Chronic exposure to toxic levels of trace elements might lead to gene expression dysfunction and abnormal metabolic pathways such as those link to trace element detoxification and the reproductive performances of animals. It has been a subject consisting of a series of studies testing the physiological outputs when exposed to these trace elements and the underlying epigenetic modulation mechanisms such as DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA dysregulation. Epigenetics plays a pivotal role in gene expression and is vulnerable to environmental challenges, including the supply of nutritional factors, such as vitamins and minerals. Minerals usually function as cofactors in the activation of epigenetically activating enzymes.
As it is true for most epigenetically active factors, the mineral balance mostly determinates the epigenome generation during embryonic development, but its changes can be triggered throughout life as part of life-term epigenome editing.
It has also been proved that alterations induced by mineral accumulation during aging could be inherited to the next generation. Together, mineral supplementation is suggested to prevent dysplasia originating from errors in establishing the epigenome or correct epigenetic disturbances to benefit animal health.
The aim of this research topic is to highlight and stimulate discussion regarding epigenetic modulation and toxicity/diseases (e.g. miRNA dysregulation, disruption of nutrients homeostasis and dysplasia) induced by trace element accumulation, as well as the possible detoxication strategies. Exogenous trace element supplies are vital components of metalloproteins and cofactors of enzymic activities for many cellular processes. However, chronic exposure to high doses of trace elements may lead to epigenetic dysregulation and various kinds of diseases. Therefore, the development of new models and methods to monitor trace element absorption and disposition is highly needed. In addition, as accumulation of trace elements is inevitable, investigation of the subsequent epigenetic modulation such as DNA and histone modification and microRNA regulation may help us reveal the mechanism of the toxicity and predict and prevent the toxicity effectively.
We welcome the submission of Original Research, Review, Mini-Review, Case Report, Hypothesis and Theory, and Perspective articles in the following areas:

1. New models for trace elements study;
2. Nutritional requirements and chronic exposure levels of trace elements;
3. Trace elements metabolism, functions and aspects in animal health (immunology, intestinal flora, oxidative stress, etc) and disease (anemia, white myopathy, etc);
4. Organic trace elements safety, bioavailability, and application in animal husbandry.
5. Epigenetic regulation like DNA/RNA methylation, histone modification and microRNAs during the pathogenesis of animal diseases.
6. The interaction between trace elements and epigenetics to maintain animal health.
7. Possible biomarkers (miRNAs, DNA modification sites) validation for the detection and prediction of accumulated toxicity.
Novel strategies for the treatment of disruption of trace elements induced toxicity and disease.

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