Cholesterol homeostasis and age-related macular degeneration
Aparna Lakkaraju, PhD Board of Regents of the University of
Wisconsin System (Madison, WI) Year Awarded: Grant Duration:
April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2013 Macular Degeneration Award
Amount: Grant Reference ID: Award Type: Award Region: US
Midwestern  Apolipoprotein E And Cholesterol Lowering Drugs In
Age-Related Macular Degeneration   The specific aims outlined in
this proposal will provide a cell biological understanding of
the role of a protein called apolipoprotein E and the regulation
of cholesterol levels in the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)
tissue of the eye). We will also investigate the potential of
two promising drugs, statins and PPARgamma agonists, which are
currently being used to treat, respectively, atherosclerosis and
diabetes. These drugs will be tested for their ability to
maintain cholesterol balance in the RPE.   It is now becoming
increasingly apparent that many chronic age-related diseases
such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's