 |
International Journal of Biotech Trends and Technology (IJBTT) |  |
| © 2025 by IJBTT Journal | ||
| Volume - 15 Issue - 2 | ||
| Year of Publication : 2025 | ||
| Authors : Rayhaan Ansh Malhotra, Sulagna Dutta | ||
| DOI : 10.14445/22490183/IJBTT-V15I2P101 |
How to Cite?
"Exploring Gene Therapy as a Cure for Age-Related Macular Degeneration" International Journal of Biotech Trends and Technology vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 1-4, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22490183/IJBTT-V15I2P101
Abstract
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a complex disorder and a major cause of blindness in elderly people across the globe. This condition originates at the retina but spreads to the inner layers of the eye. In AMD, the macular lining of the eye, which is primarily involved in vision, becomes damaged. Consequently, straight lines appearing wavy and distorted are observed as an early symptom of AMD. Multiple factors, including genetic history, lifestyle, and reactive oxygen stress cause the inception of AMD. Several advanced therapies are in clinical trials for the treatment of this life-changing disorder, but none of them promise a perfect cure. Gene Therapy aims to deliver the correct copy of the RPE65 gene (which is responsible for the condition) to the retina and help in the production of the proper RPE65 protein to maintain vision. An advantage of this method is its potential to reduce the number of continuous injections, unlike other therapies under trial.
Keywords
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), RPE65 gene, Retina, Gene Therapy.
References
[1] Bright Focus Foundation, Macular Degeneration: Screening & Diagnosis, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/diagnosis/
[2] Johns Hopkins Medicine, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/agerelated-macular-degeneration-amd
[3] American Academy of Ophthalmology, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Genetics, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration-amd-genetics
[4] Richard F Spaide, “Fundus Autofluorescence and Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” American Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. 110, no. 2, pp. 392-399, 2002.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Zhibo Si, Yajuan Zheng, and Jing Zhao, “The Role of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Phagocytosis and Autophagy,” Biomolecules, vol. 13, no. 6, pp. 1-18, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Vision Relief, Pathophysiology of AMD, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://provider-amd.vision-relief.com/pathophysiology-of-amd/
[7] Retina Today, The Complement System: A New Therapeutic Target, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://retinatoday.com/articles/2023 may-june/the-complement-system-a-new-therapeutic-target
[8] Jayakrishna Ambati, and Benjamin J. Fowler, “Mechanisms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 26-29, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Modern Optometry, The Role of the Complement Pathway in AMD, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://modernod.com/articles/2022 nov-dec/the-role-of-the-complement-pathway-in-amd
[10] Medical News Today, What is Optical Coherence Tomography and How Does It Work?, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/optical-coherence-tomography
[11] American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fundus Autofluorescence, EyeWiki, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://eyewiki.org/Fundus_Autofluorescence
[12] University of Iowa Health Care, Imaging Services - Indocyanine Green Angiography, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://eye.medicine.uiowa.edu/patient-care/imaging-services
[13] BrightFocus Foundation, Macular Degeneration: Screening & Diagnosis, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.brightfocus.org/macular/diagnosis/
[14] American Academy of Ophthalmology, Have AMD? Save Your Sight with an Amsler Grid, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/facts-about-amsler-grid-daily-vision-test
[15] Johns Hopkins Medicine, Laser Photocoagulation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 2025.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Medical News Today, Wet Macular Degeneration: Treatment Options, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/wet-macular-degeneration-treatment#monoclonal-antibodies
[17] J. Song et al., “Emerging Therapeutics in Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” Frontiers in Medicine, vol. 9, 2022.
[18] D. Patel et al., “Anti-VEGF Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Powerful Tactical Gear or a Blunt Weapon? The Choice is Ours,” Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, vol. 259, no. 1, pp. 3561-3567, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] American Academy of Ophthalmology, Understanding Macular Degeneration, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.aao.org/eye health/diseases/amd-macular-degeneration
[20] B.H.F. Weber et al., “The Role of the Complement System in Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” Journal of Immunology Research, vol. 111, no. 8, pp. 133-138, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]