Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
Open Access

Nonsense suppression drugs and their potential in the treatment of eye disease

lnternational Conference on Eye Disorders and Treatment

July 13-15, 2015 Baltimore, USA

Kevin Gregory-Evans

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Clin Exp Ophthalmol

Abstract :

Nonsense mutations, modifications of sense codons that instead of encoding for specific amino acids alternatively result in a chaintermination signal and truncated RNA are thought to cause as much as 12% of all human genetic disease. In the eye, nonsense mutations are particularly associated with diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber�??s congenital amaurosis, choroideremia, macular degeneration (Stargardt�??s disease) and developmental anomalies such as aniridia. Recently a number of small molecule therapeutics has been studied for their ability to over-write nonsense mutations resulting in full length RNA and disease inhibition. Approximately 50% of PAX6 mutations causing aniridia are in-frame nonsense mutations. Using the small eye (Pax6Sey/+; G194X) mouse model of aniridia we have looked at the effects of the nonsense suppression drug Ataluren. We have documented a remarkable reversal of phenotype using this drug in a topical formulation (START therapy) and have found that histologic and functional benefits (electroretinography, optokinetic tracking responses) are dose sensitive. Most recently we have seen that topical and systemic Ataluren is also effective in inhibiting progression of retinal disease phenotypes suggesting that ocular disease could be a particular target for nonsense suppression strategies.

Biography :

Kevin Gregory-Evans is a Clinician scientist in Ophthalmology with a special interest in stem cell therapies for retinal degeneration. He specializes in patients with genetic eye disease. He also perform full investigative assessments including DNA testing and medical treatment are undertaken for patients with macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and other diseases of the retina. Genetic counseling work is also undertaken for patients with other genetic eye diseases such as glaucoma and aniridia. Currently, he is a Professor in Ophthalmology and Julia Levy BC Leadership Chair in Macular Research from University of British Columbia.