Anatomy of Gene Regulation is the first book to present the parts and processes of gene regulation at the three-dimensional level. Vivid structures of nucleic acids and their companion proteins are revealed in full-color, three dimensional form. Beginning with a general introduction to three-dimensional structures, the book looks at the organization of the genome, the structure of DNA, DNA replication and transcription, splicing, protein synthesis, and ultimate protein death. This concise and unique synthesis and its accompanying web site offer insight into gene regulation, and into the development of methods to interfere with regulation at diseased states.

Perinatal and Developmental Epigenetics, Volume 32, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, provides a thorough overview of epigenetics in the early developmental and perinatal stages, illuminating pathways for drug discovery and clinical advances. Here, over 25 international researchers examine recent steps forward in our understanding of epigenetic programming during perinatal and early development. The book opens with an in-depth introduction to known and newly discovered epigenetic marks and how they regulate various cellular processes. Later sections examine various prenatal and perinatal environmental experiences and their ability to derail the normal developmental trajectory via epigenetic reprogramming. Insights and suggestions for future research illuminate approaches for identifying individual disease susceptibility. Concluding chapters highlight preventative and targeted therapeutic pathways to improve quality of life into adulthood.

DNA microarray technology has revolutionized research in the past decade. Initially an application for mRNA expression studies, the technology now has spread to other applications such as comparative genomic hybridization, SNP and mutation analysis. In DNA Microarrays for Biomedical Research: Methods and Protocols, experts explore these now commonly used applications, addressing probe design strategies, fabrication issues and providing practical examples of detailed methods for generation of high quality DNA microarray data. Chapters incorporate information on some of the largest providers of microarray, including Affymetrix, Ilumina and Agilent, and their use on a variety of applications. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and highly practical, DNA Microarrays for Biomedical Research: Methods and Protocols presents a variety of protocols which can be easily reproduced, allowing researchers to gain surprising insight into the complex world of DNA microarray technology.

The problem of unraveling two intertwined strands during the duplication of DNA was recognized shortly after the proposal of the DNA double helix structure in 1953. A group of enzymes called DNA topoisomerases solve this problem by breaking and rejoining DNA molecules in a controlled manner, thereby allowing strands to be passed through each other and thus untangled - not just during DNA replication, but also during many other basic cellular processes. Because of their intimate involvement in the workings of the cell, topoisomerases are also the logical targets of many antibiotics (including Cipro) and anticancer agents. This book, written by James Wang, the discoverer of the first topoisomerase and a leader in the field since, presents ten chapters covering the historical backdrop of the DNA entanglement problem and the discovery of the DNA topoisomerases, how DNA topoisomerases perform their magic in DNA replication, transcription, genetic recombination and chromosome condensation, and how they are targets of therapeutic agents. The book should appeal to readers from undergraduates upwards with interests in the biological and clinical aspects of topoisomerase function, or in the mathematics and physics of topology.

Handbook of Clinical Adult Genetics and Genomics: A Practice-Based Approach provides a thorough overview of genetic disorders that are commonly encountered in adult populations and supports the full translation of adult genetic and genomic modalities into clinical practice. Expert chapter authors supplement foundational knowledge with case-based strategies for the evaluation and management of genetic disorders in each organ system and specialty area. Topics discussed include employing genetic testing technologies, reporting test results, genetic counseling for adult patients, medical genetics referrals, issues of complex inheritance, gene therapy, and diagnostic and treatment criteria for developmental, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, pulmonary issues, and much more.

Applied Genomics and Public Health examines the interdisciplinary and growing area of how evidence-based genomic knowledge can be applied to public health, population health, healthcare and health policies. The book gathers experts from a variety of disciplines, including life sciences, social sciences, and health care to develop a comprehensive overview of the field. In addition, the book delves into subjects such as pharmacogenomics, genethics, big data, data translation and analysis, economic evaluation, genomic awareness and education, sociology, pricing and reimbursement, policy measures and economic evaluation in genomic medicine. This book is essential reading for researchers and students exploring applications of genomics to population and public health. In addition, it is ideal for those in the biomedical sciences, medical sociologists, healthcare professionals, nurses, regulatory bodies and health economists interested in learning more about this growing field.

Membrane Proteins, Volume 128 in the Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology series highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors.

With over two hundred types of cancer diagnosed to date, researchers the world over have been forced to rapidly update their understanding of the biology of cancer. In fact, only the study of the basic cellular processes, and how these are altered in cancer cells, can ultimately provide a background for rational therapies. Bringing together the state-of-the-art contributions of international experts, Systems Biology of Cancer proposes an ultimate research goal for the whole scientific community: exploiting systems biology to generate in-depth knowledge based on blueprints that are unique to each type of cancer. Readers are provided with a realistic view of what is known and what is yet to be uncovered on the aberrations in the fundamental biological processes, deregulation of major signaling networks, alterations in major cancers and the strategies for using the scientific knowledge for effective diagnosis, prognosis and drug discovery to improve public health.

