Understanding Early Molecular Events in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

The goal of this project is to improve understanding of specific molecular mechanisms that cause oxidative stress and inflammation in age-related macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among the elderly population. A significant challenge in addressing AMD is the lack of understanding of the early molecular events that contribute to its development. This project aims to explore a novel molecular switch that plays a role in the failed antioxidant and inflammatory responses in retinal pigment epithelium with aging. The findings are expected to identify new targets for therapeutics that are preventative or provide interventions early in the development of AMD.

A deficit in our understanding of the early molecular events in AMD represents a critical barrier to the design and implementation of preventative therapeutics. The present application is highly innovative as it will provide a unique assessment of a novel molecular mechanism by exploring a redox molecular switch in REDD1 protein that potentially activates oxidative stress and inflammation in RPE. Targeting the redox molecular sensor in REDD1 represents a novel and potentially superior therapeutic strategy for preventing AMD pathology.

This project represents the next step toward the development of therapeutics that provide early-stage AMD interventions by addressing the underlying molecular events that cause retinal disease. Upon conclusion of this study, our findings are expected to provide insights into the role of REDD1 in the development of oxidative stress and inflammation in AMD. By addressing key knowledge gaps related to a cutting-edge therapeutic target, this discovery represents a significant advancement in developing new therapies that target the molecular events responsible for vision impairments in AMD patients