AMD is a degenerative condition of unknown etiology characterized by structural changes in the RPE basement membrane, which are followed decades later by cellular changes in the retina pigment epithelial cells (RPE), choriocapillaris and outer retina. The connection between RPE cellular changes seen in this disease and basement membrane changes is not known. My research interest is to determine the molecular mechanism by which age-related changes in Bruch's membrane may affect the development of RPE cellular changes in AMD, and to then develop chemical or gene-based interventions to prevent this sequence of events.

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