Epigenetic Regulation of Germline Cells: From Meiosis to Epigenetic Inheritance

Dear Colleagues,

The germline plays a central role in heredity by transmitting both genetic and epigenetic information across generations. In recent years, growing evidence has revealed that epigenetic mechanisms—including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, small RNAs, and higher-order genome organization—are fundamental regulators of germline development and function. These mechanisms are also critically involved in the regulation of meiosis, influencing key events such as recombination and faithful chromosome segregation.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in understanding the epigenetic regulation of germline cells, with a particular emphasis on the role of chromatin and epigenetic mechanisms during meiosis and gametogenesis. Recent progress in genomic technologies, including single-cell and multi-omics approaches, is providing unprecedented insight into the chromatin landscape, regulatory networks, and epigenetic heterogeneity of germline cells. We also seek contributions exploring how environmental factors—including diet, metabolic state, toxicants, and other external exposures—reshape the germline epigenome and influence meiotic processes and reproductive outcomes.

Furthermore, this Issue will address emerging evidence that environmentally induced epigenetic alterations in the germline can be transmitted to subsequent generations, contributing to transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and potentially influencing offspring health and disease susceptibility.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, and perspectives on molecular, cellular, genomic, and evolutionary aspects of germline epigenetics. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, meiotic recombination and chromosome segregation, environmental modulation of germline epigenetics, chromatin dynamics during meiosis and gametogenesis, 3D genome organization, germline epigenome reprogramming, and mechanisms underlying epigenetic inheritance across generations.

Dr. Elena De la Casa-Esperon
Guest Editor

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