On form and function: does chromatin packing regulate the cell cycle?

The Systems Biology of Cell State Regulation Section is dedicated to considering how we can define a cellular state and how cells transition between states. One important decision that a cell makes is whether to cycle, that is, replicate DNA and generate daughter cells, or to exit the cell cycle in a reversible manner. The members of the Systems Biology of Cell State Regulation Editorial Board have an interest in the role of epigenetics and the commitment to a dividing or nondividing state. The ability of cells to transition between proliferating and nonproliferating states is essential for the proper formation of tissues. The ability to enter the cell cycle when needed is necessary for complex multicellular processes, such as healing injuries or mounting an immune response. Cells that fail to quiesce properly can contribute to the formation of tumors. In this perspective piece, we focus on research exploring the relationship between epigenetics and the cell cycle.