Summary
The nerves that sense light in the eye and the cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) form a critical partnership necessary for vision. Through our proposed research, we seek to understand how the capability of RPE cells to get energy from food molecules varies among human individuals due to differences in their genes and how RPE cells control this process. RPE cells are involved in the development and progression of the most common types of macular degeneration, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Successful completion of this project may help us to better understand why macular degeneration affects some people more than others, eventually leading to improved treatment for this disease.