Human engineered 'virus' can help deliver genes, restore sight

Los Angeles (IANS) Scientists in the US have engineered a virus that inserts genes into the eyes as a way of restoring sight in those afflicted by diseases that cause blinding, a new study says.

By: IANS | | Updated: June 15, 2013 11:13 am

Los Angeles (IANS) Scientists in the US have engineered a virus that inserts genes into the eyes as a way of restoring sight in those afflicted by diseases that cause blinding, a new study says. Also Read - Optic nerve stimulation can offer visual aid to blind

Unlike current treatments, the new procedure is quick and surgically non-invasive, and it delivers normal genes to hard-to-reach cells throughout the entire retina, reports Science Daily. Also Read - Inculcate healthy habits to prevent vision impairment

Over the last six years, several groups have successfully treated people with a rare inherited eye disease by injecting a virus with a normal gene directly into the retina of an eye with a defective gene. Despite the invasive process, the virus with the normal gene was not capable of reaching all the retinal cells that needed fixing. Also Read - Saffron: Why this spice is worth the price

‘Building upon 14 years of research, we have now created a virus that you just inject into the liquid vitreous humor inside the eye, and it delivers genes to a very difficult-to-reach population of delicate cells in a way that is surgically non-invasive and safe. It’s a 15-minute procedure, and you can likely go home that day,’ said David Schaffer, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and director of the Berkeley Stem Cell Centre at the University of California, Berkeley.

Published : June 15, 2013 11:01 am | Updated:June 15, 2013 11:13 am

Read Disclaimer

Scientists pinpoint protein responsible for breast cancer recurrence

Scientist discovers protein that can restore brain function

About The health Site

TheHealthSite.com is India's largest health site with more than 40 lakh unique visitors per month. We focus on fitness, beauty, health, pregnancy and more.

Most popular health and wellness website in India in 2012 at the Website of the year awards.

health@corp.india.com

+91 – 22 – 6697 1234

91 – 22 – 2490 0302.

ZEE ENTERTAINMENT ENTERPRISES LTD, 18th floor, A-Wing, Marathon Futurex, N. M. Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

We respect your privacy

Scientists pinpoint protein responsible for breast cancer recurrence

Scientist discovers protein that can restore brain function

Today Health Tips: 10 Foods That Can Boost Your Eye Health

Poor diet increases risk of vision loss in later life

Found : Treatment for blindness causing syndrome

Optic nerve stimulation can offer visual aid to blind

Inculcate healthy habits to prevent vision impairment

About The health Site

Useful Links