Nanotechnology may improve gene therapy for blindness

New OHSU, OSU research uses lipid nanoparticles to target light-sensitive cells in the eye

By Franny White January 11, 2023 Portland, Oregon

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Oregon Health & Science University and Oregon State University researchers are developing a new approach to deliver gene therapy to address blindness-causing genetic mutations. Their new method encases gene-editing molecules inside a shell of lipid nanoparticles. This scientific illustration shows the approach's lipid nanoparticle shells, which appear as fuzzy beige balls after they have been injected into the eye. (OHSU/Tetiana Korzun)

Gaurav Sahay, Ph.D. (Courtesy)

Renee Ryals, Ph.D. (Courtesy)

Gene therapy at OHSU

Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute clinicians provide Luxturna, an FDA-approved gene therapy to correct blindness-causing mutations to the RPE65 gene, during a Sept. 17, 2018, surgery. Today, OHSU and Oregon State University researchers are developing a new approach to gene therapy that uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger ribonucleic acid, or mRNA, inside the eye. (OHSU/Kristyna Wentz-Graff)

Gene therapy