DNA Methylation and Complex Human Disease


Book Description

DNA Methylation and Complex Human Disease reviews the possibilities of methyl-group-based epigenetic biomarkers of major diseases, tailored epigenetic therapies, and the future uses of high-throughput methylome technologies. This volume includes many pertinent advances in disease-bearing research, including obesity, type II diabetes, schizophrenia, and autoimmunity. DNA methylation is also discussed as a plasma and serum test for non-invasive screening, diagnostic and prognostic tests, as compared to biopsy-driven gene expression analysis, factors which have led to the use of DNA methylation as a potential tool for determining cancer risk, and diagnosis between benign and malignant disease. Therapies are at the heart of this volume and the possibilities of DNA demethylation. In cancer, unlike genetic mutations, DNA methylation and histone modifications are reversible and thus have shown great potential in the race for effective treatments. In addition, the authors present the importance of high-throughput methylome analysis, not only in cancer, but also in non-neoplastic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. - Discusses breaking biomarker research in major disease families of current health concern and research interest, including obesity, type II diabetes, schizophrenia, and autoimmunity - Summarizes advances not only relevant to cancer, but also in non-neoplastic disease, currently an emerging field - Describes wholly new concepts, including the linking of metabolic pathways with epigenetics - Provides translational researchers with the knowledge of both basic research and clinic applications of DNA methylation in human diseases




Epigenetic Mechanisms of Gene Regulation


Book Description

Many inheritable changes in gene function are not explained by changes in the DNA sequence. Such epigenetic mechanisms are known to influence gene function in most complex organisms and include effects such as transposon function, chromosome imprinting, yeast mating type switching and telomeric silencing. In recent years, epigenetic effects have become a major focus of research activity. This monograph, edited by three well-known biologists from different specialties, is the first to review and synthesize what is known about these effects across all species, particularly from a molecular perspective, and will be of interest to everyone in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.




Epigenetics and Chromatin


Book Description

Epigenetics refers to heritable patterns of gene expression which do not depend on alterations of genomic DNA sequence. This book provides a state-of-the-art account of a few selected hot spots by scientists at the edge in this extremely active field. It puts special emphasis on two main streams of research. One is the role of post-translational modifications of proteins, mostly histones, on chromatin structure and accessibility. The other one deals with parental genomic imprinting, a process which allows to express a few selected genes from only one of the parental allele while extinguishing the other.




Environmental Epigenetics


Book Description

This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.




Epigenetics


Book Description

The regulation of gene expression in many biological processes involves epigenetic mechanisms. In this new volume, 24 chapters written by experts in the field discuss epigenetic effects from many perspectives. There are chapters on the basic molecular mechanisms underpinning epigenetic regulation, discussion of cellular processes that rely on this kind of regulation, and surveys of organisms in which it has been most studied. Thus, there are chapters on histone and DNA methylation, siRNAs and gene silencing; X-chromosome inactivation, dosage compensation and imprinting; and discussion of epigenetics in microbes, plants, insects, and mammals. The last part of the book looks at how epigenetic mechanisms act in cell division and differentiation, and how errors in these pathways contribute to cancer and other human diseases. Also discussed are consequences of epigenetics in attempts to clone animals. This book is a major resource for those working in the field, as well as being a suitable text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on gene regulation.




DNA Methylation and Cellular Differentiation


Book Description

In 1977 I wrote a grant proposal in which I applied to study developmental patterns in enzymatic methylation of DNA in eukaryotes. One part of the proposal was to assay cells at different embryonic developmental stages for maintenance and de novo type methylase activity. With one exception the referees, probably developmental biologists, recommended that the work not be supported because there was no evidence that methylation plays any role in eukaryotic gene regulation. Aside from proving that innovative ideas can seldom be used to successfully compete for grant funds, the skepticism of biologists toward methylation as a regulatory mechanism was, and still is, widespread even among some of those who investigate the problem. That is a healthy situation for all points of view should be brought to bear on a problem of such importance. However, to deny funds to investigate a problem because one has already formed an opinion without evidence is hardly commendable. The great skepticism about the significance of DNA methylation is based in part on the evidence that it is absent or very little used in Drosophila, a favorite organism for genetic and developmental studies. There now remains little doubt that methylation of cytosine in certain CpG sites can strikingly affect the transcription of sequences 3' to the methylated doublet. How this inhibition operates and to what extent it is utilized in cells is still debatable.




