Biology of p62/sequestosome-1 in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

p62/sequestosome-1 is a multidimensional protein that interacts with many signaling factors, and regulates a variety of cellular functions including inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Our previous work has revealed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that p62 promotes autophagy and simultaneously enhances an Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response to protect against acute oxidative stress. Several recent studies demonstrated that p62 contributes to NFkB mediated inflammation and inflammasome activation under certain circumstances, raising the question of whether p62 protects against or contributes to tissue injury. Herein, we will review the general characteristics of p62, focusing on its pro- and anti-cell survival roles within different physiological/pathological contexts, and discuss the potential of p62 as a therapeutic target for AMD.