Study identifies DNA methyltransferase genes as potential biomarkers for optimizing AMD therapies
Altered expression of DNA methyltransferase genes (DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B) in different stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may serve as potential biomarkers, according to a poster presented at the 42nd Congress of the ESCRS that suggested these epigenetic changes could help optimize therapeutic strategies for treating AMD.
The study conducted at the Instituto de Retina de Lisboa and Instituto de Oftalmologia Gama Pinto in Portugal, included 30 patients with AMD, classified into early/intermediate (iAMD) and advanced (aAMD) stages. Comprehensive ophthalmological assessments, including digital color fundus imaging and SD-OCT, were conducted. RNA extraction and quantitative RT-PCR were used to assess gene expression.
Results showed that patients with aAMD had significantly lower visual acuity compared to patients with iAMD, although central retinal thickness remained unchanged. The study found decreased expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B in aAMD cases, suggesting that these epigenetic changes could serve as biomarkers for AMD progression.
Reference
Camacho P, et al. DNA methyltransferase as a potential biomarker for anti-VEGF therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Poster presented at: 42nd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS); September 6-10, 2024; Barcelona, Spain.
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