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GPR143 Signaling and Retinal Degeneration
Anna G Figueroa1, Brian S McKay2
1Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|December 30, 2019
Summary
Pigmentation in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A receptor and its ligand show potential for AMD prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
- Current prevention and treatment strategies for AMD are inadequate.
- Risk factors for AMD include age and race, with white populations disproportionately affected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) pigmentation protects against AMD.
- To investigate the role of RPE pigmentation in AMD pathogenesis.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for AMD prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Dissecting the RPE pigmentation pathway using albinism-related research tools.
- Identifying a G protein-coupled receptor involved in RPE pigmentation and trophic factor expression.
- Conducting a large retrospective chart analysis to evaluate the therapeutic potential of a specific receptor ligand.
Main Results:
- RPE pigmentation is crucial for RPE-retinal interaction and support.
- A specific receptor within the pigmentation pathway likely explains the racial disparities observed in AMD.
- The ligand for this receptor demonstrates potential as a preventative and therapeutic agent for AMD.
Conclusions:
- RPE pigmentation plays a protective role against AMD.
- The identified receptor and its ligand represent promising targets for future AMD therapies.
- Further research into the pigmentation pathway could lead to novel strategies for preventing and treating AMD.
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