Prevention of Blindness Society...

YOUR EYES TODAY

SEPTEMBER 2001

Genetic Research...Fact or Fiction...NEI Update

Dr. Ignacio Rodriguez, the lead research investigator from the National Eye Institute, discussed his research on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the May 2001 meeting of the Macular Degeneration Network at Sibley Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Rodriguez's research focuses on determining the biological origins of the mechanism(s) of age‑related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration is a complex disease involving the aging process as well as environmental and genetic factors. Dr. Rodriguez’s research has focused on common age‑related factors that may affect the macula and other ocular tissues. Previous research on atherosclerosis (plaque build‑up in the arteries), an age‑related disease, suggests that LDL cholesterol may be playing an important role in macular degeneration.

This "bad" cholesterol has a potent effect on many different types of cells and may cause cells to die. The immune system is also known to play an important role in atherosclerosis because its reaction to the accumulation of LDL cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaques in the arteries.

It has been shown that the human eye accumulates LDL cholesterol in ocular tissues as people age. This seems to be a normal part of the aging process. The retention of this cholesterol in these tissues leads to further oxidation and plaque development in the eye. Dr. Rodriguez' s hypothesis of the origin of AMD is that the gradual accumulation of LDL in the eye eventually becomes toxic to sensitive eye tissues.

Dr. Rodriguez's research group is investigating proteins that bind to the "bad" cholesterol in tissues in the eye and thus lead to age-related macular degeneration. He has cloned and characterized a family of twelve different binding proteins, and his group is currently studying their biochemical properties. His work will help to better understand the biological mechanisms of AMD and could eventually translate to better prevention and/or avoidance of further damage.

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