Intra-vitreal αB crystallin fused to elastin-like polypeptide provides neuroprotection in a mouse model of age-related macular degeneration.

ABSTRACT: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe and irreversible central vision loss, and the primary site of AMD pathology is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of AMD characterized by extensive RPE cell loss, subsequent degeneration of photoreceptors, and thinning of retina. This report describes the protective potential of a peptide derived from the αB crystallin protein using a sodium iodate (NaIO₃) induced mouse model of GA. Systemic NaIO₃ challenge causes degeneration of the RPE and neighboring photoreceptors, which have similarities to retinas of GA patients. αB crystallin is an abundant ocular protein that maintains ocular clarity and retinal homeostasis, and a small peptide from this protein

SUBMITTER: Sreekumar PG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6368441 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature