Chaperone and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Model

These investigators have established a genetically distinct mouse lineage that develops many features similar to AMD. By studying these mice, the investigators hope to learn more about the causes of AMD and potentially suggest new therapies.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness among the elderly in the USA and developed countries. Currently, there is no treatment for the disease. AMD results from damage to the retina, a neuronal tissue in the eye that is responsible for vision. We have established a mouse strain that shows many AMD features. We hypothesize that these features may result from the accumulation of certain toxic proteins in retinal cells. We propose to study this mouse model and identify the specific toxic proteins. We plan to find therapies to eliminate these toxic proteins and treat AMD.