Macular Degeneration Research - Current Awards Monte J. Radeke, Ph.D.University of California, Santa Barbara Title: The Epigenetics of RPE Aging Summary: Current evidence supports the hypothesis that inherent age-dependent losses in the retinal pigmented epithelium's capacity to maintain, repair, and regenerate contributes to the onset and progression of AMD. Cell type is determined, in large part, by modification of DNA and chromatin. This proposal seeks to determine whether age-dependent changes in DNA methylation can explain the age-related decline in retinal pigmented epithelium function. Program: Macular Degeneration  Hendrik Scholl, M.D.Wilmer Eye Institute Title: Structure-Function Correlation in Macular Degeneration Summary: This study may be the first methodology for an exact point-by-point structure-function correlation of pathology within the central retina. This diagnostic technology is extremely promising to establish new surrogate endpoints for clinical trials and for monitoring treatment effects on visual function with highest accuracy. Program: Macular Degeneration  Wenchao Song, Ph.D.University of Pennsylvania Title: Complement Activation in RPE Function and AMD Pathogenesis Co-PI(s):
Imran Mohammed, Ph.D.
University of Pennsylvania Summary: To create a mouse model and use it to understand the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration caused by complement, a group of plasma proteins involved in inflammation. Program: Macular Degeneration  Gaofeng Wang, Ph.D.University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Title: Determine the Existence and Sequence of ARMS2 Protein Co-PI(s):
Sander Dubovy, M.D.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Summary: The gene called ARMS2 is strongly associated with the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The existence and the sequence (i.e. “spelling”) of an ARMS2 protein has not yet been proven experimentally. Drs. Gaofeng Wang, Sander Dubovy, and colleagues plan to prove the existence or non-existence of ARMS2 protein in human retina tissues. Program: Macular Degeneration  Tien Yin Wong, M.D., Ph.D.Singapore Eye Research Institute Title: Genetic Markers of Asian Age-related Macular Degeneration Co-PI(s):
Belinda Cornes, Ph.D.
Singapore Eye Research Institute Summary: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in older adults not only in developed countries but also increasingly in Asian countries, such as in China, India and Japan, primarily due to the rapid changing demographics (an aging population) and lifestyle (obesity, diet, smoking) factors. While genetic factors are an important etiological agent in AMD, particularly in white Caucasian populations, it is unknown if the genes associated with AMD in Whites apply to Asians. The aim of this research project is thus to provide further and/or new understanding of genetic factors for AMD in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Program: Macular Degeneration Donald J. Zack, M.D., Ph.D.Johns Hopkins University Title: High Content Screen for RPE Cell Protective Compounds Co-PI(s):
Cindy Berlinicke, Ph.D.
Johns Hopkins University Summary: One of the early changes associated with dry AMD is alteration and damage of the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, the cells responsible for maintaining the delicate environment necessary to sustain the health and function of photoreceptors. Treatment strategies that promote RPE integrity and function offer great promise, but no such treatments have yet been shown to be effective. As a first step towards developing such a strategy, we propose to develop and perform experiments that will allow us to identify factors that can protect RPE cells from AMD-associated stress. Program: Macular Degeneration Sarah Zhang, M.D.University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Title: Transcriptional regulation of anti-oxidant genes in the RPE Summary: Oxidative stress as a result of declined anti-oxidant defenses in aged retinal pigmented epithelia (RPE) plays an etiological role, causing or contributing to age-related retinal degeneration (AMD). This research is aimed at revealing a novel coordinator of the anti-oxidant system in the RPE and indicating its role in human AMD. These studies are expected to provide critical information for developing new therapies that can target multiple antioxidant genes to preserve retinal function and to prevent/treat AMD. Program: Macular Degeneration
Last Review: 04/29/13 |
BrightFocus Foundation |
