Dachshunds Provide Clues to Human Blindness

Researchers at the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science have identified a mutation in a gene associated with miniature wired-hair dachshunds, offering hope that may help people suffering from cone-rod dystrophies. Cone-rod dystrophies (CRDs) are eye diseases caused by loss of the photoreceptor cells in the retina that sometimes lead to total blindness. Researchers are hopeful that the mutated genes may lead to therapies for people suffering from these eye disorders.

_{Source: Genome Research, Mutation Found In Dachshund Gene May Help Develop Therapies For Humans With Blindness. Medical News Today, 07 Aug 2008.}

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