MicroRNAs in RPE Homeostasis and Disease

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major public health problem with devastating effects upon patients and composes a significant socio-economic burden worldwide. AMD affects 30% of individuals aged 70 years and older and its prevalence will rise as life expectancy increases due to changing demographics. In the past few years, significant progress has been made in the recognition of the genetic and environmental risk factors that predispose and elicit AMD. However, treatment options remain limited because the pathogenetic molecular mechanism of AMD is incompletely defined.

Recently, some small fragments of the human genome, termed microRNAs, have been identified and found to have a fundamental role in many biological processes, both in physiological and pathological conditions. The goal of this project is the study of the possible role of a microRNA, named miR-211, in RPE physiology, survival, and homeostasis both as causative agents and as therapeutic agents.