Algae protein can one day be used in treatment for blindness

Blind mice see the light Protein from algae could one day be used in treatments for blindness.

"Blind mice have been made to sense light by inserting a protein derived from algae into their eyes. A similar method could one day be used to treat certain forms of blindness in humans, the researchers hope.

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."

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