In this book, the authors present new research in the study of sex chromosomes. Topics discussed in this compilation include the evolution of mammalian X chromosomes and X chromosome inactivation; the role of sex chromosomes in mammalian female fertility; the fate of the Y chromosome; the role of Y chromosome genes on tumour development risk in disgenetic gonads; deletion of amelogenin Y-locus; non-invasive prenatal diagnosis for foetal sex determination; and application of X chromosomal STR polymorphisms to individual identification.

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Thousands of miRNAs have been identified in different organisms including viruses, insects, plants and animals. MiRNAs has emerged as key regulators of important biological processes. The differential expression of miRNAs in various human diseases has made them potential candidates for developing novel therapies and personalized medicines. This book is focused on microRNA let-7, the second miRNA discovered in the year 2000 and one of the most studied miRNA. This book discusses various aspects of miRNA let-7 starting from its discovery, biogenesis, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation to its crucial role in various fundamental cellular processes such as development, stem cell maintenance and differentiation, regulation of signalling pathways in cancer, drug resistance and therapeutic potential in different human diseases.

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of DNA replication and mutation, including connections between BLM and the Fanconi anemia pathway in the repair of replication fork damage; the mutagenic potential of methacrylates used in restorative dentistry; DNA mutation of the progranulin gene in familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration; effect of DNA polymerase a-inhibitor dehydroaltenusin on DNA replication in cultured cells; gel-based methods of DNA-binding zinc II complexes in the detection of DNA mutations and DNA mutations and genetic coding.

This book examines the peculiarities of the circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the double-stranded (ds) DNA cholesteric liquid-crystalline dispersions (CLCDs). The main physico-chemical properties formed as a result of the phase exclusion of these molecules in water-salt or water-salt-polymer-containing solutions are examined. In addition, the main principles of the theory of optical properties of imperfect, absorbing, cholesteric liquid crystals is discussed.

Polyhedra have attracted scientists' attentions due to their high-symmetric architectures since ancient times, and even served as common modes in natural world. Chemists in the past few centuries have strived to synthesise these polyhedral targets. Despite achievements that have been arrived, there is still a gap between the great varieties of polyhedral shapes observed in nature and the relatively limited molecular polyhedra constructed by small organic molecules. Fortunately, DNA was shown to be an excellent material in molecular construction. The construction of polyhedral structures with DNA improves the development of synthetic chemistry. This book reviews the recent progress made in the theoretical investigation of a new mathematical theory of DNA polyhedra.

This volume presents original research results from the leading edge of DNA research. It includes articles which have been carefully selected to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum of topics.

Numerous physical and chemical stress factors, endogenous or exogenous, challenge living organisms. Metabolisation processes generate highly reactive intermediates which can covalently bind to DNA, resulting in bulky addition products called "adducts." DNA adduct formation appears to be a general response of plants to organic chemical exposure, whether in controlled conditions or in the field. In particular, common carcinogenic pollutants and pesticides promote the formation of DNA adducts in plants. The authors of this book examine the development of DNA adducts, as well as the ways in which they can be eliminated due to DNA repair pathways. In this book, the data from in vivo transgenic assays is also examined, which can help to clarify specific pre-mutagenic adducts, DNA repair functions and mutational events that may be involved in the mutagenicity of human carcinogens. Other chapters in this book identify and discuss novel anthracyclines capable of forming DNA adducts, the role of DNA adducts as early biomarkers in the screening and development of marine anticancer drugs, the genotoxicity, such as DNA adduct formation, of air pollutants and its assessment by in vivo mutagenesis and a discussion of oxidative DNA damage, which can play an important role in the carcinogenic processes of PAHs and aromatic amines, in addition to bulky-DNA adducts formation.

