RPE Basal Lamina Biology and Pathophysiology Related to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that primarily affects the central part of the retina and is a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide (Wong WL, Su X, Li X, Lancet Glob Health 2:e106-116, 2014). Sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposits represent a broadly defined term encompassing compositionally and anatomically distinct protein and lipid aggregates (i.e., drusen, basal linear deposits [BLinDs], and basal laminar deposits [BLamDs]). These deposits play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AMD and act as both key indicators and contributors to disease progression (van der Schaft TL, de Bruijn WC, Mooy CM, de Jong PT, Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 231:470-475, 1993; Sarks SH, Arnold JJ, Killingsworth MC, Sarks JP, Br J Ophthalmol 83:358-368, 1999; Sura AA, Chen L, Messinger JD, Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 61:19, 2020). Thus, understanding factors that influence sub-RPE deposit formation is crucial, especially in the context of retinal health and disease (Loeffler KU, Lee WR, Br J Ophthalmol 82:1104-1105, 1998; Sarks SH, Arnold JJ, Killingsworth MC, Sarks JP, Br J Ophthalmol 83:358-368, 1999). In this mini review, we have gathered and discussed valuable insights to provide a comprehensive overview focusing on BLamDs and their relevance to retinal disease.