Optochemical tools have become potent instruments for understanding biological processes at the molecular level, and the past decade has witnessed their use in epigenetics and epitranscriptomics (also known as RNA epigenetics) for deciphering gene expression regulation. By using photoresponsive molecules such as photoswitches and photocages, researchers can achieve precise control over when and where specific events occur. Therefore, these are invaluable for studying both histone and nucleotide modifications and exploring disease-related mechanisms. We systematically report and assess current examples in the field, and identify open challenges and future directions. These outstanding proof-of-concept investigations will inspire other chemical biologists to participate in these emerging fields given the potential of photochromic molecules in research and biomedicine.

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启发性的表观遗传学：光化学工具照亮了道路

光化学工具已成为在分子水平上理解生物过程的有力工具，过去十年见证了它们在表观遗传学和表观转录组学（也称为 RNA 表观遗传学）中用于破译基因表达调控的应用。通过使用光开关和光笼等光响应分子，研究人员可以精确控制特定事件发生的时间和地点。因此，这些对于研究组蛋白和核苷酸修饰以及探索疾病相关机制非常有价值。我们系统地报告和评估该领域的当前示例，并确定开放的挑战和未来的方向。鉴于光致变色分子在研究和生物医学中的潜力，这些出色的概念验证研究将激励其他化学生物学家参与这些新兴领域。