Fish eyes have the valuable ability to regenerate themselves if they suffer any form of damage or injury. Unfortunately, human eyes do not have the same advantage. New research, however, uncovers the details of the self-repairing mechanism in fish, which could ultimately lead to new therapies for human vision.
As we age, our eyesight declines and we may find that reading the daily newspaper is not as easy as it used to be. Apart from this normal development - called presbyopia - there are other eye conditions that come as a result of the eye's degeneration.
Age-related macular degeneration is quite common and is the leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and older. In the condition, the macula - a spot located near the center of the retina - is damaged, which causes blurred or distorted vision.
Retinitis pigmentosa is another group of eye disorders that affect how the retina responds to light. The condition is genetic and involves a gradual, but not total, loss of vision.
New research investigates the regenerative ability of fish eyes. The eyes of fish have the ability to recover from damage and restore sight within a few weeks, and the new research provides insights that could one day help researchers induce self-regeneration to the human eye. This could help to repair the damage caused by diseases such as age-related macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa.
The new study was conducted by researchers at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and led by James Patton, Stevenson Professor of Biological Sciences at Vanderbilt. The results were published in the journal Cell Reports.
The researchers started out from the hypothesis that a neurotransmitter might be responsible for retinal regeneration in fish. Fish and mammals have a very similar retinal structure, so Mahesh Rao - a graduate student and study co-author - thought of extrapolating the results of a mouse study and test them on zebrafish.
The mouse study that triggered Rao's hypothesis discovered that this neurotransmitter - called GABA - controlled the activity of some retinal stem cells. GABA neurotransmitters normally act as inhibitors, lowering a neuron's ability to excite the neurons around it. GABA neurotransmitters are very prevalent in the brain, occurring in 30 to 40 percent of all the synapses.
Among other cells, the retina also contains a type of stem cell called Mller glia. In humans and other mammals, these cells provide "architectural support" that traverse all of the retina's layers - but in fish, these glial cells also play a crucial role in regeneration.
During the regenerative process, these cells undergo a form of regression called dedifferentiation, meaning that they go from a specialized state back to a more general, simpler state. They then differentiate again, but this time into replacements for the nerve cells that were damaged.
In their zebrafish experiment, Rao and colleagues tested their hypothesis by alternately stimulating and lowering the production of GABA with the help of an enzyme they injected.
They found that high levels of GABA in the retina keep the Mller glia inactive. When retinal GABA levels decrease, the glial cells start to dedifferentiate and then proliferate, as part of the regenerative process.
The study's lead author explains the findings and the contribution of the research:
"The prevailing belief has been that the regeneration process in fish retinas is triggered by secreted growth factors, but our results indicate that the neurotransmitter GABA might initiate the process instead [...] Our theory is that a drop in GABA concentration is the trigger for regeneration. It initiates a cascade of events that includes the activation of the Mller glia and the production of various growth factors that stimulate cell growth and proliferation. If we are correct, then it might be possible to stimulate human retinas to repair themselves by treating them with a GABA inhibitor."
James Patton
In the future, the researchers plan to investigate whether GABA is also responsible for the cell differentiation that creates new photoreceptors and other specialized retinal nerve cells.
Learn how stem cell secretions may help to treat glaucoma.
