Recently, a specific BCL gene has been shown to slow down apoptosis, where the gene is over expressed in animal models. This will very likely now be a target for application to humans. These trials are for the most part confined to the diseases of cancer and cystic fibrosis. The reason is the relative accessibility of the affected tissues and cells in these diseases. Retinal degenerative disease on the other hand is going to be a much larger challenge because of the relative inaccessibility of the retinal photoreceptors that are affected.
Gene therapy is a few years away yet.
Neurotechnology, as it is called, combines research in neuroinformatics and microsystems-technology, with the more familiar medical neurosciences. The ideal here is to provide a replacement for lost vision through artificial intelligence and implantable retinal prosthetic devices. Prepared by Dr. D. Howard Dickson, Chair, Scientific Advisory Board to the RP Research Foundation.