Gene-independent strategies to extend cone photoreceptors functional life
Dr. José-Alain Sahel quoted Alan F. Wright early in his presentation on the extension of cone photoreceptor functional life during the EURETINA session on Regenerative Medicine and Gene Therapy. “Preserving cones would prevent 1.5 million people worldwide from becoming blind, since in an age of artificial lighting, we function very well without rods.”
However, the loss of rods leads to increased cone exposure to oxygen from the choriocapillaris and a decrease in rod-derived cone viability factor (RdCVF), a protein that preserves the morphology of the cone outer segment, which is where the cell’s visual function takes place.
“RdCVF protein increases cone survival and preserves cone function,” said Dr. Sahel, “and both systemic and intravitreal administration of various types of RdCVF have been shown to rescue cones in a mouse model.”
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