Breakthrough Gene Therapy Prevents Retinal Degeneration

Research to Prevent Blindness-supported researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts have demonstrated that non-viral gene therapy, delivered by nanoparticles, can delay the onset of some forms of eye disease and preserve vision. The study brings researchers closer to a non-viral gene therapy treatment for degenerative eye disorders.

"The most common approach to gene therapy involves using a virus to deliver DNA to cells. While viruses are very efficient carriers, they can prompt immune responses that may lead to inflammation, cancer, or even death. Non-viral methods offer a safer alternative, but until now, efficiency has been a significant barrier," said senior author Rajendra Kumar-Singh, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM).

Read the full article.

Read the online abstract.

August 17, 2010