Recent research indicates the possibility of groundbreaking treatments for vision loss caused by retinal damage, such as macular degeneration. Korean scientists found that the Prox-1 protein limits stem cell regeneration of retinal cells in humans. By using gene therapy to inhibit this protein, researchers hope to promote healing and restoration of vision, marking a significant advancement in therapeutic options compared to existing methods, which typically focus on slowing disease progression rather than improving vision. This discovery could greatly impact millions suffering from vision impairments globally.
"And so what they did find, which is sort of an 'aha' moment, was there is this cell called Prox-1 protein that, for whatever reason, isn't present in high quantities in fish, but in people it seemed to be what was kind of putting the brakes on the stem cells from regenerating these retina cells."
"So all of the therapy really involves early diagnosis and really trying to clinically manage the conditions from worsening, but this new avenue opens up ways to actually restore vision."
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