An increasing body of evidence indicates that DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic mechanisms play critical roles in the maintenance of normal female reproductive function and overall health. Specifically, numerous tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes, and steroid hormone receptors are silenced by methylation. Conversely, the imprinting mechanism is implicated in placental function and pathogenesis of the nonmalignant diseases preeclampsia and intrauterine growth retardation.

Despite the rapid progress in the last decade, important issues concerning the epigenetic pathway remain unaddressed. Although methylated genes are continuously identified, a little is known in regard to the specific targeting mechanism of such findings. Similarly, we often observe an epigenetic alteration and the associated phenotypic changes, yet the molecular pathways linking the two remain a puzzle. A more detailed characterization of the enzymes and factors involved in such pathways will expand our knowledge in these areas, thus opening windows of opportunity for clinical application of epigenetic approaches in early diagnosis, monitoring of treatment, and individualization of therapy.

We invite authors to present original research articles as well as review articles focusing on epigenetic regulation and its potential clinical application in women's diseases. Prospective topics include, but are not limited to:

• DNA methylation and gene silencing mechanisms in gynecologic cancer
• Gynecologic cancer-related genetic factors and their mutation, expression alteration, and aberrant modification in cancer progression
• Application of epigenetic biomarkers for gynecologic cancer screening, monitoring, diagnosis, and prognosis
• Development and application of epigenetic modification drugs for the prevention and treatment of gynecologic cancer patients
• Epigenetic and imprinting regulation of placental function, fetus development, maintenance of pregnancy, and their involvement in preeclampsia and interuterine growth retardation
• Epigenetic involvement in fertility and infertility, implication for IVF, and assisted reproduction

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ogi/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: