Study Reveals Key Differences in Vision Molecule Production Between Humans and Insects

Researchers uncover distinct processes in the synthesis of a crucial vision molecule, challenging previous notions of similarity between species.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, uncover significant similarities and differences in how humans and insects produce 11-cis-retinal, a key molecule for vision.
The study, using X-ray crystallography, reveals distinct processes in the production of 11-cis-retinal despite structural similarities between the NinaB protein in insects and the RPE65 protein in humans.
Insights from the research could lead to better understanding and treatment of retinal diseases, including Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe childhood blinding condition.
The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the parallels between human and insect vision, highlighting the unique evolutionary paths of vision-related enzymes.
Funded by the National Science Foundation, Department of Veterans Affairs, and National Institutes of Health, the study contributes to the broader knowledge of visual system diversity.