Open AccessAn Updated Review of the Epigenetic Mechanism Underlying the Pathogenesis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Author(s) -
Xiaohua Li,
Shikun He,
Mingwei Zhao
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
aging and disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.808
H-Index - 54
ISSN - 2152-5250
DOI - 10.14336/ad.2019.1126
Subject(s) - epigenetics , pathogenesis , dna methylation , mechanism (biology) , epigenesis , histone , biology , macular degeneration , genetics , bioinformatics , medicine , computational biology , gene , immunology , gene expression , philosophy , epistemology , ophthalmology
Epigenetics has been recognized to play an important role in physiological and pathological processes of the human body. Accumulating evidence has indicated that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although the susceptibility related to genetic variants has been revealed by genome-wide association studies, those genetic variants may predict AMD risk only in certain human populations. Other mechanisms, particularly those involving epigenetic factors, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Therefore, we briefly summarize the most recent reports related to such epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA, and the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors in the pathogenesis of AMD.