Role of Epigenetics in Corneal Health and Disease

Overview

Journal Prog Retin Eye Res

Specialty Ophthalmology

Date 2024 Nov 15

PMID 39547455

Authors

Swati Sood

Anil Tiwari

Jyoti Sangwan

Mehak Vohra

Nishant R Sinha

Ratnakar Tripathi

Virender S Sangwan

Rajiv R Mohan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Epigenetics plays a vital role in corneal health and diseases. Epigenetic changes regulate the expression of genes by altering the accessibility of chromatin via histone modifications, DNA methylation and miRNAs without altering DNA sequence. Ocular trauma and infections are common causes of corneal damage, vision impairment, and mono/bilateral blindness worldwide. Mounting literature shows that epigenetic modifications can modulate corneal clarity, function, and pathogenesis including inflammation, wound healing, fibrosis, and neovascularization. Additionally, epigenetic modifications can be targeted to reverse corneal pathologies and develop interventional therapies. However, current understanding on how epigenetic modifications lead to corneal abnormalities and diseases is limited. This review provides in-depth knowledge and mechanistic understanding of epigenetics alterations in corneal pathogenesis, and information on potential epigenetic targets for treatment of corneal diseases.

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