Research progress of DNA methylation in lens development and cataract

Epigenetics is the study of genomic structural modifications that affects gene expression without DNA sequence change.Epigenetic mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression include DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs.DNA methylation may contribute to silencing gene expression which is a major mechanism of epigenetic gene regulation.DNA methylation regulatory mechanisms in lens development and pathogenesis of cataract represent exciting areas of research that have opened new avenues for association with aging and environment.This review concludes current understanding of the major mechanisms and function of DNA methylation in lens development, pathogenesis of age-related cataract, secondary cataract and complicated cataract.By understanding the role of DNA methylation in the lens disease and development, it may help to develop a new therapeutic approach to clinical treatment of cataract.