Gene therapy returns sight to blind mice

A team of genetic engineers achieved such impressive results by applying a new reactivation technology for the Cngb1 gene, which destroys the retina when it is ‘switched off’. This is the first such case in history. 

Is it possible to make a blind person see again? A new gene therapy technology targeting specific cells can make this a reality. A team of scientists has recently managed to make blind mice see again. 

Retinal rods are often damaged due to issues with the Cngb1 gene, which was reactivated in experiments conducted by a team of genetic engineers. The reactivated cells allowed the rodents’ eyes to start reacting to light again, while also restoring the connections with nerves connecting their eyes with their brain. 

Research was done on a small group of rodents. The results of five mice that had undergone therapy were compared to three blind mice and three healthy mice. Although the experiment was done on a small sample, it was sufficient for biologists to understand retinal cell behavior and achieve significant breakthroughs in the treatment of blindness.