We performed RT-qPCR on independent human RPE donor samples from LEITR, Florida, with AMD and normal controls for the most promising target genes including SKI, GTF2H4, TNXB, RIC3, and EIF2AK3. GRIA4 was selected because differential GRIA4 expression has been reported in AMD [37] (Additional file 1: Table S7). Here, RIC3 is linked to age-related macular degeneration.