Role of epigenetics in corneal health and disease

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Progress in retinal and eye research 2025-01, Vol.104, p.101318, Article 101318
Main Authors: Sood, Swati, Tiwari, Anil, Sangwan, Jyoti, Vohra, Mehak, Sinha, Nishant R., Tripathi, Ratnakar, Sangwan, Virender S., Mohan, Rajiv R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cornea
Demi
DNA methylation
DNMT
Epigenetic
HDAC
HDACi
Histone acetylation
Histone methylation
miRNA
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Summary: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. •Epigenetic changes; methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and microRNA regulate gene expression and cellular behaviour.•The cornea, a transparent and avascular tissue, is at risk to damage, risking transparency and vision.•Altered epigenetic contribute to corneal pathologies, including fibrosis, wound healing, keratitis, and OSSN.•Limited research highlights the need to study corneal epigenetics, aiding therapy development through better understanding•Epigenetic modifiers may treat corneal pathologies. This emerging field offers potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
ISSN:1350-9462
1873-1635
1873-1635
DOI:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101318