In collaboration with Wojciech Kedzierski, Ph.D., we have generated transgenic mouse lines expressing chimeric (part mouse/part human) Cfh molecules with either the 402-histidine (“at-risk”) variant or the 402-tyrosine (“non-risk”) variant of Cfh.
We aim to use these mice to (a) identify the molecular basis for both the increased susceptibility to AMD and the resistance to therapy observed in human H-CFH carriers and (b) generate a relevant model of AMD that would allow the dissection of the role of the different arms of the immune system in the disease.
We have shown that our mice express the transgenic mRNA both in the liver and in the posterior segment ocular tissues. They also produce transgenic protein, which can be found in the serum.
Figure 2: Constructs and design of transgenic animals 
Figure 3: Fold increase in mRNA level by RT-PCR. The posterior segment of 2 transgenic mouse lines vs. non-transgenic mice were analyzed using primers specific for the transgenic mRNA 
Figure 4: Western blot and serum concentration of transgenic Cfh in some of our lines. Lines are 4th generation (313 is 2nd gen). We are also using a laser-induced model of AMD as a way to study the acute neovascular phase of the disease. When applied to our transgenic mice it will help us determine if and how the factor H variants affect the susceptibility to neovascular changes and the dependence of the neovascular membranes on VEGF and other growth factors.
This laser model is also helping us to examine the potential therapeutic role of some antibodies and small molecules generated here at UTSW in blocking or causing regression of choroidal neovascularization.
Figure 5: Fluorescein angiogram of laser-induced CNV in a B6 mouse. Related Links
UT Southwestern Websites
- Ophthalmology Department Website
- Ophthalmology Department Research
- Ophthalmology Department Patient Care
- Ophthalmology Department Education & Training
- UT Southwestern Laser Center for Vision Care