New insight into the genetics of age-related macular degeneration in connection with lipid metabolism

Abstract

Evaluation of: Zerbib J, Seddon JM, Richard F et al. rs5888 variant of SCARB1 gene is a possible susceptibility factor for age-related macular degeneration. PLoS ONE 4(10), e7341 (2009).Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in elderly populations of Western countries. According to demographic forecasts, and owing to the improvement in life expectancy, the number of people suffering from this pathology is expected to dramatically increase in the near future, thereby becoming a significant socioeconomic burden. There has been great progress in defining risk factors for AMD over the last few decades. Beyond advanced age, environmental and genetic factors have been identified as contributors to AMD. Following a candidate gene approach, Zerbib and coworkers have identified a single-nucleotide polymorphism of the scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SCARB1) gene as a new risk factor for AMD. The SCARB1 gene encodes for SRBI, which is involved in the cellular flux of lipophilic molecules, such as cholesterol, lutein and vitamin E. This finding consistently supports the crucial role for lipid metabolism in aging of the retina and AMD.