Using CRISPR to Treat Glaucoma
Wednesday, March 17 2021 | 08 h 12 min | Vision Science
Researchers from the University of Bristol that are looking for a more long-term treatment option for open angle glaucoma, have turned to gene therapy. Published in the journal Molecular Therapy, the study used a CRISPR gene editing approach to block the function of a gene called Aquaporin 1, which transports fluid in the eye. By turning Aquaporin-1 off in the eyes of mice, researchers saw that eye pressure dropped and that the optic nerve had less damage compared to untreated mice.
Follow up experiments are needed to understand if this treatment is safe and has long term effectiveness before it can be considered for a clinical trial.
