The advances of epigenetic research in eye

Abstract

Epigenetics is the emergence of a new branch of genetics. Epigenetic factors regulate gene function and phenotype by the modulation of DNA methylation, histone modification, non-coding RNA expression instead of changing the DNA sequence; more importantly, the regulation occurs under the influence of environment and diet and can be passed on to the next generation. Epigenetics is involved in life development, maintenance of normal physiological functions of the human body and the pathology of many complex phenomena,such as inflammation, aging, tumorgenesis, etc. There is no doubt that the pathogenesis of complex eye diseases such as recurrence of herpes simplex keratitis, glaucoma, uveitis and AMD may be associated with aberrant epigenetic regulations. Therefore effect in vigorously carrying eye research on epigenetics may provide new insight of the pathogenesis of those eye diseases and development of novel treatment options.