Eye and Teeth Development Linked to Same Protein

Scientists from the University of Leeds have found a link between eye and teeth formation in the protein CNNM4.
The findings will be reported in American Journal of Human Genetics.

In the Gaza Strip, scientists studied residents who suffer from a genetic condition that causes blindness early in life, as well as significant tooth decay. The condition has been named Jalili syndrome after one of the research team members, Ismail Jalili. A protein known as CNNM4 can be found in the cells responsible for laying down tooth enamel and retinal layers. It may also carry calcium and magnesium to other cells. A mutation in CNNM4 is responsible for Jalili syndrome, which can be transferred genetically to children.

Now that scientists know that the protein is responsible for tooth and eye development, they hope to research gene therapy to battle the condition. Finding this link may also lead to progress in understanding inherited blindness.