Mitochondrial DNA damage and repair in RPE associated with aging and age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage may be associated with age-related diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The present study was designed to test whether the frequency of mtDNA damage, heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations, and repair capacity correlate with progression of AMD.

Methods: Macular and peripheral RPE cells were isolated and cultured from human donor eyes with and without AMD.