Introduction to Epigenetics


Book Description

This open access textbook leads the reader from basic concepts of chromatin structure and function and RNA mechanisms to the understanding of epigenetics, imprinting, regeneration and reprogramming. The textbook treats epigenetic phenomena in animals, as well as plants. Written by four internationally known experts and senior lecturers in this field, it provides a valuable tool for Master- and PhD- students who need to comprehend the principles of epigenetics, or wish to gain a deeper knowledge in this field. After reading this book, the student will: Have an understanding of the basic toolbox of epigenetic regulation Know how genetic and epigenetic information layers are interconnected Be able to explain complex epigenetic phenomena by understanding the structures and principles of the underlying molecular mechanisms Understand how misregulated epigenetic mechanisms can lead to disease




Genomic Imprinting and Kinship


Book Description

Genomic imprinting allows scientists to trace genes to the parent of origin. This volume presents a collection of 13 papers by David Haig (organisimic and evolutionary biology, Harvard U.) on genomic imprinting. He argues that our paternally and maternally active genes do not work in cooperation with each other and in fact are in competition. Each paper is followed by commentary by the author, providing background information and discussing developments since its publication. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR.




Genomic Imprinting and Uniparental Disomy in Medicine


Book Description

Eric Engel and Stylianos Antonarakis have written the most authoritative and vital reference on molecular and clinical aspects of uniparental disomy (UPD) and genomic imprinting to date. Genomic Imprinting and Uniparental Disomy in Medicine features comprehensive overviews of a multitude of genetic disorders linked to UPD, with a strong emphasis on clinical consequences. This book will provide readers with the tools necessary to identify and treat diseases associated with nontraditional chromosomal inheritance. Genomic Imprinting and Uniparental Disomy in Medicine features handy tables summarizing clinical phenotypes and chromosomal involvement in UPD, as well as clear illustrations on imprinting mechanisms and diagnostic testing. This authoritative, completely up-to-date practical reference will be useful for any clinical geneticist, genetic counselor, physician, or researcher encountering patients with such disorders or studying complex disease mechanisms.




Chromosomes Today


Book Description

Chromosomes Today, Volume 13 includes the plenary lectures presented at the 13th International Chromosome Conference, covering the most recent advances in the studies on chromosomes. The contributions in this volume were presented by some of the world's leaders in cytogenetic and molecular research and outline the present status of knowledge on the composition, structure, function and evolution of chromosomes, including, among others, the advancement of the human genome project. The use of cytogenetic studies has greatly increased in the last few years, resulting in a progressive improvement in the available methods that has consequently allowed a more detailed analysis of the molecular organization of eukaryotic chromosomes and a precise in situ localisation of specific gene sequences. This volume of Chromosomes Today provides up-to-date information regarding the topics at the forefront of chromosome research: genetic regulation, imprinting, DNA duplication, meiotic pairing, and the regulation of the...




Handbook of Epigenetics


Book Description

Handbook of Epigenetics: The New Molecular and Medical Genetics, Second Edition, provides a comprehensive analysis of epigenetics, from basic biology, to clinical application. Epigenetics is considered by many to be the new genetics in that many biological phenomena are controlled, not through gene mutations, but rather through reversible and heritable epigenetic processes. These epigenetic processes range from DNA methylation to prions. The biological processes impacted by epigenetics are vast and encompass effects in lower organisms and humans that include tissue and organ regeneration, X-chromosome inactivation, stem cell differentiation, genomic imprinting, and aging. The first edition of this important work received excellent reviews; the second edition continues its comprehensive coverage adding more current research and new topics based on customer and reader reviews, including new discoveries, approved therapeutics, and clinical trials. From molecular mechanisms and epigenetic technology, to discoveries in human disease and clinical epigenetics, the nature and applications of the science is presented for those with interests ranging from the fundamental basis of epigenetics, to therapeutic interventions for epigenetic-based disorders. - Timely and comprehensive collection of fully up-to-date reviews on epigenetics that are organized into one volume and written by leading figures in the field - Covers the latest advances in many different areas of epigenetics, ranging from basic aspects, to technologies, to clinical medicine - Written at a verbal and technical level that can be understood by scientists and college students - Updated to include new epigenetic discoveries, newly approved therapeutics, and clinical trials




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.




Genomic Imprinting


Book Description

The goal of this book is neither to provide a basic introduction to imprinting, nor to provide a comprehensive survey of the current state of the field. Rather, the book covers more recent advances, drawing attention to the emerging subtleties and complexities associated with imprinted genes. Genomic imprinting refers to a recently discovered phenomenon in which the expression pattern of an allele depends on whether that allele was inherited from the mother or the father.




DNA Methyltransferases - Role and Function


Book Description

DNA methyltransferases are important enzymes in a broad range of organisms. Dysfunction of DNA methyltransferases in humans leads to many severe diseases, including cancer. This book focuses on the biochemical properties of these enzymes, describing their structures and mechanisms in bacteria, humans and other species, including plants, and also explains the biological processes of reading of DNA methylation and DNA demethylation. It covers many emerging aspects of the biological roles of DNA methylation functioning as an essential epigenetic mark and describes the role of DNA methylation in diseases. Moreover, the book explains modern technologies, like targeted rewriting of DNA methylation by designed DNA methyltransferases, as well as technological applications of DNA methyltransferases in DNA labelling. Finally, the book summarizes recent methods for the analysis of DNA methylation in human DNA. Overall, this book represents a comprehensive state-of-the-art- work and is a must-have for advanced researchers in the field of DNA methylation and epigenetics.




The Placenta and Human Developmental Programming


Book Description

Developmental programming is a rapidly advancing discipline of great importance to basic scientists and health professionals alike. This text integrates, for the first time, contributions from world experts to explore the role of the placenta in developmental programming. The book considers the materno-fetal supply line, and how perturbations of placental development impact on its functional capacity. Chapters examine ways in which environmental, immunological and vascular insults regulate expression of conventional and imprinted genes, along with their impact on placental shape and size, transport, metabolism and endocrine function. Research in animal models is integrated with human clinical and epidemiological data, and questions for future research are identified. Transcripts of discussions between the authors allow readers to engage with controversial issues. Essential reading for researchers in placental biology and developmental programming, as well as specialists and trainees in the wider field of reproductive medicine.




Epigenetics and Metabolomics


Book Description

Epigenetics and Metabolomics, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, offers a synthesized discussion of epigenetic control of metabolic activity, and systems-based approaches for better understanding these mechanisms. Over a dozen chapter authors provide an overview of epigenetics in translational medicine and metabolomics techniques, followed by analyses of epigenetic and metabolomic linkage mechanisms likely to result in effective identification of disease biomarkers, as well as new therapies targeting the removal of the inappropriate epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic interventions in cancer, brain damage, and neuroendocrine disease, among other disorders, are discussed in-depth, with an emphasis on exploring next steps for clinical translation and personalized healthcare. - Offers a synthesized discussion of epigenetic regulation of metabolic activity and systems-based approaches to power new research - Discusses epigenetic control of metabolic pathways and possible therapeutic targets for cancer, neurodegenerative, and neuroendocrine diseases, among others - Provides guidance in epigenomics and metabolomic research methodology