Structures and biogenetic analysis of lipofuscin bis-retinoids

J Zhejiang Univ Sci B. 2013 Sep;14(9):763-73. doi: 10.1631/jzus.B1300051.

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is still an incurable blinding eye disease because of complex pathogenic mechanisms and unusual diseased regions. With the use of chemical biology tools, great progress has been achieved in improving the understanding of AMD pathogenesis. The severity of AMD is, at least in part, linked to the non-degradable lipofuscin bis-retinoids in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE). This material is thought to result from the lifelong accumulation of lysosomal residual bodies containing the end products derived from the daily phagocytosis of rod outer segments by RPE cells. Here, we present previously recognized bis-retinoids with focus on structures and biosynthetic pathways. In addition to a brief discussion on the mutual conversion relationships of bis-retinoids, future perspectives and the medical relevance of such studies on these lipofuscin constituents are also highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipofuscin / biosynthesis*
  • Lipofuscin / chemistry*
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Macular Degeneration / etiology
  • Macular Degeneration / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Structure
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium / metabolism
  • Retinoids / biosynthesis*
  • Retinoids / chemistry*
  • Rod Cell Outer Segment / metabolism

Substances

  • ABCA4 protein, human
  • ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters
  • Lipofuscin
  • Retinoids