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Molecular genetics of AMD and current animal models

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Abstract

During the past few years systematic investigation into the epidemiology, genetics, and pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has provided important new insight into this leading cause of vision loss in older persons. These studies provide a view of AMD as a complex trait influenced by well-established genetic and environmental risks that leads to the deposition of inflammatory deposits in the outer retina. This maculopathy leads to visual dysfunction through a variety of mechanisms and complications that can be observed in both humans and animal models. In this review, the risks associated with AMD in humans and the animal models used to study AMD and its complications will be summarized. No effort has been made to perform a comprehensive citation of all areas of AMD genetics and animal models, but rather a selection of observations and supporting references illustrative of the current state of the field is presented.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by grants from the National Eye Institute (EY014467), the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Owing Mills, MD, Research to Prevent Blindness, New York, NY, the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Dallas, TX, and the Presbyterian Hospital Foundation, Dallas, TX. Additional support from anonymous donors and the Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology is gratefully acknowledged. Conflict of interest: Dr. Edwards receives funding from private and federal sources to study macular degeneration and he has intellectual property interests related to genetic testing for AMD and identity testing.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    Albert O. Edwards

  2. Albert Eye Research Institute, Duke University, Erwin Road, Room 4006, Durham, NC, 27710, USA

    Goldis Malek

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  1. Albert O. Edwards
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  2. Goldis Malek
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Edwards, A.O., Malek, G. Molecular genetics of AMD and current animal models. Angiogenesis 10, 119–132 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-007-9064-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10456-007-9064-2

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