RESUMO
Epigenetics is a branch of conventional genetics and is an emerging research field in biomedicine.Epigenetic factors regulate gene function and phenotype by the modulation of DNA methylation,histone modification,non-coding RNA such as microRNA expression instead of changing the DNA sequence.Therefore,it is thought to be a discipline associated with life science.Epigenetics is opening new means for understanding ocular development and ocular diseases related to aging and environment,and relevant study is increasingly emphasized because epigenetic inheritance is considered to be a reversible process.Like other ocular tissues,the growth,differentiation,senescence and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of lens epithelial cells (LECs) are modulated by epigenetic inheritance.Epigenetic inheritance participates in the regulation of gene phenotype,chromatin structure,non-coding RNAs,and cellular differentiation and potential influent in lens diseases such as cataracts.Therefore it may provide new insight of the pathogenesis of cataracts and development of novel treatment options by vigorously carrying lens research on epigenetics.Domestic ophthalmologists should keep watchful eye to these studies.