Detection of genes that cause glaucoma

A group of Icelandic researchers identified a gene involved in the occurrence of glaucoma, which causes vision loss due to abnormal high pressure in the eyeball.

Around the world there are about 67 million people with glaucoma, the main cause of blindness. The researchers identified two mutations of the LOXL1 gene, the only cause of glaucoma, which is difficult to treat.

(Photo: Xinhuanet) The first mutation increases the risk of glaucoma 26 times, the second mutation increases 8 times. But people with both mutations are 700 times more likely to be at risk.

The researchers confirmed that mutations of LOXL1 gene "ordered" proteins to play a role in the formation of fibers accumulating in the eye causing glaucoma.

"This finding is very important because the genetics industry has helped researchers understand the cause of this common disease," study author Kari Stephanson, General Manager of Decode Genetics specializes in solving genetic analysis. prefer.

Researchers hope the finding will help them find therapy and cure the disease.