Researchers use Gene Insertion to Restore the Vision of Blind Mice

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have used an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to restore vision to the eyes of blind mice. The treatment uses a genetically engineered AAV to introduce light sensitivity to ganglion cells. Macular degeneration leads to the destruction of rods and cones, which are the retina's photoreceptor cells, but it leaves the bipolar and retinal ganglion cells untouched. The AAV introduces a gene for light-sensitivity from green-sensitive opsin into the ganglion cells. The treated mice develop vision over the course of a few months and seem to behave just as unimpaired mice, although the exact nature of the vision provided remains to be seen. Researchers initially attempted to use the red-sensitive rhodopsin, but it was too slow for image and object recognition. Both opsins connect to the ganglion's signalling system and provide the brain with signals resembling vision. The treated mice could differentiate parallel and horizontal lines, moving and stationary lines and even dim iPad images.

For more, see:https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190315095808.htm

-Ed