Cell-replacement move in treating blindness

A “landmark” study has taken a major step towards treating blindness by replacing lost light-sensitive cells in the back of the eye.

Scientists injected immature photoreceptors into the retinas of genetically engineered mice that could not see in the dark.

The cells grew nerve connections and generated visual signals that were sent to the brain.

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Treated mice were better able to perform a water maze task in low light conditions, raising hopes the regenerative technique could be developed to help patients with diseases such as the genetic disorder retinitis pigmentosa, which leads to progressive loss of vision.

The British and American scientists, led by Professor Robin Ali from University College London, say more work is needed before it can be attempted on humans, with clinical trials maybe five or 10 years away.

But they wrote in the journal Nature: “The results presented here demonstrate for the first time that transplanted rod-photoreceptor precursors can integrate into a dysfunctional adult retina, and, by directly connecting with the host retinal circuitry, truly improve vision.”

The research was part-funded by retinitis pigmentosa charity RP Fighting Blindness.

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