Alcohol and epigenetic regulation: Do the products of alcohol metabolism drive epigenetic control of gene expression in alcohol-related disorders?

Epigenetic regulation, the persistent change in the gene regulatory state following a transient environmental perturbation, has become increasingly prominent in accounting for the consequences of exposure to addictive substances, including alcohol (ethanol). The purpose of this Virtual Issue is to draw attention to some of the recent advances in our understanding of how consumption of alcohol impacts the epigenetic landscape and causes such persistent changes in the regulation of gene expression and cellular function that affect behavior or disease susceptibility well after the alcohol challenge has occurred. Articles that recently appeared in ACER are placed in the context of the broader relevant literature and emerging opportunities. A key question we highlight relates to the role of ethanol metabolism in altering the spatiotemporal epigenetic landscape.