By uncovering canine eye mutations, veterinary researchers are coming closer to understanding two of the most common diseases that cause blindness: glaucoma and retinitis pigmentosa.
It turns out that dogs’ eyes are similar to humans’, the veterinary researchers say, and what goes for theirs often goes for ours, too. So much so, that a U.S. foundation for research into blindness has funded some of their work.
A random phone call
Andras Komaromy’s research journey began 10 years ago with a phone call from a breeder, who was watching dogs slowly go blind from a strange retinal disease.
–
Human glaucoma is caused by multiple factors, the scientists said in a study.
But they found that a major form of glaucoma in the elkhound is associated with a mutation on the so-called ADAMTS10 gene.
Here, too, their work makes it possible to develop a genetic test to help breeders stop passing on the hereditary disease. And Komaromy’s laboratory is working on a treatment for the blindness it causes.
The San Francisco-based Glaucoma Research Foundation has supported his work with a grant.
