DNA damage and degeneration of retinal pigment epithelial cells in age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been one of the leading causes of irreversible loss of central vision and blindness worldwide. The degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells might be connected with the development of AMD. The healthy eye possesses an effective DNA damage repair system, the DNA damage response (DDR), comprising various mechanisms preserving the integrity and stability of the genome. AMD affects DDR which leads to the degeneration of the RPE cells, finally the cell death of the photoreceptors. Intervention of DNA damage and DDR pathways may become a new target for AMD treatment.(Int Rev Ophthalmol, 2018, 42: 16-19) Key words: age-related macular degeneration; DNA damage; retinal pigment epithelium