See the original post:
Zebrafish study sheds light on the eye's ability to regenerate - Medical News Today
- Could my glasses be making my eyesight worse? - The Conversation - April 8th, 2024
- Eyeglasses Improve Income as Well as Sight, Study Shows - The New York Times - April 8th, 2024
- John Berger Lost His Eyesight to Cataracts and Learned to See - Hyperallergic - April 8th, 2024
- Eye Health Facts: What You Need to Know About the Eyes - Prevention Magazine - April 8th, 2024
- Reading glasses are good for your eyes and your income : Goats and Soda - NPR - April 8th, 2024
- 'The sight to fight:' Yorktown military members make thousands of glasses for the service - News 3 WTKR Norfolk - April 8th, 2024
- How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Without Damaging Your Eyes - Verywell Health - April 8th, 2024
- Protect Your Eyes While Watching the Solar EclipseExpert Advice from NYU Langone's Dr. Nitish Mehta - NYU Langone Health - April 8th, 2024
- 10 Daily Habits That Will Help You Protect Your Eye Health - CNET - January 25th, 2024
- Undergoing cataract surgery when it's not necessary? Some do it to improve their eyesight, but it's not without risk - The Conversation Indonesia - January 25th, 2024
- Sight Care Reviews - Is It Safe to Use? The Most Important Fact to Know Before Buy! - Kent Reporter - January 25th, 2024
- Apple has big and cartoonish plans for Vision Pro's EyeSight - AppleInsider - January 25th, 2024
- National Center for Children's Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness Celebrates 15th Anniversary in 2024 - PR Web - January 25th, 2024
- Understanding Computer Vision Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Practical Solutions - Medriva - January 25th, 2024
- 8 Eye Issues You Should Never Ignore - Right as Rain by UW Medicine - January 9th, 2024
- Digital eye strain is a growing issue as the muscles of the eyes work overtime, warn vision experts - Fox News - January 9th, 2024
- Know the Facts About Glaucoma - MedicineNet - January 9th, 2024
- New Year, New Vision: Top Resolutions For Optimal Eye Health - ABP Live - January 9th, 2024
- Childhood Myopia and Its Impact on Vision Loss: What Causes It? - News18 - January 9th, 2024
- What you see first in optical illusion can reveal a lot about you but youll need 20/20 vision to spot hi... - The Sun - January 9th, 2024
- The Importance of Eye Care: Preventing Vision Impairments and Maintaining Good Eye Health - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- Six ways to look after your eyes in 2024 - The Conversation - December 30th, 2023
- 6 Essential Ways to Safeguard and Improve Your Vision in 2024 - Medriva - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Obvious Hoax or Safe Pills That Work? Fake Scams to Avoid | Courier-Herald - Enumclaw Courier-Herald - December 30th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Honest Customer Warning! Real Eyesight Support or Fake Hype? - Bothell-Kenmore Reporter - December 30th, 2023
- Global Intraocular Lens Market Surges with Innovations in Vision Correction | CAGR of 5.6% - PharmiWeb.com - December 30th, 2023
- Infection of the eye, and how to protect vision - The Hindu - December 30th, 2023
- Optical Illusion Eye Test: Can you find the dog in the street in 7 seconds? - Jagran Josh - December 30th, 2023
- You have 20/20 vision if you can find the hidden chick amongst these ducks - IndiaTimes - December 30th, 2023
- Eye Doc: Look *Here* While You Drive + 8 More Genius Tips to Improve Night Vision Behind The Wheel - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Designer creates inclusive clothing company after losing eyesight - Fox Business - December 22nd, 2023
- What is the state of American eyesight? - USAFacts - December 22nd, 2023
- When temporary vision loss in one eye isn't a sign of stroke - Harvard Health - December 22nd, 2023
- 10 Hacks That Can Naturally Boost Your Eye Health Today - CNET - December 22nd, 2023
- SightCare Reviews (Critical Customer Warning!) Know The Sight Care Facts Before Buy - Ukiah Daily Journal - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the building with the hole in it but only those with 20/20 vision can find the giant C... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Flashes, shimmers and blind spots: Here's what migraine aura looks like - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Doctors Reveal the Snack That Cuts Your Risk of Vision-Clouding Cataracts in Half - Yahoo Life - December 22nd, 2023
- Yoga For Healthy Vision: 5 Extraordinary Yogasanas To Improve Eyesight - Netmeds.com - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can spot the teddy bears but you have 20/20 vision if you can see the bee in the bedroom in under... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeers blue eyes act as night vision goggles to help them find food in winter - The Guardian - December 22nd, 2023
