Geographic atrophy is induced by DICER1 reduction as seen in the retinal photograph (top right, blue arrowheads). This is prevented by blocking Alu RNA (top left). Flat mount pictures show that the degeneration of the RPE cells induced by DICER1 reduction (bottom right) is prevented by blocking Alu RNA (bottom left). Photo: Ambati Laboratory/University of Kentucky
A trigger for the most common form of vision loss and blindness in Australia has been discovered thanks to research conducted with help from Australian eye donors. Researchers from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia, including The Australian National University's Vision Centre, found that patients suffering from the most common form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) lack a critical enzyme - DICER-1. AMD affects one in every seven Australians over 70 and is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Patients suffering the disease experience difficulties reading or recognising faces. The research findings could lead to new treatments for this previously untreatable disease. Professor Jan Provis from the ANU Vision Centre said the research found that the enzyme, DICER-1, is reduced in the eyes of those suffering the 'dry' form of AMD, causing changes in cells that lead to the premature death of the vision cells. 'We've known for some time that cell death is the cause of 'dry' AMD.
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