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 fine-tunes the life processes dictated by DNA sequences, but also kick-starts pathophysiological processes including diabetes, AIDS and cancer. This volume tracks the latest research on epigenetics, including work on new-generation therapeutics.

Genes interact with the environment, experience, and biology of the brain to shape an animal's behavior. This latest volume in Advances in Genetics, organized according to the most widely used model organisms, describes the latest genetic discoveries in relation to neural circuit development and activity. - Explores the latest topics in neural circuits and behavior research in zebrafish, drosophila, C.elegans, and mouse models - Includes methods for testing with ethical, legal, and social implications - Critically analyzes future prospects

Metabolic programs of individuals are key determinants for disease susceptibility and immune response. This book, edited by experts in the field, summarizes epigenetic signaling pathways that regulate metabolic programs associated with cancer and cancer-related secondary diseases. The first part of the book highlights key metabolic pathways that are implicated in cancer and provides a comprehensive overview on the carbohydrate, protein, lipid, amino- and nucleic acid metabolic pathways that are deregulated in cancer. Special attention is paid to the altered tumor micro-environment that is influenced by the metabolic milieu. Furthermore, the fundamental relationship between the cellular metabolic environment and cell death-mediated autophagy is discussed. The second part of the book covers our understanding of the fundamental epigenetic regulations that are implicated in controlling the metabolic programs in cancer cells. Many aspects of epigenetic regulation of non-coding RNAs as well as DNA/RNA methylation, which influencing metabolic homeostasis in cancer, are discussed in detail. Special emphasis is placed on the epigenetic regulation of the amino acid, glucose/carbohydrate metabolism and epigenetic regulation during hypoxia and its connection to cancer. Last but not least, the third part of the book covers small molecule modulators of histone modifying enzymes, which can be used as therapeutic tools. The readers learn about the cross-talk between epigenetics and immunometabolims, as well as the epigenetic regulation of oncometabolites to combat cancer. Given its scope, the book will appeal to a broad readership interested in epigenetic, cancer and metabolic research.

Methylation of DNA at cytosine residues as well as post-translational modifications of histones, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitylation, contribute to the epigenetic information carried by chromatin. These changes play an important role in the regulation of gene expression by modulating the access of regulatory factors to the DNA. The use of a combination of biochemical, genetic and structural approaches has allowed demonstration of the role of chromatin structure in transcriptional control. The structure of nucleosomes has been elucidated and enzymes involved in DNA or histone modifications have been extensively characterized. Since deregulation of epigenetic marks has been reported in many cancers, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms bears the promise that new drug targets may soon be found. The newest developments in this quickly developing field are presented in this book.

In Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer, a series of volumes from the International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology series, various experts in epigenetics critically cover multiple facets of cancer-associated epigenetic alterations, including the impact of epigenetic deregulation in all steps of oncogenesis as well as promising strategies to therapeutically target cancer-associated epigenetic deregulation. This collection aims at expanding our knowledge on this exciting field of investigation and providing fresh insights as a basis for further investigations that will hopefully translate into an improved clinical management of patients with cancer. - The collection provides accurate and critical review articles from invited experts on the selected topic - Each review provides the newest insights and remarks on multiple subjects of the topic - The volume offers a broad range of perspectives on detailed features

Methylation of DNA at cytosine residues as well as post-translational modifications of histones, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation and ubiquitylation, contribute to the epigenetic information carried by chromatin. These changes play an important role in the regulation of gene expression by modulating the access of regulatory factors to the DNA. The use of a combination of biochemical, genetic and structural approaches has allowed demonstration of the role of chromatin structure in transcriptional control. The structure of nucleosomes has been elucidated and enzymes involved in DNA or histone modifications have been extensively characterized. Since deregulation of epigenetic marks has been reported in many cancers, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms bears the promise that new drug targets may soon be found. The newest developments in this quickly developing field are presented in this book.

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 Gene Expression and Regulation reviews current knowledge on the heritable molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, contribute to disease susceptibility, and point to potential treatment in future therapies. The book shows how these heritable mechanisms allow individual cells to establish stable and unique patterns of gene expression that can be passed through cell divisions without DNA mutations, thereby establishing how different heritable patterns of gene regulation control cell differentiation and organogenesis, resulting in a distinct human organism with a variety of differing cellular functions and tissues. The work begins with basic biology, encompasses methods, cellular and tissue organization, topical issues in epigenetic evolution and environmental epigenesis, and lastly clinical disease discovery and treatment. Each highly illustrated chapter is organized to briefly summarize current research, provide appropriate pedagogical guidance, pertinent methods, relevant model organisms, and clinical examples. - Reviews current knowledge on the heritable molecular mechanisms that regulate gene expression, contribute to disease susceptibility, and point to potential treatment in future therapies - Helps readers understand how epigenetic marks are targeted, and to what extent transgenerational epigenetic changes are instilled and possibly passed onto offspring - Chapters are replete with clinical examples to empower the basic biology with translational significance - Offers more than 100 illustrations to distill key concepts and decipher complex science