Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Elastase Inhibition in Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Mouse and Human.

ABSTRACT: Abnormal turnover of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein elastin has been linked to AMD pathology. Elastin is a critical component of Bruch's membrane (BrM), an ECM layer that separates the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from the underlying choriocapillaris. Reduced integrity of BrM's elastin layer corresponds to areas of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in wet AMD. Serum levels of elastin-derived peptides and anti-elastin antibodies are significantly elevated in AMD patients along with the prevalence of polymorphisms of genes regulating elastin turnover. Despite these results indicating significant associations between abnormal elastin turnover and AMD, very little is known about its exact role in AMD pathogenesis. Here we report on results that suggest that elastase enzymes could

SUBMITTER: Navneet S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10177483 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature