Microglia-RPE Cell Communication via the SPP1-ITGAV Axis Drives EMT and Retinal Degeneration in Dry AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, with its dry form characterized by retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) degeneration and photoreceptor loss. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these pathological changes remain poorly understood. Here, we identify a critical role for microglia-RPE cell interactions mediated by the SPP1-ITGAV signaling axis in dry AMD pathogenesis. Overall design: The experiment was set up with three groups of control cells and three groups of cells overexpressing CD51-ICD.