Information is central to the evolution of biological complexity, a physical system relying on a continuous supply of energy. Biology provides superb examples of the consequent Darwinian selection of mechanisms for efficient energy utilisation. Genetic information, underpinned by the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules is largely encoded by DNA, a molecule uniquely adapted to its roles in information storage and utilisation.This volume addresses two fundamental questions. Firstly, what properties of the molecule have enabled it to become the predominant genetic material in the biological world today and secondly, to what extent have the informational properties of the molecule contributed to the expansion of biological diversity and the stability of ecosystems. The author argues that bringing these two seemingly unrelated topics together enables Schroedinger's What is Life?, published before the structure of DNA was known, to be revisited and his ideas examined in the context of our current biological understanding.

Twentieth Century Mouse Genetics: A Historical and Scientific Review provides a comprehensive examination of key advances in mouse genetics throughout the 20th century. Here Dr. Robert P. Erickson, a leader in the field, identifies the contributions of historic mouse genetics studies, and how those approaches and early discoveries are still shaping human genetics research and medical genetics today. In addition to historical overviews, the author provides researcher biographies and updates connecting historic research to ongoing advances. Past studies discussed use the T/t complex as an example and include the origins of mouse genetics, the synthesis of genetics and evolution, cytogenetics and gene mapping, population genetics and mutation research, immunogenetics, reproductive genetics, molecular cloning, X-inactivation and epigenetics, sex determination, and pharmacogenetics. Here researchers, students, and clinicians will find fresh inspiration to engage in human genetics research employing mouse models and to translate those findings to clinical practice.

Have you ever wondered about the origins of your ancestors? Are you curious about your ethnicity or race? Have you heard or told stories about your family's past? Would you like to know the science that can help to uncover some of these mysteries? In Who Am I? Identity in the Age of Consumer DNA Testing, communication scholars Anita Kathy Foeman and Bessie Lee Lawton present readers with the most comprehensive and cutting-edge research on DNA and identity construction. They investigate the modern trend of individuals using direct-to-consumer DNA test results to explore and negotiate their personal and social identities. This book explores the numerous misconceptions that exist with regard to race, culture, and ethnicity, and how DNA kits have changed the ways in which race and ethnicity are understood and acted upon in our everyday lives. Featuring groundbreaking research, illuminating case studies, and a compelling analysis of what makes us who we are, Who Am I? is an ideal book for courses in identity, diversity, and other social sciences, including intercultural communication, sociology, anthropology, and psychology.

The DNA of all organisms is constantly being damaged by endogenous and exogenous sources. Oxygen metabolism generates reactive species that can damage DNA, proteins and other organic compounds in living cells. Exogenous sources include ionizing and ultraviolet radiations, carcinogenic compounds and environmental toxins among others. The discovery of multiple DNA lesions and DNA repair mechanisms showed the involvement of DNA damage and DNA repair in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, most notably cancer. These books provide a comprehensive overview of the interdisciplinary area of DNA damage and DNA repair, and their relevance to disease pathology. Edited by recognised leaders in the field, this two-volume set is an appealing resource to a variety of readers including chemists, chemical biologists, geneticists, cancer researchers and drug discovery scientists.

Enzymes - Mechanisms, Dynamics and Inhibition, Volume 122, the latest release in the Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting new and interesting chapters on the topics. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

Mapping and, ultimately, deciphering the human genome is a major human and scientific adventure that involves thousands of researchers world-wide and considerable funds. Bertrand Jordan, an active scientist in this field, became also a privileged observer through a sabbatical year devoted to visiting nearly a hundred participating laboratories around the world. This placed him in an ideal position to see, discuss, record and analyse progress and difficulties in this endeavour. These observations are the basis for a regular feature, "Chroniques Genomiques" (Tales of the Genome) published in the French periodical medecine/sciences. This book is an integrated, expanded and updated version of the 1990-1993 chronicles. It provides a technically detailed but accessible account of the "Genome World" from the viewpoint of a practising scientist. It describes the strategies implemented in settings that range from small laboratories to semi-industrial installations such as "Genethon", and the associated questions in terms of national policies, economic stakes and ethical issues.

