REVIEW   

Minerva Oftalmologica 2017 September;59(3):65-8

DOI: 10.23736/S0026-4903.17.01780-9

Copyright © 2017 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Epigenetics and common ophthalmic diseases

Jennifer A. GALVIN ✉

Eye Surgery Associates LLC, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA

The study of ocular diseases and epigenetic dysregulation is an emerging area of research. The knowledge from the epigenetic mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs regarding the pathogenesis of ocular diseases will be helpful for improved treatment modalities for our patients. In particular, we focus upon the how epigenetic regulatory mechanisms impact six common ocular diseases: age related macular degeneration, age-related cataract, pterygium, retinoblastoma, and uveal melanoma. Hence, the foundation of this research paves the way for future specific therapeutic targets for vision-preserving and vision-saving disease.

KEY WORDS: Macular degeneration - Cataract - Epigenomics - Pterygium - Retinoblastoma - Uveal melanoma