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This book delves into the fascinating realm of eukaryotic gene regulation. The specific expression of genes shapes the phenotype of cells and tissues. The regulation of gene expression, including up- and downregulation, is a fundamental aspect of nearly all physiological processes, both in health and disease. These dynamic processes respond to various daily challenges, such as dietary changes and infections. Therefore, it is crucial for not only biologists and biochemists but also all students in biomedical disciplines to understand gene regulation concepts. This foundational knowledge will benefit them in their specialized fields. A comprehensive understanding of transcription factors and the mechanisms that alter their activity is a fundamental goal of modern life science research. Epigenetics refers to the packaging and accessibility of the genome in each of the trillions of cells in our bodies. The prefix “epi” (meaning “upon,” “above,” or “beyond”) indicates that epigenetic processes do not alter the DNA sequence of our genome, adding a layer of information beyond that encoded in our genome. Genomic DNA is wrapped around complexes of histone proteins, helping it fit into a cell nucleus with a diameter of less than 10 μm. This protein-DNA complex is known as chromatin. The content of this book is linked to the “Molecular Medicine and Genetics” course, which the author has lectured on in various forms since 2002 at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio. This book is an updated version of the textbooks “Mechanisms of Gene Regulation” and “Human Epigenomics.” It is divided into 16 chapters. Following two introductory chapters, four chapters explore gene regulation from the perspective of transcription factors, while another four chapters focus on chromatin and non-coding RNA. Three chapters then discuss the impact of epigenetics from a health perspective, and the final three chapters address epigenetics from the perspective of diseases. A glossary in the appendix explains the major specialist terms.

This book takes the reader on a journey through past and current research on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC/HLA). It describes how it was discovered, what its biological function is and its application in medicine. The reader will learn about the molecular structure of the encoded molecules and different aspects of their role in medicine, including organ transplantation, their link to autoimmune diseases, cancer immunity, resistance to infectious diseases, and other related scientific areas, such as population genetics. In particular, the book focusses on the impact of MHC/HLA altered expression in tumours and their relevance in cancer immune escape and immunotherapy. It contains a large number of original figures and photographs of pioneers in the field, who made seminal contributions. Each chapter is supported by relevant key publications and enriched with a personal account of the early research that has contributed to our current understanding of the role of the major histocompatibility complex. This book is an excellent resource for all scientists in the biomedical life sciences who wish to gain insight into the discovery of the MHC/HLA and the role of this important genetic complex in health and disease.

Tauchen Sie ein in die Welt der Epigenetik, die Ihnen erklärt, wie Sie Ihre Gesundheit fördern und das Beste aus sich selbst herausholen können. Zunächst führt Sie das Werk in die molekularen Grundlagen ein, wie jede einzelne Zelle funktioniert und Information über ihre Umgebung verarbeitet. Letzteres hat sehr viel mit Epigenetik zu tun, die ein zentrales Thema in diesem Buch ist. Die Epigenetik, die für die Identität der mehr als 400 verschiedenen Zelltypen unseres Körpers entscheidend ist, hat auch einen dynamischen Aspekt. Sie lernen, wie intrazellulärer Signalübertragungswege über extrazelluläre Signale aktiviert werden und damit Transkriptionsfaktoren und Chromatin-modifizierenden Enzymen beeinflussen. Viele dieser Signale stammen direkt oder indirekt von unserer Ernährung. Letztere ist das wichtigste externe Signal, dem wir täglich ausgesetzt sind. Das führt zum zweiten zentralen Thema dieses Buches, der Nutrigenomik. Die Nahrung, die wir täglich zu uns nehmen, ist weit mehr als eine Ansammlung von Kohlenhydraten, Proteinen, Lipiden, Vitaminen und Mineralien, die Energie und Bausteine für unseren Körper liefert. Das faszinierende Fachgebiet der Nutrigenomik beschreibt die Wechselwirkung zwischen Nahrungsmolekülen, ihren Metaboliten und unserem (Epi)genom. Viele Nahrungsbestandteile, wie beispielsweise ungesättigte Fettsäuren, aktivieren direkt Transkriptionsfaktoren oder verursachen Veränderungen in den Konzentrationen von Metaboliten. Diese beeinflussen wiederum die Aktivität von Chromatin-modifizierenden Enzymen. Auf diese Weise „sprechen“ Moleküle unseres Frühstücks, Mittagessen oder Abendessen mit unserem Genom bzw. Epigenom. Tauchen Sie ein in die faszinierende Welt der Selbstheilung und Verantwortung für Ihre Gesundheit!

