Method for augmenting vision in persons suffering from photoreceptor cell degeneration

Abstract

The invention provides compositions and methods of treating subjects afflicted with a photoreceptor disorder. Methods for treating a subject suffering from a disorder characterized by photoreceptor cell degeneration are provided, wherein a gene encoding a photosensitive protein is introduced into a retinal cell of a subject. In one aspect of the invention, the retinal cells which receive the photosensitive protein include non-photoreceptor cells such as horizontal cells, amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells.

1 . A method of restoring vision in a subject suffering from a disorder characterized by photoreceptor cell degeneration, comprising introducing into a retinal cell of the subject a gene encoding a photosensitive protein, thereby restoring vision in the subject. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the disorder is selected from the group consisting of: retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, and a collection of sporadic and inherited diseases. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the retinal cell of the subject is a non-photoreceptor cell. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the retinal cell is selected from the group consisting of: horizontal cells, amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gene is introduced into the retinal cell of the subject using a gene therapy vector. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the gene is selected from the group consisting of: rhodopsin, ciyptochromes, melanopsin, pineal opsin, and bacteriorhodopsin. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the vision of the subject is further restored by the subject wearing photosensitive corrective lenses. 
     
     
         8 . A method for improving the eyesight of a subject suffering from a photoreceptor cell degeneration disorder, the method comprising introducing a gene encoding a photosensitive protein into a retinal cell of the subject, thereby improving eyesight of the subject. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the retinal cell of the subject is a non-photoreceptor cell. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the retinal cell is selected from the group consisting of: horizontal cells, amacrine cells, bipolar cells, and ganglion cells. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the gene is introduced into the retinal cell of the subject using a gene therapy vector. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the gene is selected from the group consisting of: rhodopsin, cryptochromes, melanopsin, pineal opsin, and bacteriorhodopsin. 
     
     
         13 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method of converting a non-photoreceptor neuron into a photoreceptor neuron, comprising inserting a gene encoding a photosensitive protein into a non-photoreceptor cell, thereby generating a photoreceptor neuron. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the non-photoreceptor cell is selected from the group consisting of: horizontal cells, amacrine cells, and ganglion cells. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the non-photoreceptor cell is a bipolar cell. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the conductance of the non-photoreceptor cell's ion channels are affected. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the gene is inserted into the non-photoreceptor cell using a gene therapy vector.