The last step In investigating the effects on cellular functions of the RPE involved testing for gene expression of 91 RPE or AMD- and inflammation-relevant genes, including genes for VEGF-A and its receptors, as well as interleukin 6, interleukin 8, complement factor H and different toll-like receptors, RPE65 as well as different molecules important for antioxidative defense mechanisms (refer Appendix A for a complete list). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is age-related macular degeneration.