衰老作为一种复杂的生命过程，在此过程中有多种因素参与并发挥作用。主要包括体内信号通路中某个因子的基因突变（包括胰岛素信号通路、Wnt信号通路等）、转录调节因子的异常调节作用、染色体发生异常、以及外界环境的改变等。外界因素对衰老的影响作用往往是通过改变染色体状态而实现的。而这种染色体状态的改变是由于生理条件的改变、环境刺激，或者在某些病理状态的诱发下发生的。相比于单纯的基因突和转录因子的异常调节，这种染色体状态改变所引起的基因水平的改变在机体内的持续状态更加持久、更加稳定，并且可以遗传至下一代。因此目前对于衰老的研究更多的关注于这种基因表达水平的变化，特别是表观遗传学对衰老过程中基因表达的调控作用。本文就其相关研究进展作一综述。“,”Aging is caused by a variety of factors, such as gene mutations in signaling pathways ( including insulin signaling pathway and WNT signaling pathways, etc.) , abnormal regulation of transcription factor, unusual chromosome and the change of external environment factors.Effect of environmental factors on aging is often accom-plished by changing chromosome state.The chromosome change is due to the change of physiological conditions, envi-ronmental stimuli, or some pathologic conditions.Compared to simple genetic mutations and abnormal regulation of transcription factors, the chromosome change is more persistent and more sustainable in the body, and can be inherited to the next generation.At present more attention is paid to the change of the gene expression level in the study of ag-ing.This paper reviews the progresses of the study on the relationship between epigenetic and aging.