Discovery a new gene associated with retinitis pigmentosa

An extensive study of a large Louisiana family with a history of vision issues has resulted in scientists identifying a new gene associated with retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery was made by a team of scientists from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and published in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science journal. The scientific team delved into the genetic profiles of the family members and identified the genetic differences in those that have retinitis pigmentosa. Family histories and DNA tests also shed light on the hereditary nature of retinitis pigmentosa. This discovery of this new gene brings the number of genes linked to retinitis pigmentosa to more than 60. The new gene is identified as hexokinas 1(HK1). Scientists will be able to utilize this information to develop potential drug and gene therapies.