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Genes linked to common eye disorders have been uncovered by scientists, in a study that could offer hope to more than 300,000 people in Australia suffering from short sightedness and blindness.
More than 1,000 sets of twins participated in the study, which identified genes affecting glaucoma risks, the gene for myopia (short sightedness) and the gene causing optic nerve hypoplasia, one of the leading causes of blindness in children.
The research, conducted as part of an international study by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QMIR) in collaboration with the Centre for Eye Research Australia, focused on both identical twins and non-identical twins, enabling scientists to determine whether environment or DNA influenced changes in eyesight.
Dr Stuart MacGregor from the Genetics and Population Health Division of QIMR stated in a press release that this type of research could lead to genetic tests that would analyse the risk of blindness and help doctors monitor people who may be at higher risk from conditions like glaucoma. “One of the major causes of glaucoma is decreased cornea thickness. Our research is the first to identify a gene that influences cornea thickness.”
The research team also identified the genes that influence the intraocular pressure, which is another risk factor for glaucoma.
Dr MacGregor added that the Queensland Twin Registry (QTwin) recruits twins to participate in studies to determine disease risk. “Large-scale genetic tests like these can increase our understanding of a range of diseases, and we need lots of twins to participate in these studies.”
mcj
September 23, 2010
This is exactly what I was looking for, thanks!