Epigenetics—the new era of biomedical and ophthalmological research

Epigenetics is a researching hot topic of worldwide now.Increasing evidence shows that the pathogenesis of human diseases is not only influenced by the abnormalities of genetic factors but also by epigenetic mechanisms.Recent technological advances in epigenomic profiling has led to further understanding of the role epigenetic factors played in development, inflammation, aging, immunity, angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and stem cell biology.The researchers in ophthalmology should pay close attention to the current research of major epigenetic mechanisms and their involvement in human diseases, especially ocular diseases.Moreover, the potential application of epigenetic drugs in the treatment of common human diseases also should be understood.Finally, the challenges and future perspectives underlying epigenetic research are discussed in this editorial paper.

Epigenetics; Ocular disease; DNA methylation; Histone modification; Non-coding RNA