New research reveals role of genetics in retinal aging

Image credit: AdobeStock/GiovanniCacemi

A new study featuring research from The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) has revealed that genetics play a key role in how the eye ages, with different genetic backgrounds influencing retinal aging.¹ The study, published in Molecular Neurodegeneration and co-first authored by Olivia J. Marola, PhD, and Michael MacLean, PhD, postdoctoral associate, of JAX, examined changes in genes and proteins of the retinas of 9 strains of mice in order to mimic the genetic variability of humans, according to an article published by JAX.

“The challenge in studying age-related eye diseases is that aging is heterogeneous,” said Gareth Howell, PhD, professor and Diana Davis Spencer Foundation Chair for Glaucoma Research at JAX, who led the research, in the article. “Observing how aging occurs in one strain of mice might not be relevant to all mice – or humans. To overcome the limitations of previous studies, we wanted to know how genetic context drives aging of the retina.”

With the severity and nature of changes differing significantly between the 9 strains of mice, researchers found that 2 of the mouse strains closely resemble human retinal diseases. After performing eye examinations on said mice, the researchers found that the Watkins Star Line B stain developed characteristics of age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The New Zealand Obese (NZO) strain developed diabetic retinopathy. The gene and protein analysis for both strains predicted that common age-related eye diseases would develop.¹

“It was promising to see that the molecular data we generated predicted specific retinal cell abnormalities in these two strains” said Marola in the article. “When we saw unique changes in NZO’s retinal ganglion cells at the molecular level, sure enough, we saw drastic functional changes in those cells.”

The article stated that the published research could aid other researchers to choose mouse models in their own aging-related work or continue research to pinpoint individual genes that are associated with accelerated eye aging and eye disease.¹

“The eye is a crucial organ, and this research fills an important gap in our understanding of aging,” said Howell. “But beyond that, the eye is a window into the brain. By understanding how the healthy eye ages, we may be able to work toward new ways of using the eyes to determine people’s risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.”

Reference

1. New study uncovers how genes influence retinal aging and brain health. News release. The Jackson Laboratory. February 18, 2025. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/2025/february/new-study-uncovers-how-genes-influence-retinal-aging-and-brain-health