Diabetic retinopathy: reversibility of epigenetic modifications and new therapeutic targets

Cell Biosci. 2017 Aug 15:7:42. doi: 10.1186/s13578-017-0167-1. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

In recent years, considerable progress has been made in the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics in disease development and progression, the reversible characteristics of epigenetic modification provide new insights for the treatment of such diseases. The pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) has not yet been fully understood, treatment of refractory and recurrent diabetic macular edema remains a big change in clinical practice. This review emphasizes that reversibility of epigenetic modification could provide a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Keywords: Chromatin remodeling; DNA methylation; Diabetic retinopathy; Epigenetic modifications; Gene; Histone modification; Non-coding RNA; Therapeutic target.

Publication types

  • Review