Scientists create map of eye with vision loss

Researchers have created an up-to-date detailed molecular map of eye with vision loss disease.

Researchers from University of Iowa developed a most detailed map to date of the abundance of thousands of proteins in the choroid, a region of the human eye long associated with blinding diseases. By seeing differences in protein abundance, the researchers would begin to figure out which proteins might be the critical actors in vision loss and eye disease.

Vinit Mahajan, assistant professor in ophthalmology at the UI, said that this molecular map now gives them clues why certain areas of the choroid are more sensitive to certain diseases, as well as where to target therapies and why.

Jessica Skeie, a post-doctoral researcher in ophthalmology at the UI, said that they were able to identify thousands of proteins simultaneously and develop a map that shows the patterns of proteins that make these regions unique, furthermore this has helped them explain why certain genes are associated with macular degeneration, and helps point them to new treatment targets.