In many biological processes the regulation of gene expression involves
epigenetic mechanisms. In this new edition of Epigenetics, 36 chapters
written by experts in the field introduce and explain epigenetic effects
from many perspectives. These include the varied molecular mechanisms
underpinning epigenetic regulation, discussion of cellular processes
that rely on this kind of regulation, and surveys of model organisms in
which epigenetic effects have been most studied.
The original chapters have all been rewritten and brand new chapters
cover topics such as the structure, function, and dynamics of
histone-modifying enzymes and histone-interacting proteins. Other
chapters address chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, siRNAs, and gene
silencing; X-chromosome inactivation, dosage compensation, and
imprinting; and epigenetics in microbes, plants, insects, and mammals.
How epigenetic mechanisms act in cell division and cell type
specification, and how errors in these pathways contribute to cancer and
other human diseases are also considered, along with the importance of
epigenetics for induced pluripotency and reprogramming. In addition, new
chapters describe the involvement of epigenetic processes in epigenetic
inheritance, neuronal development, metabolism and signaling, responses
to the environment, and long-range chromatin interactions. A series of
short essays highlight important recent discoveries.
All the chapters provide conceptual illustrations that help readers
understand epigenetic control. The book is thus a benchmark text for
advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on gene regulation, as well
as an essential resource for scientists interested in this rapidly
moving field.
