Whole-Exome Sequencing in Age-Related Macular Degeneration Identifies Rare Variants in COL8A1, a Component of Bruch's Membrane

This study supported a role for protein-altering variants in the COL8A1 gene in AMD pathogenesis. We demonstrated the presence of Col8a1 in Bruch's membrane, further supporting the role of COL8A1 variants in AMD pathogenesis. Protein-altering variants in COL8A1 may alter the integrity of Bruch's membrane, contributing to the accumulation of drusen and the development of AMD.