Abstract: Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies, and antigen binding portions thereof, which neutralize human Lipocalin 2 (LCN-2). Related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed. Related methods of reducing or preventing ferroptotic death of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells, methods of reducing or preventing one or both of lipid peroxidation and inflammasome activation in RPE cells, methods of reducing or preventing a decrease in one or both of scotopic a- and b-wave responses in a retina, methods of increasing one or both of scotopic a- and b-wave responses in a retina, methods of increasing one or both of autophagy and glutathione peroxidase activity in RPE cells, and methods of treating or preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting neutrophil activation in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells comprising administering an inhibitor of interferon (IFN) ? to a subject in need thereof, as well as a method of restoring lysosomal function of RPE cells comprising administering a polypeptide comprising ?A1-crystallin or a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide to a subject in need thereof, are provided. A method of rejuvenating Vacuolar-type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase) activity in RPE cells by modulating assembly and disassembly of the V-ATPase in a subject in need thereof also is provided. Additionally, a method of treating diabetic retinopathy in a subject comprising administering a polypeptide comprising ?A1-crystallin or a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide to the subject is provided.

Abstract: A method of restoring lysosomal function of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and a method of preventing and/or treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Stargardt's macular retinal degeneration, neurodegenerative disease, or diabetic retinopathy in a subject are provided. The methods comprise administering (i) a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising a constitutively active form of transcription factor EB (TFEB) or (ii) the polypeptide to a subject in need thereof. Associated polypeptides, nucleic acids, vectors, and compositions thereof also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention features therapeutic and prophylactic compositions and methods for modulating a blood vessel by altering angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, blood vessel stabilization, regression, persistence, or remodeling.