"From his work as part of the prosecution in the 1995 O. J. Simpson murder trial to his star billing on TV's America's Most Wanted, former San Diego prosecutor George "Woody" Clarke has been party to some of the justice system's most visible, controversial, and melodramatic moments. He puts that populist knack to work in this nonfiction page turner that should appeal just as much to true crime buffs as those concerned with the workings of the criminal justice system."-Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Clarke's account of the rise of DNA evidence is engaging and well paced, and the author comes across as likable and genuinely humble-a rarity in a book of war stories."-San Francisco Chronicle "As a former prosecutor who specialized in DNA evidence, Woody Clarke has the ability to make the difficult science that sometimes confuses a jury understandable to his reader."-Dominick Dunne Databases of both convicted offenders and no-suspect cases demonstrate the power of DNA testing to solve the unsolvable. George "Woody" Clarke chronicles his experiences in some of the most disturbing and notorious sexual assault and murder court cases in California. He charts the beginnings of DNA testing in police investigations and the fight for its acceptance by courts and juries and illustrates the power of science in cases he personally prosecuted or in which he assisted, including his work with the prosecution team in the trial of O. J. Simpson. As Clarke tells the story of how he came to understand and use this new form of evidence, readers will develop a new appreciation for the role of science in the legal system. George "Woody" Clarke, a judge of the Superior Court in San Diego County for the past several years, lectures internationally on DNA evidence and has cohosted America's Most Wanted.

This book presents the latest research on DNA damage, which due to environmental factors and normal metabolic processes inside the cell, occurs at a rate of 1,000 to 1,000,000 molecular lesions per cell per day. While this constitutes only 0.000165% of the human genome's approximately 6 billion bases (3 billion base pairs), unrepaired lesions in critical genes (such as tumour suppresser genes) can impede a cell's ability to carry out its function and appreciably increase the likelihood of tumour formation. The vast majority of DNA damage affects the primary structure of the double helix; that is, the bases themselves are chemically modified. These modifications can in turn disrupt the molecules' regular helical structure by introducing non-native chemical bonds or bulky adducts that do not fit in the standard double helix. Unlike proteins and RNA, DNA usually lacks tertiary structure and therefore damage or disturbance does not occur at that level. DNA is, however, supercoiled and wound around "packaging" proteins called histones (in eukaryotes), and both superstructures are vulnerable to the effects of DNA damage.

Genetic vectors are plasmids, bacteriophages, or viruses used during recombinant DNA techniques that transport foreign genes into recipient cells. Genetic vectors possess a functional replicator site and contain a genetic marker to facilitate their selective recognition. This book presents new and important research from around the globe

A unique PCR troubleshooting guide that is an essential companion for anyone who uses the polymerase chain reaction technique. Aimed at a reader with some experience in PCR the book discusses the many and varied problems encountered with PCR together with tips, advice and procedures to obviate rather than overcome the PCR problems. Written in the language of the laboratory with a little humour and a down-to-earth approach, the book is easy to read and understand. If you fail at PCR, consult this book The advice in these pages is invaluable and is the sort of advice that is not usually found elsewhere.

Microarrays is an invaluable laboratory manual for anyone conducting experiments in the field of molecular biology or medical biochemistry who needs to understand and use microarray technologies. These technologies are especially appropriate in genome analysis, diagnostics, and studies involving differential gene expression.
Providing straightforward explanations, the authors demonstrate proven methods for biochip application and an overview of presently available instruments, biochips, and software. Chapters cover the different requirements for DNA and protein chips, as well as spotters and scanners. The book also covers high throughput screening, patent research, and the minimum requirements for setting up or expanding a microarray laboratory.
- Covers microarray applications, technology, and execution
- Written in an approachable yet informative tone
- Includes more than 100 detailed figures and graphs
- Examines the history of microarrays and their future potential
- Defines key terms from related disciplines
- Contains a full chapter on the importance of database research and patents
- Describes how to develop or improve one's own microarray laboratory

Quick, who won the Nobel Prize for discovering the double helical structure of DNA? Most people would say Watson and Crick. But most people would make Maurice Wilkins very upset. The Rodney Dangerfield of biology, Wilkins shared the prize with Watson and Crick but missed out on the limelight, due largely to Watson's hit book, The Double Helix. Wilkins thought the book was so misleading he asked Harvard University Press not to publish it. Things have quieted down a bit now, and Wilkins is now telling the story his way. This book tells how he showed his colleagues the x-ray picture that gave them their crucial insight, and about his interactions with Rosalind Franklin, the researcher who actually created the picture, and who also received very little credit for her role in the discovery. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the DNA discovery. Finally Wilkins gets to have his say.

The first edition of this book was the first on the physics of DNA to go beyond the simple (simplified) 'linear' approach, and it has since been found that the inclusion of nonlinear effects leads to a significantly improved interpretation of experimental data. This new edition naturally retains this approach, but has been completely revised, updated and expanded to cover recent developments.

