Mutations in the RHO gene

Mutations in the RHO gene affect the production of rhodopsin, a protein vital for vision in low-light conditions. These genetic changes can disrupt how the protein is made or functions, leading to progressive loss of night vision and, eventually, broader vision problems. RHO gene mutations are a common cause of retinitis pigmentosa, a group of inherited eye disorders that cause degeneration of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Understanding these mutations helps in diagnosing and researching potential treatments for related vision loss.