Scientists identify a protein linked to cause of AMD

A protein strongly linked to the cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) when its levels are raised in the blood, has been identified by a team of scientists.

The FHR4 protein was found to be present at higher levels in the blood of patients with AMD compared to individuals of a similar age without the disease.

Published in Nature Communications and funded by the Medical Research Council, the study was carried out by scientists from universities in Manchester, Cardiff, London and Nijmegen in the Netherlands, as well as the Manchester Foundation NHS Trust.

Professor Paul Bishop, study lead and consultant ophthalmologist at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, said: ‘The combined protein and genetic findings provide compelling evidence that FHR4 is a critical controller of that part of the immune system which affects the eyes.