Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in the US have revealed the role of a vitamin A derivative in the development of human vision before birth, through its interaction with thyroid hormones, which contributes to the formation of the macula in the retina, an area responsible for fine vision and distinguishing details.
The researchers explained that these transformations contribute to forming the structure necessary for visual acuity, occurring through two integrated mechanisms; retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, regulates cell formation, while thyroid hormones play a role in converting some blue cone cells into other types.
The results provide a new explanation for the mechanism of macular development, contrary to the prevailing theory for about three decades, which assumed that blue cone cells migrate to other areas of the retina as the eye grows, while retaining their type and function. The study suggests that some of them change their cellular identity during embryonic development.
Researchers believe these findings may open avenues for developing research on treating retinal diseases, including macular degeneration, which affects central vision, by studying the possibility of producing light-sensitive cells in the laboratory and utilizing them in the future to replace damaged cells.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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