— Tiny, striped zebrafish are helping scientists trace how a gene linked to albinism influences eye development, work that may ultimately help explain some of the vision problems experienced by people with the condition and guide the search for new treatments.

In a study published in Developmental Biology, Washington State University researchers found that mutations in OCA2, a gene responsible for one of the most common forms of albinism, caused unexpected changes in pigment cells, eye formation and the activity of dozens of other genes in zebrafish embryos.

The findings suggest OCA2 may play a wider role in development beyond helping produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes.

If similar processes occur in humans, the research could eventually help explain complications associated with albinism, including impaired vision and involuntary eye movement.…