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 first of its kind, this reference gives a comprehensive but concise introduction to epigenetics before covering the many interactions between hormone regulation and epigenetics at all levels. The contents are very well structured with no overlaps between chapters, and each one features supplementary material for use in presentations. Throughout, major emphasis is placed on pathological conditions, aiming at the many physiologists and developmental biologists who are familiar with the importance and mechanisms of hormone regulation but have a limited background in epigenetics.

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.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​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.

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.

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.

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

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

Over the past decades, chromatin remodelling has emerged as an important regulator of gene expression and plant defense. This book provides a detailed understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in plants of agronomic importance. The information presented here is significant because it is expected to provide the knowledge needed to develop in the future treatments to manipulate and selectively activate/inhibit proteins and metabolic pathways to counter pathogens, to treat important diseases and to increase crop productivity. New approaches of this kind and the development of new technologies will certainly increase our knowledge of currently known post-translational modifications and facilitate the understanding of their roles in, for example, host-pathogen interactions and crop productivity. Furthermore, we provide important insight on how the plant epigenome changes in response to developmental or environmental stimuli, how chromatin modifications are established and maintained, to which degree they are used throughout the genome, and how chromatin modifications influence each another.