TERC and age-related macular degeneration: However, on a genetic basis, there is no overlap between the risk genes of AMD (e.g., CFH, C2, C3, CETP, VEGFA, APOE)37,57 and the genes that have an influence on advanced shortening of the telomeres (e.g., TERT, TERC, TRF1, NAF1, RTEL).30