Abstract

DO.02.03

RPE and Bruchs membrane – temporary ‘marriage’?

Sabine Aisenbrey
Department für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen

Proper adhesion of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells to Bruch’s membrane is critical for maintaining stability and function of the RPE-Bruchs membrane-choroid complex. Attachment of the RPE to Bruchs membrane is mainly mediated by interaction between extracellular proteins including laminins, fibronectin and collagens, and transmembrane receptors including integrins, integrin associated kinases and cell adhesion molecules. RPE-matrix interactions are essential in vascular and neuronal development of the outer retina-choroid complex and undergo specific alterations during aging and in retinal degeneration such as AMD. Changes in the architecture and adhesion properties of the RPE-Bruchs membrane-choroid complex not only induce disruptions of RPE morphology and function but lead to photoreceptor degeneration. Further definition of mechanisms used by the RPE to establish and maintain specific properties including cell-cell and cell-matrix contact and their changes under pathological conditions seems to be essential for better understanding complex pathology of AMD. Insight in to the pathways has been and will be translated into designing novel therapeutical approaches in the treatment of AMD.

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