Beginning with introductory chapters on DNA structure and dynamics, the book also includes a comparison between linear and nonlinear approaches to the DNA molecule, a chapter devoted to the statistics of nonlinear excitations of DNA, and examples for the interpretation of experimental data on the dynamics of DNA in terms of nonlinear theory.

Essential reading for researchers in biophysics and nonlinear physics, allowing biologists, chemists and physicists to continue developing new and improved techniques of investigating the DNA molecule.

The functional properties of any molecule are directly related to, and affected by, its structure. This is especially true for DNA, the molecular that carries the code for all life on earth.
The third edition of Understanding DNA has been entirely revised and updated, and expanded to cover new advances in our understanding. It explains, step by step, how DNA forms specific structures, the nature of these structures and how they fundamentally affect the biological processes of transcription and replication.
Written in a clear, concise and lively fashion, Understanding DNA is essential reading for all molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics students, to newcomers to the field from other areas such as chemistry or physics, and even for seasoned researchers, who really want to understand DNA.
* Describes the basic units of DNA and how these form the double helix, and the various types of DNA double helix
* Outlines the methods used to study DNA structure
* Contains over 130 illustrations, some in full color, as well as exercises and further readings to stimulate student comprehension

The application of computational methods to DNA and protein science is a new and exciting development in biology. Bioinformatics: Sequence and Genome Analysis is a comprehensive introduction to this emerging field of study. The book has many unique and valuable features:
-- It is written for any biologist who wants to understand methods of sequence and structure analysis and how the necessary computer programs work
-- Sequence alignment, structure prediction, phylogenetic and gene prediction, database searching, and genome analysis are clearly explained and amply illustrated
-- Underlying algorithms and assumptions are clearly explained for the non-specialist
-- Examples are presented in simple numerical terms rather than complex formulas and notation
-- Theoretical underpinnings are linked to biological problems and their solutions
-- Extensive tables provide descriptions and Web sources for a broad range of publicly available software
-- An associated Website (www.bioinformaticsonline.org), accessible free of charge by book purchasers, provides links to Internet sources referred to in the text, as well as problem sets for classroom use, and other useful material not included in the text.

Based on the well-established course given at the University of Arizona by the author, David Mount, this book is an ideal foundation for teaching at an undergraduate and graduate level. It is also highly suited for the self-instruction of investigators interested in the application of methods and strategies in functional genomics and for the needs of information specialists working in molecular biology and pharmaceutical laboratories.

DNA Repair and Replication brings together contributions from active researchers. The first part of this book covers most aspects of the DNA damage response, emphasizing the relationship to replication stress. The second part concentrates on the relevance of this to human disease, with particular focus on both the causes and treatments which make use of DNA Damage Repair (DDR) pathways. Key Selling Features: Chapters written by leading researchers Includes description of replication processes, causes of damage, and methods of repair

Barbara McClintock was born in 1902, within a few years of the rediscovery of Mendel's laws. Her life, discoveries, and insights span the history of genetics in this century. McClintock's unique ability to discern relationships between the behavior of chromosomes and the properties of the whole organism earned her early recognition. At Cold Spring Harbor, she began the studies of the consequence of dicentric chromosome formation and breakage that led her to the discovery of genetic elements capable of moving within the genome and controlling expression of other genes. This book contains a kaleidoscope of contributions, many by those who discovered transposition in other organisms. Their essays give a remarkable account of the scientific legacy of one of the century's greatest geneticists.

Candid, provocative, and disarming, this is the widely-praised memoir of the co-discoverer of the double helix of DNA.

'A phenomenally important book' Lewis Dartnell, author of Origins Why do we live in families? Why do we help complete strangers? Why do we compare ourselves to others? Why do we cooperate? The science of cooperation tells us not only how we got here, but also where we might end up. In The Social Instinct Nichola Raihani introduces us to other species who, like us, live and work together. From the pied babblers of the Kalahari to the cleaner fish of the Great Barrier Reef, they happen to be some of the most fascinating and extraordinarily successful species on this planet. What do we have in common with these animals, and what can we learn from them? The Social Instinct is an exhilarating, far-reaching and thought-provoking journey through all life on Earth, with profound insights into what makes us human and how our societies work. 'A pleasing juxtaposition of insightful scientific theory with illuminating anecdotes' Richard Dawkins 'Surprising, thoughtful and, best of all, endlessly entertaining' Will Storr, author of The Science of Storytelling 'A superb book about how important cooperation is' Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors

