Two genetic pathways for age-related macular degeneration.
The discovery of strong associations of the His402 variant of complement factor H (CFH) and the change in the promoter region of HtrA serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have altered our conception of the pathophysiology of this disease. The complement system has been placed at the center of a flurry of research interest, and a similar growth in attention to the serine proteases is not far behind. The specific role of these variants in causing AMD is unknown, but they will undoubtedly lead to a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms and will point to new avenues for pharmacologic management. Furthermore, these variants will enable clinicians and investigators to identify people at high risk for this condition, thereby establishing the preconditions for preventing the disease.
DeWan
Andrew
A
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Bracken
Michael B
MB
Hoh
Josephine
J
D017668:Age of Onset; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D003165:Complement System Proteins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases