Models of pathologies associated with age-related macular degeneration and their utilities in drug discovery

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly in the developed world, with an ever-increasing prevalence in the developing world. The complexity of the disease and lack of effective therapies speak to the necessity of further understanding the pathobiology and mechanisms underlying initiation and progression of this retinal neurodegenerative disease, as well as identifying new therapeutic targets. Designing and characterizing cell culture and animal models that promulgate the human AMD condition provide preclinical avenues to address these two unmet needs. Herein we discuss strengths and weaknesses associated with current in vitro and in vivo models available that facilitate testing of potential AMD-targeting drugs and discovery of new pathways involved in disease development.