Genome sequencing is one of the most exciting scientific breakthroughs of the past thirty years. But what precisely does it involve and how is it developing? In this brilliantly wide-ranging, one-stop guide WIRED journalist Rachael Pells explains the science behind genomics. She analyses its practical applications in medical diagnosis and the treatment of conditions that range from cancer to severe allergic reactions to cystic fibrosis. She considers its potential to help with advances in agriculture and environmental science. She explores the ethics of genetic modification and the dangers involved when humans 'play God'. And she addresses the fundamental question: to what extent will future advances transform human longevity and the quality of life.

There have been remarkable advances towards discovering agents that exhibit selectivity and sequence-specificity for DNA, as well as understanding the interactions that underlie its propensity to bind molecules. This progress has important applications in many areas of biotechnology and medicine, notably in cancer treatment as well as in future gene targeting therapies. The editor and contributing authors are leaders in their fields and provide useful perspectives from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds on the current status of this broad area. The role played by chemistry is a unifying theme. Early chapters cover methodologies to evaluate DNA-interactive agents and then the book provides examples of DNA-interactive molecules and technologies in development as therapeutic agents. DNA-binding metal complexes, peptide and polyamide–DNA interactions, and gene targeting tools are some of the most compelling topics treated in depth. This book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in chemical biology, biochemistry, structural biology and medicinal fields. It will also be of interest to supramolecular chemists and biophysicists.

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. These changes, consisting principally of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, maintain or modulate the initial impact of regulatory factors that recognize and associate with particular genomic sequences. Epigenetic modifications are manifest in all aspects of normal cellular differentiation and function, but they can also have damaging effects that result in pathologies such as cancer. Research is continuously uncovering the role of epigenetics in a variety of human disorders, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions and advances in regenerative medicine. This book's primary goal is to establish a framework that can be used to understand the basis of epigenetic regulation and to appreciate both its derivation from genetics and interdependence with genetic mechanisms. A further aim is to highlight the role played by the three-dimensional organization of the genetic material itself (the complex of DNA, histones and non-histone proteins referred to as chromatin), and its distribution within a functionally compartmentalized nucleus. This architectural organization of the genome plays a major role in the subsequent retrieval, interpretation, and execution of both genetic and epigenetic information.

Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in stem cell biology and are vital for determining gene expression during cellular differentiation and governing mammalian development. In Stem Cell Epigenetics, leading international researchers examine how chromatin regulation and bona fide epigenetic mechanisms underlie stem cell renewal and differentiation. Authors also explore how the diversity of cell types, including the extent revealed by single cell omic approaches, is achieved, and how such processes may be reversed or managed via epigenetic reprogramming. Topics discussed include chromatin in pluripotency, stem cells and DNA methylation, histone modifications in stem cells and differentiation, higher-order chromatin conformation in pluripotent cells, stem cells and cancer, epigenetics and disease modeling, brain organoids from pluripotent cells, transcriptional regulation in stem cells and differentiation, non-coding RNAs in pluripotency and early differentiation, and diseases caused by epigenetic alterations in stem cells. Additionally, the book discusses the potential implementation of stem cell epigenetics in drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and disease treatment. Stem Cell Epigenetics will provide researchers and physicians with a state-of-the-art map to orient across the frontiers of this fast-evolving field.

DNA. The double helix; the blueprint of life; and, during the early 1950s, a baffling enigma that could win a Nobel Prize. Everyone knows that James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the double helix. In fact, they clicked into place the last piece of a huge jigsaw puzzle that other researchers had assembled over decades. Researchers like Maurice Wilkins (the 'Third Man of DNA') and Rosalind Franklin, famously demonised by Watson. Not forgetting the 'lost heroes' who fought to prove that DNA is the stuff of genes, only to be airbrushed out of history. In Unravelling the Double Helix, Professor Gareth Williams sets the record straight. He tells the story of DNA in the round, from its discovery in pus-soaked bandages in 1868 to the aftermath of Watson's best-seller The Double Helix a century later. You don't need to be a scientist to enjoy this book. It's a page-turner that unfolds like a detective story, with suspense, false leads and treachery, and a fabulous cast of noble heroes and back-stabbing villains. But beware: some of the science is dreadful, and the heroes and villains may not be the ones you expect.