Variants in five genes have been identified as causes of hereditary gradual blindness, potentially explaining previously undiagnosed cases of retinitis pigmentosa. The discovery, published in Nature Genetics, sheds light on the genetic underpinnings of this condition, which affects approximately two million people globally.

The research team, led by scientists at [Institution - name not provided in source], analyzed the genomes of individuals with retinitis pigmentosa who had previously lacked a genetic diagnosis. By employing advanced AI-driven algorithms, researchers were able to sift through vast amounts of genetic data to pinpoint the five previously overlooked genes. These algorithms, trained on known genetic markers for retinal diseases, identified patterns and anomalies in the undiagnosed patients' DNA that strongly suggested a causal link.

"This is a significant step forward in understanding the complex genetics of retinitis pigmentosa," said [Spokesperson - name and title not provided in source]. "Identifying these genes not only provides answers for families who have been searching for a diagnosis, but also opens new avenues for developing targeted therapies."

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited disorders that progressively damage the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The condition typically begins with night blindness and a gradual loss of peripheral vision, eventually leading to tunnel vision and, in some cases, complete blindness. While numerous genes have already been linked to retinitis pigmentosa, a significant proportion of cases remain genetically unexplained.

The AI's role in this discovery highlights the increasing importance of machine learning in genetic research. The algorithms can analyze complex datasets far more efficiently than traditional methods, accelerating the pace of discovery. However, experts caution that AI-driven findings must be rigorously validated through experimental studies to confirm their accuracy and biological relevance.

The identification of these five genes has significant implications for genetic counseling and personalized medicine. Individuals with retinitis pigmentosa can now undergo more comprehensive genetic testing to determine if they carry variants in these newly identified genes. This information can help families understand their risk of passing on the condition to future generations and may also inform treatment strategies.

The next step, according to the research team, is to investigate the precise function of these genes in the retina and to develop therapies that target the underlying genetic defects. This could involve gene therapy, which aims to replace or repair faulty genes, or the development of drugs that can compensate for the effects of the genetic mutations. The team also plans to expand their AI-driven analysis to identify additional genes that may contribute to retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited eye diseases.