Blind mice lead scientists to discover genes responsible for blindness

Blind mice helped a group of scientists at the University of California identify hundreds of new genes associated with loss of sight.

A DNA study of 300 rodents revealed 261 genes associated with a loss of genetic vision for the first time.

The researchers explained that mouse genes are largely similar to human genes, which means that this discovery could help diagnose and treat more genetic diseases.

By studying data from blind mice, researchers found 347 genes associated with vision or eye problems, about 4 times the genes previously found.

Current medical advances account for only about 50-75% of the diseases of the human eye, but researchers believe that these new genes in mice could play a key role in solving the mystery, which would allow scientists to develop treatments for incurable genetic diseases. Currently.

"These results are very valuable to people with an inherited eye disease.All the ophthalmology community will start using this data," said researcher Alaa Musheiry.

"In some cases of eye disease that we can not explain, we know that the genetic mutation is present, but we do not know where it is and ophthalmic centers can now call patients and examine them for these new ones. genes, which will further treat these genetic diseases. "