Published on: Jun 04, 2025
Elizabeth Vargis, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Engineering, and graduate researcher Chase Paterson have developed an innovative, custom-built device that could shed new light on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the overall health of other organs.
A key feature of AMD is stress on a vital retinal layer called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This stress often arises from physical factors such as leaky blood vessels or the buildup of waste, which can compromise eye health. However, the exact impact of this stress on RPE cell function remains unclear, as many existing research models apply high levels of strain that reflect only the disease’s advanced stages.
Developing physical models that replicate the early changes is crucial for understanding how diseases begin and evolve in humans, said Vargis. These models avoid the use of animals and help us focus on the earliest indicators of disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.
Vargis and Paterson recently published their research in Lab on a Chip, highlighting how their device applies precise, low levels of radial strain—closely simulating the conditions observed in natural aging and early AMD.
Using eyes sourced from a butcher shop, following a protocol developed by their lab, the team found that these low strain levels did not trigger immediate growth of abnormal blood vessels. However, they did cause changes in gene expression—most notably, a decrease in amyloid precursor protein levels. This suggests the protein could be a promising target for future treatments.
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