CGAS and age-related macular degeneration: Furthermore, geographical atrophy is a manifestation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that is characterized by DICER1 deficiency and the accumulation of endogenous Alu RNA, which could trigger the release of mitochondrial DNA to activate cGAS and further induce IFN-β and IL18, as well as drive caspase 1-, 4-, and 11-related inflammation (37).