- 6 Bad Habits That Could Be Damaging Your Eyesight - Money Talks News - December 22nd, 2023
- Reindeer vision may have evolved to spot favorite food in the snowy dark of winter - Phys.org - December 22nd, 2023
- Human eyes: How they work, and their amazing anatomy - BBC Science Focus Magazine - December 22nd, 2023
- Why reindeer eyes shine blue in the winter - The Washington Post - December 22nd, 2023
- Can Everyone Unfocus Their Eyes On Command? - IFLScience - December 22nd, 2023
- You have the eyes of a hunter if you can spot the dogs owner in the picture in 8 seconds! - Jagran Josh - December 22nd, 2023
- Everyone can see the Christmas trees but you could have 20/20 vision if you can spot the star hiding in t... - The US Sun - December 22nd, 2023
- Here's how eye exams can reveal several health conditions beyond your sight - The Record (New Westminster) - December 22nd, 2023
- At Bread for the Citys vision clinic, patients can see clearly now - The Washington Post - December 13th, 2023
- SightCare Reviews - Is Official Website for Sight Care Legit to Try or Scam (2024) | Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber - December 13th, 2023
- The Benefits of Donning Prescription Sunglasses for Vision Correction and Protection - Anti Aging News - December 13th, 2023
- Vision Pro training of Apple retail store employees to start soon - BGR - December 13th, 2023
- 6 Best Vitamins and Supplements for Healthy Eyes - CNET - December 13th, 2023
- Eye Health: How to Protect Eyes From Digital Strain, Vision Loss and More? 5 Tips - India.com - December 13th, 2023
- How to watch the solar eclipse without damaging your eyesight - WATE 6 On Your Side - October 16th, 2023
- Can Optical Illusions Improve Vision? Know The Best One That Benefits Eyesight - Times Now - May 17th, 2023
- Motus GI Announces Executive Leadership Restructuring and Additional Cost Saving Initiatives to Support Near-Term Milestones - April 15th, 2023
- Revolution Medicines to Participate in 22nd Annual Needham Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- GENFIT Reports Full-Year 2022 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update - April 15th, 2023
- Kane Biotech to Release Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2022 Financial Results on April 20, 2023 – Conference Call to Follow - April 15th, 2023
- Biomea Fusion To Present Two Preclinical Posters at the 114th AACR Annual Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- Cabaletta Bio to Present at the 22nd Annual Needham Virtual Healthcare Conference - April 15th, 2023
- Syneos Health Schedules First Quarter 2023 Earnings Call for Wednesday, May 10th, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Oncternal Therapeutics Participating in Oppenheimer & Co.’s Virtual Fireside Chat: Discussion of ROR1 CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematological... - April 15th, 2023
- Travere Therapeutics Reports Inducement Grants Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) - April 15th, 2023
- Alvotech Provides Regulatory Update on AVT02 Biologics License Application - April 15th, 2023
- Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. to Report Full Year 2022 Financial Results and Operational Progress on April 19, 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- Additional Future Royalty Revenue Stream for Nicox from 2024 following New Drug Application Submission for ZERVIATE in China - April 15th, 2023
- Ultimovacs ASA – Disclosure of voting rights of Annual General Meeting - April 15th, 2023
- QIAGEN showcases latest technologies to advance cancer research at AACR Annual Meeting 2023 - April 15th, 2023
- ITM lädt zu Symposium und Messestand auf der Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Nuklearmedizin in Leipzig ein - April 15th, 2023
- International Carrot Day: From healthy eyesight to weight loss - 5 wonderful benefits of carrot - Zee Business - April 7th, 2023
- How the Human Eye Works | Cornea Layers/Role | Light Rays - NKCF.org - December 11th, 2022
- Eye Emergencies: Types, Symptoms, and Prevention - Healthline - November 25th, 2022
- The criteria for certification | RNIB - November 25th, 2022
- Foresight: Eye-Net Successfully Showcases its Advanced Solution to Leading OEMs and Tier One Suppliers in Japan - Marketscreener.com - November 25th, 2022
- Can you see me now? Average person begins worrying about their vision at age 39 - Study Finds - September 29th, 2022
- Contact lens wearers at higher risk of rare eye infection are you caring for your lenses the right way? - News24 - September 29th, 2022
- A man who popped a champagne cork into his eye says it felt like being poked 'times a thousand.' His vision was saved after months of treatment but it... - September 29th, 2022