For decades, 98 per cent of our DNA was written off as 'junk' on the grounds that it did not code for proteins. From rare genetic diseases to Down's Syndrome, from viral infections to the ageing process, only now are the effects and the vital functions of these junk regions beginning to emerge. Scientists' rapidly growing knowledge of this often controversial field has already provided a successful cure for blindness and saved innocent people from death row via DNA fingerprinting, and looks set to revolutionise treatment for many medical conditions including obesity. From Nessa Carey, author of the acclaimed The Epigenetics Revolution, this is the first book for a general readership on a subject that may underpin the secrets of human complexity - even the very origins of life on earth.

How do we know what role a particular gene has? How do some genes control the expression of others? How do genes interact to form gene networks? With its unique integration of genetics and molecular biology, Genetic Analysis probes fascinating questions such as these, detailing how our understanding of key genetic phenomena can be used to understand biological systems. Opening with a brief overview of key genetic principles, model organisms, and epigenetics, the book goes on to explore the use of gene mutations and the analysis of gene expression and activity. A discussion of the interactions of genes during suppression, synthetic enhancement, and epistasis follows, which is then expanded into a consideration of genetic networks and personal genomics. Drawing on the latest experimental tools, including CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, microarrays, RNAi screens, and bioinformatics approaches, Genetic Analysis provides a state-of-the-art review of the field, but in a truly student-friendly manner. It uses extended case studies and text boxes to augment the narrative, taking the reader right to the forefront of contemporary research, without losing its clarity of explanation and insight. We are in an age where, despite knowing so much about biological systems, we are just beginning to realise how much more there is still to understand. Genetic Analysis is the ideal guide to how we can use the awesome power of molecular genetics to further our understanding.

Gene Environment Interactions: Nature and Nurture in the Twenty-first Century offers a rare, synergistic view of ongoing revelations in gene environment interaction studies, drawing together key themes from epigenetics, microbiomics, disease etiology, and toxicology to illuminate pathways for clinical translation and the paradigm shift towards precision medicine. Across eleven chapters, Dr. Smith discusses interactions with the environment, human adaptations to environmental stimuli, pathogen encounters across the centuries, epigenetic modulation of gene expression, transgenerational inheritance, the microbiome's intrinsic effects on human health, and the gene-environment etiology of cardiovascular, metabolic, psychiatric, behavioral and monogenic disorders. Later chapters illuminate how our new understanding of gene environment interactions are driving advances in precision medicine and novel treatments. In addition, the book's author shares strategies to support clinical translation of these scientific findings to improve heath literacy among the general population.

This book opens with a discussion on the clinical applications of comet assay. Comet assay is rapid, simple method which able to assess DNA damage in different samples like blood, cells and tissues. Following this, the authors examine comet assay usage in occupational toxicology studies. Isolated lymphocytes were the most used cell line in these studies, but exfoliated cells such as nasal and buccal cell, liver, kidney and sperm cells may be used. Comet assay may also be used to detect nanoparticles-associated DNA damage. As such, this compilation assesses potential limitations due to the interaction of the nanoparticles with the method. Next, to shed light on the mechanisms of the DNA track formation, the authors apply an original approach based on the kinetic measurements in the comet assay, arguing that in neutral conditions at low levels of DNA damages, the comet tail is formed by extended DNA loops. New applications of the comet assay are described for the detection of aberrant DNA methylation, which is a promising marker in cancer diagnosis and follow-up. The authors go on to describe and analyse the results of in vitro treatment of lymphocytes with insecticide using comet assay under alkaline and neutral conditions, testing the commercial product Calypso (R) 480SC and its active agent thiacloprid at concentrations of 30; 60; 120; 240 and 480 g.ml-1. In one study, Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seedlings were irrigated with Hoagland solution containing different concentrations of AlCl3. Morphological parameters such as germination rate and stoma number are evaluated. Additionally, the genotoxic effects of endosulfan pesticide at different times and in different concentrations in wheat leaf samples are analyzed in two-week old wheat seedlings in an effort to demonstrate that endosulfan is a genotoxic agent causing DNA breaks in wheat. In the closing chapter, the correlation between the comet assay parameters, cell viability, and hydroquinone concentration is explored. The relationship between comet assay and remaining hydroquinone after fungal treatment is also investigated in order to evaluate its biodegradation efficiency.

In 2010, scientists led by J. Craig Venter became the first to successfully create 'synthetic life' -- putting humankind at the threshold of the most important and exciting phase of biological research, one that will enable us to actually write the genetic code for designing new species to help us adapt and evolve for long-term survival. The science of synthetic genomics will have a profound impact on human existence, including chemical and energy generation, health, clean water and food production, environmental control, and possibly even our evolution. In Life at the Speed of Light, Venter presents a fascinating and authoritative study of this emerging field from the inside -- detailing its origins, current challenges and controversies, and projected effects on our lives. This scientific frontier provides an opportunity to ponder anew the age-old question 'What is life?' and examine what we really mean by 'playing God'. Life at the Speed of Light is a landmark work, written by a visionary at the dawn of a new era of biological engineering.

