New research suggests that boosting a specific protein linked to aging could protect against age-related macular degeneration, a disease affecting about 20 million Americans.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of severe vision loss in individuals over 50 years old, affecting the central vision without necessarily leading to blindness. Symptoms can range from blurred vision to the loss of central vision over time.
Various risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure, contribute to the development of AMD, which is believed to be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. While there is no known cure for AMD, treatments are available to manage the disease.
The researchers discovered that boosting the levels of IRAK-M protein in the retina could protect against degeneration. This protein plays a key role in fighting off pathogens in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of cells beneath the retina that supports proper retinal function.
Dr. Ying Kai Chan, a member of the research team, emphasized the significance of this novel approach in addressing multiple pathways involved in treating AMD. The researchers believe that targeting IRAK-M could offer a promising strategy for combating retinal degeneration.
A Protein Associated With Macular Degeneration
In a separate study conducted at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, researchers identified a protein called vitronectin in the blood that is linked to macular degeneration and other age-related diseases.
The study revealed that vitronectin, which is abundant in blood, plays a crucial role in the development of age-related diseases, particularly macular degeneration. The researchers observed changes in the protein’s structure as it flows through the bloodstream, leading to the formation of calcified plaque deposits associated with various diseases.
By understanding how vitronectin interacts with calcium ions and forms deposits, the researchers hope to develop targeted treatments for macular degeneration and other related conditions. This new knowledge could pave the way for the development of antibodies that prevent the protein from binding with calcium, potentially leading to effective treatments for these diseases.
The researchers anticipate that this discovery will enable the biotech industry to design innovative treatments for macular degeneration and other age-related conditions in the near future.
