[Advances in research of exosomes and age-related macular degeneration]

Exosomes are small vesicles with a molecular diameter of 30 to 100 nm, which are secreted into the cell after the fusion of the multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane. Exosomes contain various molecular constituents of their cell origin, including proteins, microRNAs and lipids. Different cell-derived exosomes have different biological functions. Exosomes play a very important role in the development and progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The exosomes derived from the eye are involved in the processes of cell growth, metastasis, angiogenesis and immunosuppression by transferring contents to adjacent or distant cells. Some of the specific molecules may be used for early diagnosis and treatment of AMD. This article reviews the relationship between exosomes and AMD pathogenesis and treatment, which may provide a new insight into the pathogenesis and treatment strategy of AMD. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53:786-790).