Metabolic Regulation of the Epigenome

Dear Colleagues,

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Obesity, defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 Kg/m2 is the main risk factor of CVDs1, however obesity lacks effective therapeutic treatments. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of obesity and energy homeostasis would provide novel tools to tackle the obesity pandemic and CVDs.

New approaches have identified chromatin regulators and mechanisms that control the cellular energetics and metabolic homeostasis2. Moreover, the identification of the interaction between the metabolic regulation and the chromatin function reveals potential novels ways to understand metabolic disorders and other pathologies. Still unknown is whether metabolic inputs establish specific epigenomic states and their functional implication through specific phenotypes.

In this special issue we will highlight current knowledge and cutting-edge research from basic processes that link metabolic control with the regulation of gene expression through chromatin function to specific pathologic mechanisms in the context of metabolic disorders.

1. Oikonomou, E. K. & Antoniades, C. The role of adipose tissue in cardiovascular health and disease. Nat. Rev. Cardiol. doi:10.1038/s41569-018-0097-6
2. Matilainen, O., Quirós, P. M. & Auwerx, J. Mitochondria and Epigenetics – Crosstalk in Homeostasis and Stress. 27, 453–463 (2017).

Prof. Dr. Francisco Verdeguer
Prof. Dr. Francesco Paneni
Guest Editors

• Epigenome
• Obesity
• Metabolism