Stem Cell Epigenetics


Book Description

Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in stem cell biology and are vital for determining gene expression during cellular differentiation and governing mammalian development. In Stem Cell Epigenetics, leading international researchers examine how chromatin regulation and bona fide epigenetic mechanisms underlie stem cell renewal and differentiation. Authors also explore how the diversity of cell types, including the extent revealed by single cell omic approaches, is achieved, and how such processes may be reversed or managed via epigenetic reprogramming.Topics discussed include chromatin in pluripotency, stem cells and DNA methylation, histone modifications in stem cells and differentiation, higher-order chromatin conformation in pluripotent cells, stem cells and cancer, epigenetics and disease modeling, brain organoids from pluripotent cells, transcriptional regulation in stem cells and differentiation, non-coding RNAs in pluripotency and early differentiation, and diseases caused by epigenetic alterations in stem cells. Additionally, the book discusses the potential implementation of stem cell epigenetics in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and disease treatment. Stem Cell Epigenetics will provide researchers and physicians with a state-of-the-art map to orient across the frontiers of this fast-evolving field. - Analyzes the role of epigenetics in embryonic stem cell regulation - Indicates the epigenetic mechanisms involved in stem cell differentiation and highlights modifications and misregulations that may result in disease pathogenesis - Examines the potential applications of stem cell epigenetics in therapeutic disease interventions and regenerative medicine, providing a foundation for researchers and physicians to bring this exciting and fast-evolving field into a clinical setting - Features chapter contributions by leading international experts




Principles of Cloning


Book Description

Principles of Cloning, Second Edition is the fully revised edition of the authoritative book on the science of cloning. The book presents the basic biological mechanisms of how cloning works and progresses to discuss current and potential applications in basic biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Beginning with the history and theory behind cloning, the book goes on to examine methods of micromanipulation, nuclear transfer, genetic modification, and pregnancy and neonatal care of cloned animals. The cloning of various species—including mice, sheep, cattle, and non-mammals—is considered as well. The Editors have been involved in a number of breakthroughs using cloning technique, including the first demonstration that cloning works in differentiated cells done by the Recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine – Dr John Gurdon; the cloning of the first mammal from a somatic cell – Drs Keith Campbell and Ian Wilmut; the demonstration that cloning can reset the biological clock - Drs Michael West and Robert Lanza; the demonstration that a terminally differentiated cell can give rise to a whole new individual – Dr Rudolf Jaenisch and the cloning of the first transgenic bovine from a differentiated cell – Dr Jose Cibelli. The majority of the contributing authors are the principal investigators on each of the animal species cloned to date and are expertly qualified to present the state-of-the-art information in their respective areas. - First and most comprehensive book on animal cloning, 100% revised - Describes an in-depth analysis of current limitations of the technology and research areas to explore - Offers cloning applications on basic biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine




Epigenetics in Human Disease


Book Description

Epigenetics is one of the fastest growing fields of sciences, illuminating studies of human diseases by looking beyond genetic make-up and acknowledging that outside factors play a role in gene expression. The goal of this volume is to highlight those diseases or conditions for which we have advanced knowledge of epigenetic factors such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and aging as well as those that are yielding exciting breakthroughs in epigenetics such as diabetes, neurobiological disorders and cardiovascular disease. Where applicable, attempts are made to not only detail the role of epigenetics in the etiology, progression, diagnosis and prognosis of these diseases, but also novel epigenetic approaches to the treatment of these diseases. Chapters are also presented on human imprinting disorders, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases and gynecological and reproductive diseases. Since epigenetics plays a major role in the aging process, advances in the epigenetics of aging are highly relevant to many age-related human diseases. Therefore, this volume closes with chapters on aging epigenetics and breakthroughs that have been made to delay the aging process through epigenetic approaches. With its translational focus, this book will serve as valuable reference for both basic scientists and clinicians alike. Comprehensive coverage of fundamental and emergent science and clinical usage Side-by-side coverage of the basis of epigenetic diseases and their treatments Evaluation of recent epigenetic clinical breakthroughs




Epigenetic Contributions in Autoimmune Disease


Book Description

This volume focuses on the relevance of epigenetic mechanisms in autoimmune disease. It provides new directions for future research in autoimmune disease.