Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods and compositions for treatment of certain ocular diseases and disorders, for example age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering a subject having AMD one or more therapeutic agents that modulate the mTORCl pathway (or a component thereof). The disclosure is based, in part, on methods for treating AMD in a subject by administering one or more kinase inhibitors, for example one or more serine/threonine kinase inhibitors. In some embodiments, at least one of the serine/threonine kinase inhibitors is a Ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (S6K1) inhibitor.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a recombinant adeno-virus encoding an anti-Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) agent in a cell or subject (e.g., rAAV2.7m8-KH902). In some embodiments, compositions described herein are useful for treating subjects having diseases associated with angiogenesis or aberrant VEGF activity/signaling.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for expressing anti-Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) agent in a cell or subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides rAAVs comprising a capsid protein (e.g., AAV2 variants, AAV2/3 hybrid variants, AAV8 variants, etc.), and a transgene encoding an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., KH902) and one or more regulatory sequences. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are useful for treating subjects having diseases associated with angiogenesis or aberrant VEGF activity/signaling.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for expressing one or more anti-Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) agents in a cell or subject. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids and rAAVs comprising a transgene encoding an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., KH902) and one or more regulatory sequences. In some embodiments, compositions described herein are useful for treating subjects having diseases associated with angiogenesis or aberrant VEGF activity/signaling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the treatment or prevention of starvation in a cell, e.g., a neuronal cell, and methods for the treatment and prevention of disorders associated therewith by the administration of an agent, e.g., a nucleic acid molecule, which enhances the intracellular generation and/or uptake of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and/or NADPH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the treatment or prevention of starvation in a cell, e.g., a neuronal cell, and methods for the treatment and prevention of disorders associated therewith by the administration of an agent, e.g., a nucleic acid molecule, which enhances the intracellular generation and/or uptake of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, and/or NADPH.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of modulators of the mammalian target of rapamycine (mTOR) pathway, glucose and/or glucose enhancers for treating retinal disorders and, in particular, for prolonging the viability of cone cells.