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.

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.

This book focuses on histone mutations, especially those mutations closely related to cancer. Genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations contribute to the development of a variety of cancers: recent genetic studies have identified e.g. H3K27M and H3G34R/V mutation in over 75% of DIPG cases, H3.3K36M mutation in more than 90% of chondroblastoma cases, and H3G34W/L mutation in over 90% of giant cell tumors of bone. Given the high incidence and tumorigenesis effects of histone H3 mutations, they are also referred to as oncohistones. This book highlights the advances made in the area over the past 10 years, and offers a state-of-the-art summary of epigenetic alternation, gene expression, protein structure, drug discovery, immunotherapy, and mouse modeling of histone H3 mutations in various tumors. Chiefly intended to provide researchers and graduate students with an overall picture of these mutations, it will also be of interest to researchers in basic oncology, clinical oncology, and epigenetics, as well as academics and clinical oncology practitioners.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

This new volume of Methods in Enzymology continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The first of 2 volumes covering nucleosomes, histones and chromatin, it has chapters on methods applied to the study of protein arginine methylation, high-resolution identification of intra- and interchromosomal DNA interactions by 4C technology, and peptide arrays to interrogate the binding specificity of chromatin-binding proteins. Continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field The first of 2 volumes covering nucleosomes, histones and chromatin Chapters on methods applied to the study of protein arginine methylation, high-resolution identification of intra- and interchromosomal DNA interactions by 4C technology, and peptide arrays to interrogate the binding specificity of chromatin-binding proteins

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.

Condensed ed. of: Genes X / Benjamin Lewin. c2011.

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.

This volume provides methods used to investigate histone methyltransferase function. Chapters guide readers through a comprehensive set of approaches that detail phylogenetic diversity, histone demethylase activities in vitro, generating chromatin substrates, auto-methylation, quantification of metabolites, protein purification, crystallization, X-ray structure, cryogenic electron microscopy, assessing genome-wide patterns, CUT&Tag in mouse embryonic tissues, chemical biology approaches, peptide SPOT arrays, nascent chromatin capture, ectopic protein tethering, computational models, and development of methyltransferase inhibitors. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Histone Methyltransferases: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.