The potential of aptamers being the panacea for most of the eye-related disorders is huge. A variety of nucleic-acid-based therapies have been developed against macular degeneration worldwide. As an industry-leading company, Creative Biolabs has established an optimal aptamer development platform and has extensive experience in aptamer application research. We are capable of providing global customers with comprehensive aptamer development services to promote your project success.
Introduction of Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision loss among individuals over 50 years of age in the Western world and it is caused by various issues ranging from genetic to environmental factors. This disease is usually associated with the accumulation of undegraded waste around the retinal pigment epithelium, which is produced as a result of the repair and regeneration process of the eye. There are two forms of AMD, namely wet and dry AMD, leading to the central loss of vision. Wet AMD is characterized by the presence of leaky and fragile blood vessels leading to the accumulation of fluids. This results in scars to the macula. In dry AMD there is a loss of photoreceptors and pigmentation in the retinal epithelium. Dry AMD is the more difficult form to treat and drugs targeting the pathophysiology of the disease progression have been designed.
Fig. 1 Schematic of the eye with healthy retina, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and effects of AMD.1, 2
Aptamer in Macular Degeneration Research
The eye is a complex organ with a highly regulated molecular mechanism controlling its functions. Small disparities in the protein target interactions can lead to severe diseases in the eye eventually leading to loss of vision. This sensitive nature of eye disorders demands highly specific, targeted, long-lasting, flexible, and nontoxic therapeutic strategies to overcome these problems at the molecular level. Hence, aptamers form the most appropriate class of molecules suitable for treating eye disorders mainly because of their very high specificities to their target molecules and their nonimmunogenic nature. Also, aptamers are significantly larger than the small molecular therapeutics, hence their retention in the eye is longer. This improved bioavailability and nontoxicity overcome several hurdles that other small molecules or protein-based therapeutics face.
Services at Creative Biolabs
Long-time committed to the research of aptamer development and application in therapeutics, Creative Biolabs has built a comprehensive aptamer research system. Our specialists with advanced degrees will customize optimal solutions to meet clients’ every specific requirement, meanwhile, the reliable technology platform will help to provide a top-rated customer experience with one-stop and worry-free services.
The huge potential of aptamer in macular degeneration has aroused researchers’ interest. As a forward-looking CRO company, Creative Biolabs has established an advanced aptamer development platform. We are capable of offering high-quality services to global customers. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
References
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Rastoin, Olivia, Gilles Pagès, and Maeva Dufies. "Experimental models in neovascular age related macular degeneration." International journal of molecular sciences 21.13 (2020): 4627.
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under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification
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Questions & Answer
A: In macular degeneration research, aptamers can be designed to target specific components involved in the disease, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF plays a crucial role in the development of abnormal blood vessels that can lead to vision loss in macular degeneration. Aptamers can be used to inhibit the activity of VEGF, thereby preventing the growth of these abnormal blood vessels.
A: Aptamers hold great promise for the future of macular degeneration research and therapy. Ongoing research is focused on developing novel aptamers with improved properties, such as increased stability and longer half-life. Additionally, researchers are exploring the potential of aptamers to target other molecules involved in macular degeneration, aiming to further expand the therapeutic options for this sight-threatening condition.
A: In addition to VEGF, aptamers can be designed to target other molecules involved in macular degeneration. Some of the potential targets include other growth factors implicated in the disease, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), as well as components of the complement system, which is dysregulated in macular degeneration.
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