Veterinary Highlights: Gene Therapy for Dogs Born Color Blind?

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and  Michigan State University are conducting a study on use of gene therapy to reverse inherited form of color blindness in dogs, achromatopsia (rod monochromacy or total congenital color blindness).

The viral-mediated gene replacement therapy treats day blindness in affected dogs.

So far, the treatment demonstrated functional rescue of cone cells in almost 100% of treated eyes.

Apparently, it is important that the cone cells are not fully degenerated for the treatment to work.

The treatment consists of two phases - first some of the light-sensitive cells are partially destroyed, which then allows for new growth. This is followed by gene therapy to replace the mutated gene.

Very interesting research.

Source article:
Dogs’ Born Blind Regain Vision

Further reading:
Penn-Michigan State Team Develops Novel Gene Therapy for Achromatopsia
Komáromy ​Comparative Ophthalmology Laboratory​ Research