How crosstalk between mitochondria, lysosomes, and other organelles can prevent or promote dry age-related macular degeneration.

Aparna Lakkaraju, Patricia Boya, Marie Csete, Deborah A Ferrington, James B Hurley, Alfredo A Sadun, Peng Shang, Ruchi Sharma, Debasish Sinha, Marius Ueffing, Susan E Brockerhoff

Departments of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. Electronic address: [email protected] of Ophthalmology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. Electronic address: [email protected]. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Organelles such as mitochondria, lysosomes, peroxisomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum form highly dynamic cellular networks and exchange information through sites of physical contact. While each organelle performs unique functions, this inter-organelle crosstalk helps maintain cell homeostasis. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a devastating blinding disease strongly associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and decreased clearance of cellular debris in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, how these occur, and how they relate to organelle function both with the RPE and potentially the photoreceptors are fundamental, unresolved questions in AMD biology. Here, we report the discussions of the "Mitochondria, Lysosomes, and other Organelle Interactions" task group of the 2024 Ryan Initiative for Macular Research (RIMR). Our group focused on understanding the interplay between cellular organelles in maintaining homeostasis in the RPE and photoreceptors, how this could be derailed to promote AMD, and identifying where these pathways could potentially be targeted therapeutically.

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Research summary

The paper addresses the interplay between organelles in the context of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a significant age-related disease. However, it primarily focuses on understanding the mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets rather than addressing the root causes of aging itself. The findings may contribute to the understanding of AMD but do not significantly advance the broader field of longevity research or lifespan extension. Thus, while it is relevant, its impact is limited.

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