Inherited retinal disorders in South Africa and the clinical impact of evolving technologies
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Retinal degenerative disorders (RDDs) encompass a group of inherited diseases characterised by vision loss. The genetic and clinical complexity poses a challenge in unravelling the molecular genetic aetiology of this group of disorders. Furthermore, the population diversity in South Africa (SA) presents researchers with a particularly complicated task. Rapid advances in the development of cutting-edge technological platforms over the past two decades, however, have assisted in overcoming some of the challenges. The RDD research team has utilised these escalating technologies, which has facilitated a corresponding increase in molecular diagnoses. A biorepository has been established and comprises ~3 200 patient DNA samples archived with many forms of RDD (including retinitis pigmentosa, macular dystrophies, Stargardt disease, Leber congenital amaurosis, Usher syndrome and Bardet Biedl syndrome). A comprehensive review is presented of the SA journey spanning 25 years, into elucidating the molecular genetic basis of various forms of RDD in SA.
Description
CITATION: Roberts, L., et al. 2016. Inherited retinal disorders in South Africa and the clinical impact of evolving technologies. South African Medical Journal, 106(6):33-S37, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i6.10988.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Retina -- Abnormalities -- Genetic aspects, Retina -- Diseases, Retinal degeneration, Medicine -- Research -- Technologies
Citation
Roberts, L., et al. 2016. Inherited retinal disorders in South Africa and the clinical impact of evolving technologies. South African Medical Journal, 106(6):33-S37, doi:10.7196/SAMJ.2016.v106i6.10988