Hagfish Slime Proteins Used to Create Eye Membrane Model for AMD Research

In a paper  published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, researchers at Utah State University report that hagfish slime proteins can accurately mimic membranes found in the human eye. The team, led by Professor Elizabeth Vargis, is studying age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition that affects the retina and impairs vision.

AMD's slow progression and the complexity of isolating specific retina layers make studying its effects on Bruch's membrane, a vital layer in the eye’s retina, challenging in live subjects. An ideal model must replicate the membrane's healthy and aged states while being smooth, nonporous, and supportive of cell growth. It should also accurately mimic age-related changes in thickness, stiffness, and permeability.

While previous models have captured some properties of Bruch's membrane, they were thicker and stiffer than the natural membrane and couldn't replicate aging-related changes effectively. Other models were challenging to produce and lacked crucial aspects for AMD research.

Previously, researchers experimented with spider silk proteins to replicate Bruch's membrane, but limitations led to exploring alternative materials. Collaborating with USU biology professor Justin Jones, the team determined that hagfish slime proteins were the best choice for mimicking Bruch's membrane while retaining essential properties. The team successfully grew retinal cells on hagfish slime proteins and demonstrated that the protein's behavior mimics stages of aging and disease in the membrane.