Cardiac epigenetics: Driving signals to the cardiac epigenome in development and disease

Conrad Waddington's famous illustration of a ball poised at the top an undulating epigenetic landscape is often evoked when one thinks epigenetics. Although original figure was metaphor for gene regulation during cell fate determination, we now know that important homeostasis every tissue and organ in body. This evident cardiovascular system, first organs to develop whose function vital human life.Epigenetic mechanisms are central regulating transcription signaling programs drive disease development. The epigenome not only instructs context specific expression signatures, but also retains “memory” past events can pass it down subsequent generations. Understanding various input output signals from cardiac crucial unraveling molecular underpinnings knowledge useful patient risk stratification, understanding pathophysiology, identifying novel approaches regeneration therapy. In this special issue, series high-quality reviews research articles examining field epigenetics will broaden our insights into fundamental aspect cellular cardiology. Topics include DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin architecture, factors, long non-coding RNA biology diverse types comprise system. We hope readers expand their horizons be challenged envision innovative strategies further probe diagnostic therapeutic solutions pathologies.