Adapted from the following source: Case Western Reserve University
A dart-like molecule that adheres to proteins in the eye is the key that turns on the uncontrolled growth of blood vessels, according to researchers at Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute. Uncontrolled blood vessel growth is a major contributor to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of visual impairment among people over 65 in the United States.
The researchers found that the molecule, carboxyethylpyrroles (CEPs), attaches to proteins found in the eye, triggering the uncontrolled growth of blood vessels.
In an attempt to block CEP from triggering the angiogenesis process, "we are now trying to find the receptors—the keyholes—in the retina cells that are activated by CEPs," said Dr. Robert Salomon, one of the key researchers on this project. "We are also designing drugs that can mop up the CEPs or prevent their formation."
The results of their collaborative work were published in the recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).