SPI1-mediated macrophage polarization aggravates age-related macular degeneration.

Objective: This study revealed a core regulator and common upstream mechanisms for the multifaceted pathological processes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and provided proof-of-concept for this new therapeutic target.

Methods: Comprehensive gene expression analysis was performed using RNA sequencing of eye cup from old mice as well as laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mouse model. Through integrative analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, common pathways and key transcription factor was identified simultaneously engaged in age-related retinal degeneration and CNV, the two typical pathological process of AMD.

APOE4 genotype exacerbates the depression-like behavior of mice during aging through ATP decline.

Population-based studies reveal that apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 gene allele is closely associated with late-life depression (LLD). However, its exact role and underlying mechanism remain obscure. The current study found that aged apoE4-targeted replacement (TR) mice displayed obvious depression-like behavior when compared with age-matched apoE3-TR mice.