Studying the Role of Genes & the Tone of Our Eye Pigment in AMD

This project aims to use stem cell–based eye models to understand how genetics, pigmentation, and cell behavior affect risk and resistance to age-related macular degeneration.

AMD is a common eye disease affecting many people worldwide. Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD than Black individuals. We will use models created from patient stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium and choroid to explore the cellular processes that make some people more vulnerable to AMD while others resist it. Our goal is to understand how pigmentation, certain genetic factors, and cellular processes contribute to the risk of AMD. This research will help us uncover how some people resist AMD, which may lead to new drugs to treat or prevent the disease.

1) Stem-cell derived 2D and 3D eye models with different risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
2) Discovering role of pigmentation in risk and protection from AMD
3) Discovering roles of pigmentation independent genetics affecting risk or protection from AMD

This study will lead to the discovery of genetic pathways involved in AMD pathogenesis. This discovery will lead to developing new biomarkers and therapeutic targets, ultimately advancing drug development for AMD prevention and treatment.