With the discovery of epigenetic mechanisms that regulate the development and function of cells and tissues, the life sciences have entered a novel area of disease-relevant research. Epigenetic modifications can be highly dynamic alterations in DNA and chromatin and, thereby, they differ from changes at the level of the DNA sequence itself, ie by mutations, or at the level of DNA structure, eg translocations. Epigenetic mechanisms are central to the regulation of cell-type-specific physiology and pathology. Cell–specific gene expression and hence cellular phenotypes are epigenetically controlled by marking histones through chemical modifications and DNA through methylation, but also through other mechanisms such as incorporation of histone variants, transcription of non–coding RNAs, RNA editing and chromatin remodelling. These epigenetic mechanisms are discussed in this special issue from various angles including basic, translational and applied clinical research. The fundamental understanding of epigenetic mechanisms opens a new window for changing the transcriptional states of cells, tissues and organs, both in physiological and disease states.

With the selection of the articles and viewpoints within this special issue, our aim here is to foster cross talk between basic and applied epigenetic science. Such strong interdisciplinary research should lead to potential future benefits for improved medical care of patients that suffer from diseases in which epigenetic functions are derailed, or even for preventive measures for avoiding the development of epigenetically driven diseases. The following provides an overview of the topics discussed in this special issue of Cell and Tissue Research on “Epigenetics”.