DNA Repair, Volume 45 in The Enzymes series highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on DNA polymerase beta and other gap-filling enzymes in mammalian base excision repair, Translesion polymerases, mechanism and function, The Rev1-Pol? Mutasome: Structure and Interactions in Translesion Synthesis, Challenges for base excision repair enzymes: acquiring access to damaged DNA in chromatin Nucleotide excision repair, DNA damage recognition mechanisms in mammalian nucleotide excision repair, Advances in understanding DNA mismatch repair, and more.

Nonheme Iron Enzymes: Structures and Mechanisms, Volume 117, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting new and interesting chapters on the topics. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

This monograph presents a new disciplinecultural genomicsas a complex approach for studying the interrelation between genomic data and culture and the impact of culture on genomic evolution in human history. It analyzes three basic components of cultural genomicsarchaeology, genealogy, and genomics. The author explores the classifications of archaeology and genealogy as traditional disciplines and tests their peculiarities against the limitations and delimitations of genomics to resolve the problems of human origin and historical demography. The main thesis in the book is that cultural genomics as a complex discipline has been changing the dynamics of exploring the human cultural identity in revolutionary ways and the problems of personal origin and lineage. Additionally, this book analyzes the evolution of human civilization and its requirement for close integration of genomics, archaeology, genetic genealogy, traditional genealogy, and other related social and cultural disciplines. Cultural identity is the basic constructor of the progress of human civilization. Cultural genomics allows researchers to personalize human history and embed new parameters of identity from the perspective of origin. However, the success of the scholarly results depends on how well genomics is blended with related branches of the science of humanity to produce quality results. Many topics of cultural identity still dwell only in the domain of traditional archaeology and genealogy, although genomics has expanded the opportunity to learn not only how cultural identity evolved, but also to create platforms of global networks of interrelatedness that have no analogies in the previous human scholarly experience. The innovative scholarly problems that the author addresses and the general attempt to constitute cultural genomics as a leading complex discipline of human cultural identity in the 21st century connect the book to the interests of the global scholarly community and all who are interested in cultural identity, genomic archaeology, genetic genealogy, and human origin as well as the evolution of human civilization. The author of this study, Dr. Lolita Nikolova, is a globally renowned scientist who has conducted an in-depth and complex original research; she uniquely combines expertise in the fields of prehistoric archaeology, genealogy, and cultural genomics.

One of the world's top behavioural geneticists argues that we need a radical rethink about what makes us who we are The blueprint for our individuality lies in the 1% of DNA that differs between people. Our intellectual capacity, our introversion or extraversion, our vulnerability to mental illness, even whether we are a morning person - all of these aspects of our personality are profoundly shaped by our inherited DNA differences. In Blueprint, Robert Plomin, a pioneer in the field of behavioural genetics, draws on a lifetime's worth of research to make the case that DNA is the most important factor shaping who we are. Our families, schools and the environment around us are important, but they are not as influential as our genes. This is why, he argues, teachers and parents should accept children for who they are, rather than trying to mould them in certain directions. Even the environments we choose and the signal events that impact our lives, from divorce to addiction, are influenced by our genetic predispositions. Now, thanks to the DNA revolution, it is becoming possible to predict who we will become, at birth, from our DNA alone. As Plomin shows us, these developments have sweeping implications for how we think about parenting, education, and social mobility. A game-changing book by a leader in the field, Blueprint shows how the DNA present in the single cell with which we all begin our lives can impact our behaviour as adults.

In Curiosity guides: the Human Genome, Dr. John Quackenbush, a renowned scientist and professor, conducts a fascinating tour of the history and science behind the Human Genome Project and the technologies that are revolutionizing the practice of medicine today.

Mechanisms of DNA Recombination and Genome Rearrangements: Intersection between Homologous Recombination, DNA Replication and DNA Repair, Volume 601, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Homologous genetic recombination remains the most enigmatic process in DNA metabolism. The molecular machines of recombination preserve the integrity of the genetic material in all organisms and generate genetic diversity in evolution. The same molecular machines that support genetic integrity by orchestrating accurate repair of the most deleterious DNA lesions, however, also promote survival of cancerous cells and emergence of radiation and chemotherapy resistance. This two-volume set offers a comprehensive set of cutting edge methods to study various aspects of homologous recombination and cellular processes that utilize the enzymatic machinery of recombination. The chapters are written by the leading researches and cover a broad range of topics from the basic molecular mechanisms of recombinational proteins and enzymes to emerging cellular techniques and drug discovery efforts.