Gene Detectives Launch National Roundup

Vision scientists need your help.

Do you know anybody with a blinding disorder called Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA)? It has been estimated that 3000 Americans have the condition, a hereditary disorder that becomes apparent shortly after birth. At least 9 different genes are known to cause LCA. Currently there is no treatment available

Geneticists at the University of Iowa are working feverishly to understand how these 9 genes (and possibly others) interact to cause LCA. Success could someday lead to breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.

The fastest way to identify gene abnormalities is to compare the DNA of all available LCA patients against DNA collected from the general population. That means locating all 3000 LCA patients and collecting a blood sample from each of them. This is a radical, first-of-its-kind attempt to create a genetic blueprint for one specific condition. If successful, information gained from this research strategy could be applied to research for other blinding eye disorders - problems that affect far larger numbers of people.

Most affected families are unaware of the enormous progress being made in molecular medicine regarding LCA. This is the impetus for Project 3000, a nationwide initiative to locate and recruit all 3000 LCA patients in this country. The more LCA patients located the greater likelihood of successful research.

Project 3000 will provide hope, advocacy, accurate information, and free genetic testing. In the future LCA volunteers may be invited to participate in clinical trials of novel medical treatments.

Click here to learn more about Project 3000.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Detecting Genetic Disorders Before Pregnancy
• Eye Research: How Do I Get Involved?
  

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