U of U Researchers Discover Path to Prevent Blindness

None by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered that activating a protein found on each of the body's blood vessels can prevent two major eye diseases that often lead to blindness.

Dr. Dean Li, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Utah, says blood vessels often grow weak and leaky, causing the eye to become mushy, therefore making it difficult to see. When the protein Robo4 is activated, says Li, it prevents bad or leaky blood vessels from forming.

While this research focused on eye disease, Dr. Li says the study could lead to investigations into traumatic brain injuries, avian flu, and SARS, which are all caused by destabilized blood vessels.

To hear more from Dr. Dean Li, including how this discovery could lead to increased research dollars for the university, download a podcast of today's Midday Metro.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW