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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表观遗传学在角膜健康和疾病中的作用


表观遗传学在角膜健康和疾病中起着至关重要的作用。表观遗传学变化通过组蛋白修饰、DNA 甲基化和 miRNA 改变染色质的可及性来调节基因表达，而不会改变 DNA 序列。眼外伤和感染是世界范围内角膜损伤、视力障碍和单/双侧失明的常见原因。越来越多的文献表明，表观遗传修饰可以调节角膜透明度、功能和发病机制，包括炎症、伤口愈合、纤维化和新生血管形成。此外，表观遗传修饰可以靶向逆转角膜病变并开发介入疗法。然而，目前对表观遗传修饰如何导致角膜异常和疾病的理解是有限的。本综述提供了对角膜发病机制中表观遗传学改变的深入知识和机制理解，以及治疗角膜疾病的潜在表观遗传靶点的信息。