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NEI Research News

Thanks to the work of NEI scientists and grantees, we’re constantly learning new information about the causes and treatment of vision disorders. Get the latest updates about their work — along with other news about NEI.

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135 items
Image of brain cells with "sparks" of red and yellow

Brain tumors caused by normal neuron activity in mice predisposed to such tumors

A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Stanford University School of Medicine shows that the normal day-to-day activity of neurons can drive the formation and growth of brain tumors.

Gene therapy shows promise in treating rare eye disease in mice

A gene therapy protects eye cells in mice with a rare disorder that causes vision loss, especially when used in combination with other gene therapies, shows a study published in eLife.
Image shows cone cells, labeled in red.

Turning back the clock on a severe vision disorder

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine report findings of a gene therapy to treat a severe form of Leber congenital amaurosis, caused by mutations in the NPHP5 gene.
Grey scale electron microscopy image of human retinal cells.

New genetic links found to rare eye disease, opening the door to better diagnostics and potential treatments

NEI-funded research at Scripps Research Institute has turned up more than a dozen gene variants linked to MacTel, a rare eye disease. The variants are likely causing the condition to develop and worsen for a significant share of patients.

Yale team finds dozens of genes that block regeneration of neurons

In a massive screen of 400 mouse genes, Yale School of Medicine researchers have identified 40 genes actively involved in suppression of axon regeneration in central nervous system cells.
Illustration of the front of the eye

International Team Identifies 127 Glaucoma Genes in Largest Study of Its Kind

Researchers for the first time analyzed genes in more than 34,000 people with glaucoma across multiple ancestries and found 44 new genetic variants that may lead to new treatment targets.

New Research Sheds Light on Vision Loss in Batten Disease

New research shows how the mutation associated with Batten disease could potentially lead to degeneration of light sensing photoreceptor cells in the retina, and subsequent vision loss.

HIV Drugs May Help Prevent Blinding Macular Degeneration

Scientists have identified a group of drugs that may help stop a leading cause of vision loss after making an unexpected discovery that overturns a fundamental belief about DNA.

Researchers use patients’ cells to test gene therapy for rare eye disease

Scientists at the National Eye Institute (NEI) have developed a promising gene therapy strategy for a rare disease that causes severe vision loss in childhood.

Study in mice shows genes may be altered through drug repurposing

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have published a study showing a promising approach to using drug repurposing to treat genetic diseases.