Protein from algae used to treat blind mice.

Journal Nature reported about a breaking research in algae derived proteins which could be one day used to treat certain forms of blindness.

The light-sensitive protein, called channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), is used by algae to sense light for photosynthesis. Some researchers are interested in using these light-sensitive proteins to replace damaged or missing photoreceptors in animals' eyes. This happens in several human conditions, including the late stages of a relatively common form of blindness: age-related macular degeneration. At present, there are no cures for such patients, though treatments including gene therapy and laser surgery are being tested.

Bright lights make treated 'blind' mice leap into action. Credit: Punchstock

The algae protein has been used by neuroscientists before in the lab, in order to make 'light switches' that turn neurons of interest on and off in lab animals. But its use as a therapy against blindness is in very early stages.

If the technique can be perfected, it could allow people rendered totally blind by the loss of photoreceptors able to see — albeit in black and white.

Source: http://www.nature.com

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