Interplay between Lipids and Complement Proteins-How Multiomics Data Integration Can Help Unravel Age-related Macular Degeneration Pathophysiology: A Proof-of-concept Study.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to identify correlation patterns between complement and lipid pathways using a multiomics data integration approach and to determine how these interconnections affect age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

DESIGN

Nested case-control study.

SUBJECTS AND CONTROLS

The analyses were performed in a subset of the Singapore Indian Eye Study. We randomly selected 155 AMD cases and age- and sex-matched them with 155 controls.

METHODS

Firstly, a multiomics data integration method was used to identify correlation patterns between the omics data. Then, we tested possible interactions between the lipids and complement proteins using logistic regression models.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age-related macular degeneration was determined according to the Beckman classification system. We measured in serum samples 35 complement proteins and 66 lipids, and used 9 genetic variants.

RESULTS

Among the 155 AMD cases, 93 (60.0%) had early and 62 (40.0%) intermediate AMD. Firstly, we identified 2 clusters between complement proteins and lipids involving (1) mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1 and several different high-density lipoprotein particles, and (2) complement factor H-related protein 1, carboxypeptidase N subunit 2 and complement component C8 gamma chain, and sphingomyelin and different cholesterol. Secondly, we identified 1 interaction between complement protein 1R and sphingomyelin with an odds of AMD 2 times higher for individuals with low levels of sphingomyelin and complement protein 1R (odds ratio = 2.13 [1.09, 4.17]).

CONCLUSIONS

We report here, using a cutting-edge multiomics integration approach, the complex interconnections between genetic, metabolomics, and proteomic data. This method permitted us to obtain a holistic picture and identify multiomics signature of AMD pathophysiology. These results advocate for a personalized therapeutic approach that accounts for multiple pathways. However, these results need to be validated in larger studies with different ethnic groups.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.