Optogenetic approaches to restoring visual function in retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary eye disease that affects photoreceptors and leads to blindness. The discovery of a microbial light-gated channel and the subsequent development of similar ‘optogenetic’ sensors have opened the door to creating artificial photoreceptors in the remaining retinal circuits of retinitis pigmentosa retinas via gene therapy. Here we review recent studies in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa that have combined knowledge of retinal cell types, circuits and computations with the ability to equip cell types with optogenetic sensors in order to restore visual activity. We also discuss the translational potential of this therapy.

► The retina is a visual processor with significant computational ability. ► Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disease of photoreceptors that causes blindness. ► The expression of optogenetic tools in retinal cells restores visual function.