Aging is an unavoidable process that affects every part of our body, including our eyes. However, some people are more prone to age-related eye conditions than others, and the severity of these conditions can also vary greatly. New research from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) suggests that genetic factors significantly influence how our eyes age. The study discovered that different genetic backgrounds impact retinal aging in unique ways.
This research, published in Molecular Neurodegeneration, investigated age-associated changes in the genes and proteins of the retinas in nine different mouse strains, simulating the genetic diversity found in humans. Every strain demonstrated signs of aging; however, the extent and nature of these changes greatly differed among the strains.
The traditional method of studying retinal aging and disease has relied on a single strain of genetically identical mice, restricting researchers’ understanding of genetic variation’s role. “The issue with studying age-related eye diseases is the heterogeneity of aging,” said Gareth Howell, a professor at JAX who spearheaded the research. He further explained that observing aging in one strain of mice might not apply to all mice or humans. To address this, the team aimed to understand how genetic context influences retinal aging.
The team used nine mouse strains with varying genetic backgrounds to reflect human diversity more accurately. They collected data on age-related genetic and molecular changes in young and old mice. This public dataset will hopefully aid other scientists studying aging and vision loss. It may also enhance the eye’s utility as an indicator of neurological decline.
One notable finding in the study was the identification of two mouse strains that closely resemble human retinal diseases. The Watkins Star Line B (WSB) strain developed characteristics of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, a rare inherited form of blindness. The New Zealand Obese (NZO) strain, known for severe obesity and diabetes, developed diabetic retinopathy. Gene and protein analysis in both strains predicted that they would develop common age-related eye diseases.
The study also has implications beyond vision research. Since the retina is directly connected to the brain, understanding how it ages could provide insights into conditions like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. “The eye is a vital organ, and this research fills a significant gap in our understanding of aging,” said Howell. “Moreover, the eye is a window into the brain. By understanding how the healthy eye ages, we may be able to work toward new ways of using the eyes to determine people’s risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.”
As an Ophthalmologist, my work at Shankar Netrika Eye Centre involves treating patients for various eye conditions, including those mentioned in this article. For more information, you can visit our website at https://shankarnetrika.com/ or call us on 9920044620 or our landline, 24702640. We are located at G. D. Ambekar Marg, Kalachowky, Cotton Green, Mumbai.
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