Industry News
Study Unveils Genetic Regulation in Retinal Development
In a significant stride towards understanding eye diseases, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have mapped the 3D organization of genetic material during key developmental stages of human retinal formation. This study, published in Cell Reports, provides valuable insights into the heritable genetic landscape of the developing human retina¹.
The research team, led by Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., chief of the Neurobiology, Neurodegeneration, and Repair Laboratory at the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of NIH, used deep Hi-C sequencing to create a high-resolution map of chromatin in a human retinal organoid at five key points in development.
“These results provide insights into the heritable genetic landscape of the developing human retina, especially for the most abundant cell types that are commonly associated with vision impairment in retinal diseases,” said Anand Swaroop.
Organoids are lab-grown tissue models engineered to replicate the function and biology of a specific type of tissue in a living body. The study reveals a highly dynamic process by which the architecture of chromatin, the DNA and proteins that form chromosomes, regulates gene expression.
This breakthrough has significant implications for businesses in the biotech and healthcare sectors. The findings lay a foundation for understanding clinical traits in many eye diseases, potentially paving the way for the development of targeted treatments.
Moreover, the study's results could be instrumental in the design of future research and development projects, particularly those focusing on genetic therapies and precision medicine. Businesses can leverage these insights to drive innovation and deliver solutions that address a wide range of eye conditions.
“The datasets resulting from this research serve as a foundation for future investigations into how non-coding sections of the genome are relevant for understanding divergent phenotypes in single gene mutation (Mendelian) disorders, as well as complex retinal diseases,” Swaroop said.
The NIH's study represents a major step forward in our understanding of retinal development and the role of genes in this process. By shedding light on the complex interplay between genes and the 3D organization of genetic material, it opens up new avenues for research and potential treatment strategies for various eye diseases. This is a promising development for businesses in the biotech and healthcare sectors, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth.
