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Complement, age-related macular degeneration and a vision of the future
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Complement, age-related macular degeneration and a vision of the future

Karen M Gehrs, Jared R Jackson, Eric N Brown, Rando Allikmets and Gregory S Hageman
Archives of ophthalmology (1960), Vol.128(3), pp.349-358
03/2010
DOI: 10.1001/archophthalmol.2010.18
PMCID: PMC4405117
PMID: 20212207
url
https://doi.org/10.1001/archophthalmol.2010.18View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most well-characterized late-onset, complex trait diseases. Remarkable advances in our understanding of the genetic and biological foundations of this disease were derived from a recent convergence of scientific and clinical data. Importantly, the more recent identification of AMD-associated variations in a number of complement pathway genes has provided strong support for earlier, paradigm-shifting studies that suggested that aberrant function of the complement system plays a key role in disease etiology. Collectively, this wealth of information has provided an impetus for the development of powerful tools to accurately diagnose disease risk and progression and complement-based therapeutics that will ultimately delay or prevent AMD. Indeed, we are poised to witness a new era of a personalized approach toward the assessment, management, and treatment of this debilitating, chronic disease.
Genetic Techniques - trends Macular Degeneration - genetics Macular Degeneration - physiopathology Complement System Proteins - physiology Humans

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