The Controversial Role of TGF-ß in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pathogenesis.

ABSTRACT

The multifunctional transforming growth factors-beta (TGF-ßs) have been extensively studied regarding their role in the pathogenesis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a major cause of severe visual loss in the elderly in developed countries. Despite this, their effect remains somewhat controversial. Indeed, both pro- and antiangiogenic activities have been suggested for TGF-ß signaling in the development and progression of nAMD, and opposite therapies have been proposed targeting the inhibition or activation of the TGF-ß pathway. The present article summarizes the current literature linking TGF-ß and nAMD, and reviews experimental data supporting both pro- and antiangiogenic hypotheses, taking into account the limitations of the experimental approaches.