Epigenetic regulation mechanisms, in which the expression state of a gene is altered by changes in intracellular conditions or external stimuli, independent of DNA sequence, have attracted much attention since they have been found to be "key" in various acquired diseases, such as cancer and lifestyle-related diseases. We hypothesized that DNA sequence-independent epigenetic regulation of expression is involved in the development of cataracts, and initiated our research based on the fact that there are patients who show differences in the progression of cataracts between right and left eye despite having the same organs. 
In this study, we screened by galactose-induced cataract model using rat lenses and found that histone acetyltransferase inhibitors could resolve the opacity once formed. In order to clarify the mechanism by which the opacity was resolved, we prepared lens sections and observed that new lens fiber cells were formed in the arch region and pushed the vacuoles in the cortex into the interior. In addition, microarray analysis of cataract model animals (ICR rats) and human samples identified genes whose expression levels fluctuate with the progression of cataracts. 
Currently, research into the development of a new treatment for retinopathy based on the findings from the development of a cataract treatment has also been initiated, and we would also like to discuss the latest findings of this study.