SCARB1 and age-related macular degeneration: SCARB1 encodes a high density lipoprotein receptor, which plays an important role in the metabolism of cholesterol and L in particular (Zerbib et al., 2009), and may be involved in the formation of drusen and basal deposits during the early stages of AMD (Curcio et al., 2011; Mullins et al., 2000).