Published on: Jun 05, 2025
Researchers at Utah State University are advancing the understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults.
Elizabeth Vargis, an associate professor in the Biological Engineering Department, and graduate researcher Chase Paterson have developed a custom-engineered device that may unlock critical insights into the early progression of AMD—and potentially the health of other organs as well.
A hallmark of AMD is the physical strain placed on a vital retinal layer known as the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). This stress, often caused by waste buildup or leaky blood vessels, can impair cellular function. However, most current research models apply extreme levels of strain, which reflect only the late stages of the disease.
Creating physical models to mimic early changes is key to understanding how diseases start and develop in humans, Vargis explained. These models do not rely on animals and help us study the first signs of disease, which can lead to new treatments.
Published in Lab on a Chip, the team’s findings highlight that their device delivers controlled, low levels of localized radial strain, closely simulating the aging-related mechanical environment of the retina. This represents a significant advancement over previous models.
To test their approach, the researchers used porcine eyes sourced from a local butcher, adhering to an established protocol. Results showed that these low strain levels did not immediately induce harmful blood vessel growth—a hallmark of advanced AMD—but did influence gene expression, particularly by reducing amyloid precursor protein (APP) levels. This reduction hints at a possible role for APP in the onset of AMD and opens potential avenues for targeted therapies.
This novel device is a step forward in AMD research, offering a more accurate platform to explore how early mechanical changes in the eye contribute to disease and how they might be intercepted before irreversible vision loss occurs.
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