Targeting the tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1, with the connexin43 mimetic peptide, αCT1, reduces VEGF-dependent RPE pathophysiology.

The connexin43 mimetic αCT1 accumulates in the mouse retinal pigment epithelium following topical delivery via eye drops. αCT1 eye drops prevented RPE-cell barrier dysfunction in two mouse models. αCT1 stabilizes intercellular tight junctions. Stabilization of cellular junctions via αCT1 may serve as a novel therapeutic approach for both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration.