Crispr-Cas9, the breakthrough technique of 2015 can treat retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited degenerative eye disease

Scientists have found that inherited blindness can be effectively treated by a new gene-editing technique called Crispr-Cas9

Scientists have found that inherited blindness can be effectively treated by a new gene-editing technique called Crispr-Cas9. Science magazine hailed this technique as the breakthrough technique of 2015 and it has now been found effective in preventing retinal degeneration in a type of inherited blindness.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative eye disease with no known cure and mostly leads to blindness. Researchers used this technique to remove a genetic mutation that causes the disease.

Even though the study was carried out in rats, the scientists call it an important milestone because of its potential implications for humans. Senior author of the study Shaomei Wang from Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute in Los Angeles, US, explained that their data shows that with a little improvement in the gene editing technique, it can be used to treat inherited retinitis pigmentosa in patients. (Read: Can t see properly? Eat these foods)

What is retinitis pigmentosa?

Although rare, it is one of the most common inherited diseases of the retina and is characterised by patients first experiencing night blindness in early stages coupled with atrophy and pigment changes in the retina, constriction of the visual field which eventually leads to blindness. (Read: 8 answers that could save your eyes!)

How does the Crispr-Cas9 work?

The technique is adapted from a system that bacteria use to attack invading viruses. For the study, the researchers removed a mutated gene that damages the photoreceptor cells in the eye. The scientists injected this system into lab rats that contained the mutated gene and hence suffer from inherited retinitis pigmentosa. They found that after a single injection, the rats were able to see better as compared to controls. The study was published in the journal Molecular Therapy. (Read: Scientists find a way to 'shrink' blind spot in human eye)

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