Exploring the Link Between Lipid Metabolism and Age-Related Vision Loss

As we age, many of us become accustomed to new aches, pains, or memory challenges, but research suggests that vision loss may also be a significant concern. Kevin Schey, a professor of biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, highlights the importance of understanding age-related eye diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). According to the National Eye Institute, AMD affects approximately 11 million Americans, primarily causing a deterioration in central vision. This condition hampers activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, profoundly impacting quality of life.

A key biomarker for AMD is the presence of hyperreflective foci within the retina, detectable using optical coherence tomography (OCT). These small, highly reflective lesions can be tracked reliably and serve as indicators of disease progression.

Recently, Schey and colleagues published a study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, revealing new insights into the cellular and molecular processes involved in AMD. The research focused on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which can change and migrate from their usual position, contributing to hyperreflective lesions. Using advanced imaging and molecular analysis techniques such as imaging mass spectrometry at Vanderbilt, the team identified that migrating RPE cells undergo transdifferentiation into mesenchymal-like cells, facilitating their movement within the retina.

One of the critical findings is that these ectopic RPE cells experience alterations in lipid metabolism. This change appears to drive their migration and the formation of hyperreflective foci, thus potentially accelerating AMD progression. The study emphasizes that abnormal lipid processing in RPE cells could be a central reason for their transdifferentiation and migratory behavior.

The researchers hope their findings will pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at slowing or halting RPE transdifferentiation. By targeting the molecular pathways involved—particularly those related to lipid metabolism—they aim to develop treatments that could preserve vision in aging populations.

Furthermore, the study benefited immensely from collaborations with eye banks, the Advancing Sight Network of Alabama, and the use of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry facilities at Vanderbilt. Looking ahead, the team plans to investigate additional cell types, such as microglia, and the cellular microenvironment that contributes to RPE migration, aiming to uncover novel intervention points to prevent AMD progression.

This pioneering research underscores a significant link between lipid metabolism and retinal health, offering hope for innovative therapies to combat age-related vision loss.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-qa-lipid-metabolism-culprit-age.html