Advances in molecular genetics of exfoliation syndrome

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS), one of the most common causes of glaucoma, represents an age related, complex, multifactorial and late-onset disease worldwide. The etiopathogenesis involves both genetic and environmental factor. However, the exact etiopathogenesis of XFS is still unclear. The purpose of this review was to discuss the recent research progress of the molecular genetics of XFS. Some candidate genes linked to XFS include lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) gene, clusterin (CLU)gene, contactin associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene, matrix metallo proteinases (MMPs) gene, glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene, transforming growth factor-β₁(TGF–β₁) gene, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)gene and so on. These genes may be modifying genes for the development of XFS.