Potential gene identification and pathway crosstalk analysis of age-related macular degeneration

Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Age Related Macular Degeneration: Insights into the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, characterized by the accumulation of extracellular drusen deposits within the macula. The pathogenesis of AMD is multifactorial, involving oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and genetic predisposition. A key contributor to disease progression is the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and disrupt cellular homeostasis. Additionally, immunosenescence and chronic low-grade inflammation exacerbate AMD pathology, further impairing retinal integrity. Despite ongoing research, effective therapeutic options remain limited, and there is no definitive cure for AMD. This review explores the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying AMD, including the role of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and genetic factors in RPE dysfunction. Furthermore, we highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, as well as the emerging role of bioinformatics and artificial intelligence in AMD diagnosis and treatment development. By improving our understanding of AMD pathophysiology, we can advance the search for novel therapeutic interventions and preventative strategies.

Proteomics Analysis on the Effects of Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants on Proteins Involved in Sterol Transport and Metabolism in Human Telomerase Transcriptase-Overexpressing-Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most prevalent ocular disease in the elderly, resulting in blindness. Oxidative stress plays a role in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) pathology observed in AMD. Tocopherols are potent antioxidants that prevent cellular oxidative damage and have been shown to upregulate the expression of cellular antioxidant proteins. Here, we determined whether oxidative stress and tocopherols, using either normal cellular conditions or conditions of sublethal cellular oxidative stress, alter the expression of proteins mediating sterol uptake, transport, and metabolism. Human telomerase transcriptase-overexpressing RPE cells (hTERT-RPE) were used to identify differential expression of proteins resulting from treatments. We utilized a proteomics strategy to identify protein expression changes in treated cells. After the identification and organization of data, we divided the identified proteins into groups related to biological function: cellular sterol uptake, sterol transport and sterol metabolism. Exposure of cells to conditions of oxidative stress and exposure to tocopherols led to similar protein expression changes within these three groups, suggesting that α-tocopherol (αT) and γ-tocopherol (γT) can regulate the expression of sterol uptake, transport and metabolic proteins in RPE cells. These data suggest that proteins involved in sterol transport and metabolism may be important for RPE adaptation to oxidative stress, and these proteins represent potential therapeutic targets.

Choroidal Mast Cells and Pathophysiology of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains a leading cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Its etiology and progression are, however, deeply intertwined with various cellular and molecular interactions within the retina and choroid. Among the key cellular players least studied are choroidal mast cells, with important roles in immune and allergic responses. Here, we will review what is known regarding the pathophysiology of AMD and expand on the recently proposed intricate roles of choroidal mast cells and their activation in outer retinal degeneration and AMD pathogenesis. We will focus on choroidal mast cell activation, the release of their bioactive mediators, and potential impact on ocular oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall retinal and choroidal health. We propose an important role for thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), a major ocular angioinflammatory factor, in regulation of choroidal mast cell homeostasis and activation in AMD pathogenesis. Drawing from limited studies, this review underscores the need for further comprehensive studies aimed at understanding the precise roles changes in TSP1 levels and choroidal mast cell activity play in pathophysiology of AMD. We will also propose potential therapeutic strategies targeting these regulatory pathways, and highlighting the promise they hold for curbing AMD progression through modulation of mast cell activity. In conclusion, the evolving understanding of the role of choroidal mast cells in AMD pathogenesis will not only offer deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms but will also offer opportunities for development of novel preventive strategies.