MAPK1 and age-related macular degeneration: Among them, 18 core differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified (Figure 2A): FABP4, BCAT2, AKR1C3, AHCY, DHODH, NQO1, HMOX1, G6PD, MAPK3, KEAP1, SIRT2 were significantly downregulated in AMD compared to the control, whereas MAPK8, GSK3B, MAPK1, NOS2, SIRT1, MFN2, SREBF1 were upregulated (p < 0.05), suggesting that inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders may play critical roles in AMD development.