Investigating the role of exosomes in the development of AMD

Dr Ben Mead - University of Cardiff - £119,04

This research project explores how tiny cellular packages called exosomes influence the development of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By studying the signals they carry, researchers aim to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to future treatments.

What is the problem?

In dry AMD, exosomes released from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – the cells that support the light-sensitive photoreceptors – carry a different molecular load compared to exosomes from healthy RPE cells. These changes are thought to contribute to the damage seen in dry AMD, but the exact mechanisms are not yet understood.

What are they doing?

Exosomes are extremely small (around 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair) and require a nanoparticle imager to examine. The team will analyse the contents of exosomes from healthy and diseased RPE cells, investigating how different molecular “cargo” affects photoreceptors. They aim to identify which proteins or molecules drive the development of AMD.

How can this help?

By improving our understanding of the molecular factors involved in AMD, this research could lead to new treatments and increase the likelihood of developing therapies to slow, halt, or prevent vision loss.