Epigenetic Cancer Therapy, Second Edition provides a comprehensive discussion of healthy and aberrant epigenetic biology, along with new discoveries to improve our understanding of cancer epigenetics and therapeutics. The book encompasses large-scale intergovernmental initiatives, as well as recent findings across cancer stem cells, rational drug design, clinical trials, and chemopreventative strategies. As a whole, the work articulates and raises the profile of epigenetics as a therapeutic option in the future management of cancer. Since the publication of the first edition of this book, the field of epigenetics has undergone significant change. New epigenetic therapies have been designed and approved for clinical use. Our knowledge of the plasticity of the epigenome in cancer and disease has expanded dramatically, with increasing evidence linking pollution to epigenetic changes in cancer development. This second edition has been fully updated to address these changes, along with promising therapeutic programs such as CRISPR/Cas9 mediated approaches, CAR-T based therapies, epigenetic priming, histone modifications, and similar, transformative advances across synthetic biology and cellular engineering. - Concisely summarizes the therapeutic implications of recent, large-scale epigenome studies - Covers new findings in the interplay between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug resistance, thus demonstrating that epigenetic machinery is a candidate target for the eradication of these CSCs - Provides a fully updated resource on new topics, including the epitranscriptome, oncohistones, single cell analysis, epigenetic priming, CRISPR therapy, CAR-T therapy, and epigenetics and pollution - Features chapter contributions from leading experts in the field

Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Epigenetics, Second Edition is a comprehensive reference on the epigenetic basis of common neuropsychiatric disorders. The volume is organized into chapters covering individual neuropsychiatric disorders, from addiction to anxiety and autism spectrum disorders, and is contributed by leading experts in their respective fields. The epigenetic aspects of each disorder are discussed, in the context of the full range of associated epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA modification, histone post-translational modification, chromatin organization, and non-coding RNA. A particular emphasis is placed on potential epigenetic interventions, when the effects of environmental stimuli on epigenetic states is particularly relevant to disease.This new edition has been fully updated to reflect recent research advances enabled by genomic technologies, as well as therapeutic interventions for previously unmanageable disorders. Several new chapters have been added on disorders or approaches not considered in the earlier edition, including epigenetics and anxiety disorders, epigenetics and neuroimaging in neuropsychiatric disorders, genome-wide approaches to epigenetic research, and the epigenetics of spinal muscular atrophy. By helping to define epigenetics as a key player in neuropsychiatric disorders, this volume empowers new research, clinical translation, and pharmacological advances, and highlights promising directions for ongoing investigation. - Analyzes the effects of environmental stimuli on epigenetic states that correlate with neuropsychiatric disease induction - Reviews the epigenetic basis for common neuropsychiatric disorders, thereby guiding translational therapies for clinicians and mechanistic studies for scientists - Features extensive use of diagrams, illustrations, tables, and graphical abstracts for each section to reinforce understanding - - Includes chapter contributions from leading global experts

The fascinating area of molecular medicine provides a molecular and cellular description of health and disease. Starting with the understanding of gene regulation and epigenetics, i.e., the interplay of transcription factors and chromatin, this book will provide an fundamental basis of nearly all processes in physiology, both in health as well as in most common disorders, such as cancer, diabetes as well as in autoimmune diseases. Most non-communicable human diseases have a genetic (= inherited) as well as an epigenetic component. The later one is based on our lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. Many common diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, can be explained only to some 20% via a genetic predisposition. We cannot change the genes that we are born with but we can take care of the remaining 80% being primarily based on our epigenome. Therefore, there is a high level of individual responsibility for staying healthy. Thus, not only biologists and biochemists should be aware of this topic, but all students of biomedical disciplines will benefit from being introduced into the concepts of molecular medicine. This will provide them with a good basis for their specialized disciplines of modern life science research. The book is subdivided into 42 chapters that are linked to a series of lecture courses in “Molecular Medicine and Genetics”, “Molecular Immunology”, “Cancer Biology” and “Nutrigenomics” that is given by one of us (C. Carlberg) in different forms since 2002 at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio. This book represents an updated version and fusion of the books textbooks “Mechanisms of Gene Regulation: How Science Works” (ISBN 978-3-030-52321-3), “Human Epigenetics: How Science Works” (ISBN 978-3-030-22907-8). “Molecular Immunology: How Science Works” (ISBN 978-3-031-04024-5), “Cancer Biology: How Science Works” (ISBN 978-3-030-75699-4) and “Nutrigenomics: How Science Works” (ISBN 978-3-030-36948-4). By combining basic understanding of cellular mechanism with clinical examples, the authors hope to make this textbook a personal experience. A glossary in the appendix will explain the major specialist's terms.

