Freshwater Snail Holds Key to Vision Loss Treatment: Full Eye Regeneration in 30 Days

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Scientists at the University of California, Davis, are studying the remarkable ability of the golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata), a freshwater snail, to completely regenerate its eye, including the lens, retina, and optic nerve, within approximately 30 days. This discovery could open new avenues for treating vision loss in humans.

Why it matters

The golden apple snail possesses several characteristics that make it an ideal model organism for studying eye regeneration, including a short life cycle, high reproductive rate, and a 'camera-type' eye remarkably similar in design to the human eye. Understanding the genetic basis of this regeneration could have implications for treating injuries to the retina and optic nerve, and potentially even for addressing other forms of tissue damage.

The details

The eye regeneration process in the golden apple snail is surprisingly rapid and efficient. Within 24 hours of injury, the wound quickly closes to prevent infection and fluid loss. Over the following days, undifferentiated cells migrate to the injury site and begin to divide. Within approximately two weeks, the basic structures – the lens and retina – begin to form. By day 15, all major components, including the optic nerve, are present. The eye continues to mature at a molecular level for up to 30 days and beyond. Researchers are utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to pinpoint the genes responsible for eye formation and regeneration, with a focus on the pax6 gene, a key gene involved in brain and eye development.

• Within 24 hours of injury, the wound quickly closes to prevent infection and fluid loss.
• Over the following days, undifferentiated cells migrate to the injury site and begin to divide.
• Within approximately two weeks, the basic structures – the lens and retina – begin to form.
• By day 15, all major components, including the optic nerve, are present.
• The eye continues to mature at a molecular level for up to 30 days and beyond.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Researchers are continuing to investigate the genetic mechanisms behind the golden apple snail's eye regeneration, with the goal of potentially applying this knowledge to develop new treatments for vision loss in humans.