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The UK Inherited Retinal Dystrophy Consortium

In 2014 we funded an exciting new collaborative project. The UK Inherited Retinal Dystrophy Consortium (UKIRDC) Project brought together the four largest research groups in the UK specialising in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs).

The UK Inherited Retinal Dystrophy Consortium (UKIRDC) Project brought together the four largest research groups in the UK specialising in inherited retinal diseases (IRDs): The University of Leeds, London’s UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital and Oxford University Eye Hospital.

It was the first project of its kind in terms of the level of collaborative working required for its success.

People affected by inherited sight loss make an immense contribution to my research: without their kind collaboration I would have no data to work on, and would solve nothing.
Jing Yu, Research Assistant, RP Genome Project

Listen to our UKIRDC Podcast

Podcast: What is the UKIRDC and why does it exist?

By sharing information the group aims to:

  •  Discover new genes and genetic faults involved in IRDs
  • Develop a confidential database of patients with a known genetic cause, making it easier to recruit participants for clinical trials
  • Find out how often particular genetic faults occur, with the aim of improving diagnosis
  • Attract more research funding for IRDs

The UKIRDC Project is particularly important for people with an inherited retinal dystrophy who do not have a specific diagnosis or who can’t yet be given a clear idea of how their condition might develop. Discovering new genes will also make it possible to start developing treatments.

Progress to date

  • The consortium has joined the Genetics England Clinical Interpretation Partnership (GECIP), associated with the UK 100,000 Genome Project. One of the consortium investigators has been chosen to lead the GECIP in the field of ophthalmology and will be able to ensure that the genetics of IRDs are well represented among the 100,000 genomes being sampled.
  •  The team has significantly increased available capacity for storing, sharing and analysing data (specifically whole genome data) by investing in the IT infrastructure required. This is vital for a project that is so heavily focused on the collection and analysis of data and collaboration between multiple sites.
  • Seven novel disease-causing genes have been identified along with further understanding of the role of 10 other genes. These discoveries will be vital in furthering our understanding of the root genetic causes of IRDs.
  • By analysing the patient samples available, the team has been able to find the genetic basis for disease in more than 230 cases. Discovering which gene is responsible for any given patient’s IRD will allow clinicians to quickly identify the nature of their condition and, in the longer term, select appropriate treatment options.
  • Several Strategic and Advisory Committee meetings have been held. The committee includes several patient representatives, who are supporting the development of the project. Retina UK was founded by people with RP and remains a patient focused organisation. The aim of the committee is to ensure that patients can monitor progress, disseminate information, hold the consortium to account, and exert influence where appropriate.
  • Thirty-seven papers have been published by the consortium to date, communicating their findings to the wider scientific community in order to share the latest developments, avoid duplication of work and drive progress forward. A further four are in preparation.
  • Continued to identify new patients for inclusion with the number of consented participants now in excess of 600.
  • Sent 375 DNA samples for exome and 40 samples for genome analysis.
  • Received data back for 346 samples and completed analysis.
  • Initiated segregation studies in some families (recruited some participants for phenotypic data only with no sampling).
  • Continued to identify multiple candidate disease causing genes and numerous mutations on known genes.
  • Discovery of a new disease mechanism for RP17 leading to $2.5 award for further research

The progress that the consortium has made in terms of the gathering, analysis and sharing of data has been impressive, and their position as part of the GECIP will keep IRDs on the national agenda at a crucial time for RP research. Importantly, their work has also led to discoveries that would not have been possible without this project, advancing our knowledge of RP and informing the development of future treatments for those facing visual impairment.

We are very grateful to everyone who has supported this important project, including Fight for Sight.