These animals' eyes perform many of the same functions as human eyes, but they often use different proteins. By studying scallops and other invertebrates, we expand our knowledge of why these proteins have been chosen and how different proteins can be used to perform similar functions in humans. The group is also studying the abundant cellular proteins in the cornea, which may contribute to the optical properties of the cornea, as do the lens crystallins. Although not yet applicable in current ophthalmology practice, Dr. Piatigorsky's group is approaching the possibility of gene therapy by adding specific genes to corneal cells in laboratory culture. The researchers then place these genetically altered cells onto the cornea of mice and rabbits.
Similar experiments are also underway in various laboratories with human subjects.
It wouldn't surprise me if we're replacing defective corneal cells in humans with genetically altered cells within three to five years. Eventually, we should be able to alter genes so that these hereditary diseases will be eliminated in the patients' offspring as well.