A defect in a gene that is tissue-specific, on the other hand, might leave the person otherwise healthy but with a disease only in that particular tissue.

For example, the OSU researchers found that five of ten genes that are specific to the retina in the eye have been identified as involved in eye function. Furthermore, scientists have linked defects in four of these genes to certain eye diseases, he said, "and perhaps the fifth one as well."

While the remaining five genes are known to be active in the retina, their exact function remains unknown. "But they are probably important as well in how the eye functions, and when damaged, they may lead to eye disease," said Wright. By knowing where these lesser-understood genes are located in the genome, researchers can investigate them further.

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Contact: Bo Yuan
Yuan.33@osu.edu
614-292-0656
Ohio State University
3-Jul-2001