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Tracy Hampton, PhD

JAMA. 2007;298:1506.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

A genome-wide study led by deCODE genetics Inc, in Reykjavik, Iceland, has identified a gene that is associated with exfoliation glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the elderly (Thorleifsson G et al. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1146554 [published online August 9, 2007]). Exfoliation glaucoma is characterized by accumulation of abnormal microfibrillar deposits that line surfaces of the anterior segment of the eye.

The research involved the analysis of genomes of 2 cohorts of individuals in Iceland and Sweden. The investigators identified LOXL1, a gene that is involved in forming elastin polymer fibers, as a factor that increases risk for exfoliation glaucoma.

A genome-wide study has identified a gene linked to exfoliation glaucoma, a condition that is characterized by deposits of white material on the anterior lens surface. (Photo credit: Robert Ritch, MD/New York Eye and Ear Infirmary)

The protein encoded by LOXL1 stimulates formation of elastin fibers . . . [Full Text of this Article]