low light and promoting growth of crucial retinal structures like the outer plexiform layer and synaptic ribbons.
- This treatment demonstrates the retina's capacity for anatomical change and nerve cell rewiring, even after years of damage, with benefits lasting at least three years post-treatment.
- The findings suggest potential broader applications for repairing damaged neural networks beyond this rare genetic condition, particularly by targeting calcium signaling pathways involved in cell communication.
- Although not yet tested in humans, researchers are optimistic about the therapy’s effectiveness in restoring retinal function and normal anatomical structure.
