Integration of single-cell and spatial transcriptomics underlies the molecular disparity in age-related macular degeneration mice eye

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects the macula region in the retina, which is responsible for providing humans with high visual acuity and colour vision. Although both oxidaiitve stress and inflammatory pathways have been associated with AMD, the specific pathophysiology and molecular pathways that drive AMD progression have not yet been fully understood. We integrate spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA-seq data to characterise the specific gene expression pattern in retinal cell populations during degeneration, and to detect microRNA target enrichment in these cell types. This will sheds light into understanding the molecular mechanisms and may help identify potential therapies.