Isolation of Novel Compounds Involved in RPE Atrophy

AMD is a disease in which the macula, the central part of the retina of the eye, loses cells that cannot be replaced. This cellular damage is believed to be responsible for the loss of vision. The primary goal of Dr. Vollmer-Snarr’s research efforts is to more completely identify the specific chemical components of the macula that are being damaged and may cause AMD. The chemical composition of the macula strongly suggests that unknown compounds related to the known damaging agent are present. These other components may provide a missing link in our understanding of AMD and other macular diseases. The long-term objective of this project is to provide new insight in order to develop preventative and therapeutic strategies for AMD and other retinal degenerative diseases.