"Additional Genes Associated with Age-Related Macular Degeneration Identified"

As an addition to the previous post on Macular Degeneration, news today from the National Institute of Health in the USA annoucing the results of a study on more than 18,000 people.  The study by Anand Swaroop, Ph.D, chief of the NEI Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration and Repair Laboratory, and Goncalo Abecasis, D.Phil, professor of biostatistics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has identified three new genes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

"Genome-wide association studies require large numbers of patients to discover significant genetic associations. The success of this effort was made possible by a community-wide scientific collaboration of sharing DNA samples and analyzing the genomes of more than 18,000 people," said Paul A. Sieving, M.D., Ph.D., NEI director. "This study increases our understanding of DNA variations that predict individual risks of AMD and provides clues for developing effective therapies."

Quote from the National Institue of Health web site.

The study also uncovered two genes associated with certain cholesterol pathways, the system in which essential fats transfer proteins through the body.  Cholesterol being a suspected cause of AMD.  By identifying these genes it opens up the possibility for further study, leading to treatment or even cure for macular degeneration in the future,

Read the full press release by click here.