LAUSR

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to provide an update of recent advances in the established role of different layers of epigenetic control mechanism that are used by joint cells to ensure tissue homeostasis and cope with changing microenvironment (e.g. ageing or disease). Recent findings New studies have further strengthened the evidence that joint tissue cells highly dependent on epigenetic control mechanisms, such as methylation at CpG-sites, noncoding RNAs and histone modifications to assure phenotypic plasticity and respective tissue homeostasis. Advancements towards high-dimensional molecular profiles and functional follow-up studies have started to uncover the complexity of these interacting networks of control. These studies highlight that in time loosening of epigenetic control increase the propensity of joint tissues to engage an osteoarthritis disease phenotype. Summary Identification of changes in epigenetically regulated control mechanisms in joint tissues has provided novel insight into underlying mechanism of ongoing osteoarthritis disease pathophysiology. Such insight is crucial to enable development of evidence-based therapeutic options.