Handbook of Epigenetics: The New Molecular and Medical Genetics, Third Edition provides a comprehensive analysis of epigenetics, from basic biology to clinical application. This new edition has been fully revised to cover the latest and evolving topics in epigenetics, with chapters updated and new chapters added on topics such as single-cell epigenetics, DNA methylation clocks in age-related diseases, transposable elements and epigenetics, X chromosome inactivation, and the epigenetics of drug addiction, among other topics. Throughout this edition, greater emphasis falls on epigenomic analyses and incorporating multi-omics approaches rather than gene-specific analyses. In addition, this edition has also been enhanced with step-by-step instructions in research methods, as well as easy-to-digest disease case studies and clinical trials that provide context and applied examples of recent advances in disease understanding and epigenetic therapeutics. These features empower researchers to reproduce the approaches and studies discussed and aid clinical translation. Live links across chapters tie in relevant external datasets and resources. - Provides a timely and comprehensive collection of fully up-to-date coverage of epigenetics - Covers basic epigenetic biology, research methods and technology, disease relationships and clinical medicine - Written at a verbal and technical level that can be understood by scientists and students alike, with chapter summaries and conclusions included throughout - Discusses exciting new topics in epigenetics, such as DNA methylation clocks in age-related diseases, transposable elements and epigenetics, X chromosome inactivation, and the epigenetics of drug addiction - Includes step-by-step instructions in research protocols to aid reproducibility, as well as easy-to-digest disease case studies and clinical trials, providing context and applied examples of recent clinical translation

Although scientists recognize the role of epigenetic mechanisms in DNA damage response, the complex, mechanistic interplay between chromatin regulation and DNA repair is still poorly understood. Comprehending how these processes are connected in time and space and play out in developmental processes may reveal novel directions for new research and disease treatment. Epigenetics and DNA Damage, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, offers a thorough grounding in the relationship between DNA Damage, epigenetic modifications, and chromatin regulation. Early chapters address the basic science of DNA damage and its association with various epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, histone variants, chromatin remodeling, miRNAs, and lncRNAs. This is followed by a close discussion of DNA damage and epigenetics in metabolism, aging, cellular differentiation, immune function, stem cell biology, and cancer, tying recent research to translational application in disease understanding. Later chapters examine possible epigenetic therapies combining DNA damage induction and epigenetic alteration, as well as instructive chapters on how to analyze DNA damage and epigenetic alterations in new research. - Offers a thorough foundation in epigenetics and DNA damage research, as well as informed discussion of evolving research trends, disease findings, and early therapeutics - Features chapter contributions from leading international contributors - Empowers scientists to apply protocols in DNA damage and epigenetic alteration analysis and experimatation in their own research

This book focuses on the amphibian, Xenopus, one of the most commonly used model animals in the biological sciences. Over the past 50 years, the use of Xenopus has made possible many fundamental contributions to our knowledge in cell biology, developmental biology, molecular biology, and neurobiology. In recent years, with the completion of the genome sequence of the main two species and the application of genome editing techniques, Xenopus has emerged as a powerful system to study fundamental disease mechanisms and test treatment possibilities. Xenopus has proven an essential vertebrate model system for understanding fundamental cell and developmental biological mechanisms, for applying fundamental knowledge to pathological processes, for deciphering the function of human disease genes, and for understanding genome evolution.Key Features Provides historical context of the contributions of the model system Includes contributions from an international team of leading scholars Presents topics spanning cell biology, developmental biology, genomics, and disease model Describes recent experimental advances Incorporates richly illustrated diagrams and color images Related TitlesGreen, S. L. The Laboratory Xenopus sp. (ISBN 978-1-4200-9109-0)Faber, J. & P. D. Nieuwkoop. Normal Table of Xenopus laevis (Daudin): A Systematical & Chronological Survey of the Development from the Fertilized Egg till the End of Metamorphosis (ISBN 978-0-8153-1896-5)Jarret, R. L. & K. McCluskey. The Biological Resources of Model Organisms (ISBN 978-1-0320-9095-5)The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.

This book addresses and dissects the roles and crosstalk mechanisms for the 48 human nuclear receptors (NR) in human health and disease. After a State-of-the-Art introduction by an undisputed and celebrated field leader to provide an overview of the field and its significance, chapters are organized into six sections. The first three sections discuss NR roles in Reproduction & Development, Metabolism and Central Systems. These present to the reader our current understanding of NR signaling in the development and functioning of the reproductive system; the roles in the regulation of energy metabolism; and how NR signaling is more widely integrated into systemic functions from calcium flux to circadian rhythm. The subsequent three sections dissect how aberrant NR functions drive Cancer; how new insights into Genomic Interaction are helping to reveal how NR disruption drives disease; and finally, how Translational Efforts are exploiting this understanding from developing novel NR ligands to establishing how underlying genetic variation impacts NR function. Within these sections the chapters also illustrate emerging understanding of how the epigenome and non-coding genome combine to regulate NR function and impact dysfunction. Increasingly these insights cross-fertilize over cell and disease boundaries and it is unsurprising that NR are being explored in novel and new arenas such as the context of neurological disorders and depression. Thus, there is wide scope for re-purposing of licensed drugs and development of new NR-targeting therapies for a host of conditions and diseases. This unique book brings together many of the leading figures in NR research from across the globe, to discuss emerging roles and their implications for human health and disease. It summarizes the state of the art and shows signposts for future research to further shape this influential field.