The apoptosis pathway in SHLP2-treated cybrids was evaluated and showed reduced apoptosis, represented by down-regulation of effector caspases i.e., (1) decreased gene expression of Caspase-3 by 81.8% and of Caspase-7 by 72.48%, and (2) reduction in Cleaved Caspase-3 protein levels by 56.45% in AMD cybrids. This evidence concerns the gene CASP3 and age-related macular degeneration.