BECN1 and age-related macular degeneration: When ARPE‐19 cells were challenged, they released a larger number of exosomes containing pro‐autophagy factors such as Atg5‐Atg12 and Beclin‐1.18 Furthermore, in a model of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), it has been proposed that exosomes released by stressed RPE cells are able to increase autophagy in other cells, and that this can contribute to drusen formation, an early symptom of AMD.22 It has been recently hypothesized that exosomes and autophagy work in concert to maintain cellular homeostasis.23 Conversely, the release of exosomes has been shown to damage neighbouring cells.27