Project Aim
This project aims to create a new way to “rejuvenate” cells using epigenetics reprogramming. The study will test if this new method can be used as a gene therapy to stop vision loss in animals.
Project Summary
Recent reports have demonstrated the use of ‘epigenetic factors’ to change the specific tags in DNA and turn the cells back to a younger state. This rejuvenation helps the cells better project themselves from diseases and injuries. This new epigenetic reprogramming approach holds incredible promise for preventing vision loss caused by retinal degenerative diseases.
In this project, the researchers will assess the therapeutic potential of epigenetic reprogramming in the retina and test its application to treat retinal degeneration (i.e. retinitis pigmentosa). Notably, they will use the clinically approved retinal gene delivery method with viruses to deliver the epiegenetic factors for testing. This will maximise the potential of translating our research findings to the clinic.
Two key experiments will be performed in this project.
- Firstly, in the lab dish we’ll test the use of ‘epigenetic factors’ to ‘reset’ retinal cells and turn the cells back to a younger state.
- Secondly, they will test these ‘epigenetic factors’ in a rodent model with retinal degeneration, to see if we
can prevent the animals from losing their vision.
If these experiments are successful, they will obtain crucial data to support the therapeutic
potential of using epigenetic reprogramming to treat retinal degeneration.
Expected Outcomes
This project will provide the first proof-of-concept evidence to support epigenetic reprogramming to ‘rejuvenate’ the retina. This project is expected to generate the critical preclinical data for further development of a novel gene therapy to treat blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors.
Chief investigator:
Associate Professor Raymond Wong
Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne
Co-investigator/s:
Dr Daniel Urrutia-Cabrera, Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne
Grant awarded:
$60,000
Timing:
2026
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