Detection of the 15th gene causes congenital blindness

A group of scientists from the United States, Canada and the Netherlands has announced the discovery of a gene related to LCA congenital blindness (Leber Congenital Amaurosis), the most common congenital blindness in humans developed by scientist Theodore Leber. currently in the 19th century and named after him.

On the recent "American Genetics Magazine", Dr. Robert Koenekoop, director of the Visual Genetics Center of the Montreal Children's Hospital (Canada), said his group had discovered the SPATA7 retinal gene. This mutant gene will break down the protein transport between two important parts of the cell - the endogenous and Golgi body, which affects people's vision.

According to experts, there are about 200,000 people worldwide with congenital blindness LCA and currently there is no treatment. Researchers say the SPATA7 gene mutation is the culprit causing 35% of blindness in congenital LCA.

The association between SPATA7 gene and congenital blindness LCA is important because it can lead to gene therapy to bring light to the blind.

Thus, scientists around the world have so far identified 15 genes that cause congenital blindness./.