In support of this notion, transgenic mice overexpressing HtrA1 in RPE cells recapitulated features associated with advanced AMD and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) such as: degradation of the Bruch's membrane, increased damage of the Bruch's membrane upon exposure to cigarette smoke, and increase of PCV lesions (Iejima et al., 2015, Jones et al., 2011, Kumar et al., 2014, Nakayama et al., 2014, Vierkotten et al., 2011). The gene discussed is HTRA1; the disease is age-related macular degeneration.