Researchers from the University College Dublin (UCD) Conway Institute have described a genetic mutation that causes major visual problems in zebrafish.
Writing in the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, scientists described how zebrafish with a mutation in the emc1 gene had severe visual impairments.
Zebrafish with this genetic abnormality had a thinner photoreceptor layer and large gaps surrounding the lens.
Dr Tess McCann, a postdoctoral researcher at UCD, highlighted that the research illustrates the “vital role” of emc1 in vision.
Zebrafish with a mutation in this gene did not react to visual tests, McCann shared.
“The eye cells in these zebrafish were thinner and had unusual shapes. Genes needed to help the eye process light signals weren’t working as they should,” she…