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




The Structure and Function of Chromatin


Book Description

The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.







Fundamentals of Chromatin


Book Description

​​​​​​​​​​​​​While there has been an increasing number of books on various aspects of epigenetics, there has been a gap over the years in books that provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of chromatin. ​Chromatin is the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the genetic material of chromosomes. Its primary function is to package DNA to fit into the cell, to strengthen the DNA to prevent damage, to allow mitosis and meiosis, and to control the expression of genes and DNA replication. The audience for this book is mainly newly established scientists ​and graduate students. Rather than going into the more specific areas of recent research on chromatin the chapters in this book give a strong, updated groundwork about the topic. Some the fundamentals that this book will cover include the structure of chromatin and biochemistry and the enzyme complexes that manage it.




Chromatin Structure and Dynamics


Book Description

Biological processes that replicate, preserve and use the genetic information encoded in DNA must operate in the context of chromatin, a highly organized complex of DNA and proteins. These proteins do not merely package the DNA in the tiny volume of the nucleus, but impart the structure the ability to change according to the requirements of the specific process the DNA is involved in. Moreover, chromatin structure is used by the cell to control the activity of DNA. In this volume the basics of chromatin structure and dynamics are presented by established experts in the field.




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.




DNA Interactions with Polymers and Surfactants


Book Description

A broad overview of the interaction of DNA with surfactants and polymers Due to the potential benefits of biotechnology, interest in the interaction between DNA and surfactants and polymers has become increasingly significant. Now, DNA Interactions with Polymers and Surfactants provides an extensive, up-to-date overview of the subject, giving readers a basis for understanding the factors leading to complexation between DNA and different cosolutes, including metal ions, polyelectrolytes, spermine, spermidine, surfactants and lipids, and proteins. Topical coverage includes: Polyelectrolytes, physico-chemical aspects and biological significance Solution behavior of nucleic acids Single DNA molecules: compaction and decompaction Interaction of DNA with surfactants and cationic polymers Interactions of histones with DNA DNA-DNA interactions The hydration of DNA-amphiphile complexes DNA-surfactant/lipid complexes at liquid interfaces DNA and DNA-surfactant complexes at solid surfaces The role of correlation forces for DNA-cosolute interactions Simulations of polyions Cross-linked DNA gels and gel particles DNA as an amphiphilic polymer Lipid-DNA interactions Covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the subject, DNA Interactions with Polymers and Surfactants is an ideal resource for chemists and biochemists working in gene and DNA delivery research in industry and academia, as well as for cell biologists, chemical engineers, molecular biologists, and development biologists in the pharmaceutical industry.




Histone Variants


Book Description

This volume compiles methodologies used for detailed studies of histone variants, from their basic properties to their functional roles in chromatin and as vectors of epigenetic information. Its four sections cover experimental approaches to probe the biochemistry of histone variants and variant nucleosomes; their dynamics throughout the cell cycle and at specific genomic locations; their functional impact on chromosome organization and genome stability; and their importance in development, disease and evolution. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, illustrations on the expected results, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. This anthology brings together contributions from many of the most highly recognized investigators in this community. Cutting-edge and thorough, Histone Variants: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the experimental and collaborative possibilities in this evolving field.




Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins


Book Description

How to synthesize native and modified proteins in the test tube With contributions from a panel of experts representing a range of disciplines, Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins presents a carefully curated collection of synthetic approaches and strategies for the total synthesis of native and modified proteins. Comprehensive in scope, this important reference explores the three main chemoselective ligation methods for assembling unprotected peptide segments, including native chemical ligation (NCL). It includes information on synthetic strategies for the complex polypeptides that constitute glycoproteins, sulfoproteins, and membrane proteins, as well as their characterization. In addition, important areas of application for total protein synthesis are detailed, such as protein crystallography, protein engineering, and biomedical research. The authors also discuss the synthetic challenges that remain to be addressed. This unmatched resource: Contains valuable insights from the pioneers in the field of chemical protein synthesis Presents proven synthetic approaches for a range of protein families Explores key applications of precisely controlled protein synthesis, including novel diagnostics and therapeutics Written for organic chemists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and molecular biologists, Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins provides key knowledge for everyone venturing into the burgeoning field of protein design and synthetic biology.