Allergic diseases are complex and involve a range of environmental factors interacting with a susceptible genotype. The familial clustering of diseases, such as asthma and hay fever, has been recognised for over two centuries, but identification of the genetic basis to this had to await the molecular biological revolution. Estimates of the contribution that genetic factors make to asthma susceptibility range from 35% to 70%. For the majority of allergic diseases, segregation analysis has not identified a consistent Mendelian pattern of inheritance, which, when combined with multiple phenotypes and environmental interactions, has made identifying candidate genes especially difficult and, at times, controversial. Part of the difficulty has been lack of agreement over phenotype definitions, reduced power of studies to predict linkage and association, and, importantly, lack of true heterogeneity between populations. Despite these difficulties, the last decade has witnessed enormous progress in this field.

In recent years, the field of epigenetics has grown significantly, driving new understanding of human developmental processes and disease expression, as well as advances in diagnostics and therapeutics. As the field of epigenetics continues to grow, methods and technologies have multiplied, resulting in a wide range of approaches and tools researchers might employ. Epigenetics Methods offers comprehensive instruction in methods, protocols, and experimental approaches applied in field of epigenetics. Here, across thirty-five chapters, specialists offer step-by-step overviews of methods used to study various epigenetic mechanisms, as employed in basic and translational research. Leading the reader from fundamental to more advanced methods, the book begins with thorough instruction in DNA methylation techniques and gene or locus-specific methylation analyses, followed by histone modification methods, chromatin evaluation, enzyme analyses of histone methylation, and studies of non-coding RNAs as epigenetic modulators. Recently developed techniques and technologies discussed include single-cell epigenomics, epigenetic editing, computational epigenetics, systems biology epigenetic methods, and forensic epigenetic approaches. Epigenetics methods currently in-development, and their implication for future research, are also considered in-depth. In addition, as with the wider life sciences, reproducibility across experiments, labs, and subdisciplines is a growing issue for epigenetics researchers. This volume provides consensus-driven methods instruction and overviews. Tollefsbol and contributing authors survey the range of existing methods; identify best practices, common themes, and challenges; and bring unity of approach to a diverse and ever-evolving field.

"Genome Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis" is a concise introduction to the subject, successfully bringing together these three key areas of research. Starting with a revision of molecular genetics the book offers clear explanations of the tools and techniques widely used in genome, transcriptome and proteome analysis. Subsequent chapters offer a broad overview of linkage maps, physical maps and genome sequencing, with a final discussion on the identification of genes responsible for disease.

An invaluable introduction to the basic concepts of the subject, this text offers the student an excellent overview of current research methods and applications and is a good starting point for those new to the area.A clear, concise introduction to the subject of modern genomic analysisA technology-oriented approach including the latest developments in the fieldInvaluable to those students taking courses in Bioinformatics, Human Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Analyzing high-dimensional gene expression and DNA methylation data with R is the first practical book that shows a ``pipeline" of analytical methods with concrete examples starting from raw gene expression and DNA methylation data at the genome scale. Methods on quality control, data pre-processing, data mining, and further assessments are presented in the book, and R programs based on simulated data and real data are included. Codes with example data are all reproducible. Features: * Provides a sequence of analytical tools for genome-scale gene expression data and DNA methylation data, starting from quality control and pre-processing of raw genome-scale data. * Organized by a parallel presentation with explanation on statistical methods and corresponding R packages/functions in quality control, pre-processing, and data analyses (e.g., clustering and networks). * Includes source codes with simulated and real data to reproduce the results. Readers are expected to gain the ability to independently analyze genome-scaled expression and methylation data and detect potential biomarkers. This book is ideal for students majoring in statistics, biostatistics, and bioinformatics and researchers with an interest in high dimensional genetic and epigenetic studies.

This book details the statistical concepts used in gene mapping, first in the experimental context of crosses of inbred lines and then in outbred populations, primarily humans. It presents elementary principles of probability and statistics, which are implemented by computational tools based on the R programming language to simulate genetic experiments and evaluate statistical analyses. Each chapter contains exercises, both theoretical and computational, some routine and others that are more challenging. The R programming language is developed in the text.

Transgenic Technology Based Value Addition in Plant Biotechnology discusses the principles, methodology and applications of transgenic technologies. With step-by-step methods on genome editing techniques and a range of potential applications, from improving crop yield to increasing therapeutic efficacy, this book is a one-stop reference for plant gene editing technologies. It will be of particular interest to researchers interested in plant biotechnology and plant genetics, as well as agricultural scientists and those concerned with medicinal plants.

- The book discusses the recent techniques in NGS data analysis which is the most needed material by biologists (students and researchers) in the wake of numerous genomic projects and the trend toward genomic research. - The book includes both theory and practice for the NGS data analysis. So, readers will understand the concept and learn how to do the analysis using the most recent programs. - The steps of application workflows are written in a manner that can be followed for related projects. - Each chapter includes worked examples with real data available on the NCBI databases. Programming codes and outputs are accompanied with explanation. - The book content is suitable as teaching material for biology and bioinformatics students. Meets the requirements of a complete semester course on Sequencing Data Analysis Covers the latest applications for Next Generation Sequencing Covers data reprocessing, genome assembly, variant discovery, gene profiling, epigenetics, and metagenomics

Imaging and Tracking Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols gathers representative protocols related to the vital techniques of stem cell imaging and lineage tracing, including that of live cells, both in vivo and in vitro. The detailed chapters presented within have been validated for reproducibility and are described in an easy to follow, step-by-step fashion so as to be valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field. As with other volumes in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters conclude with a Notes section, which provides tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Imaging and Tracking Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols provides both a flavor of the field as it currently is and a source to stimulate new approaches and methodologies by those interested in tracking stem cells and their progeny.

ONE OF AMAZON'S TOP 100 BOOKS OF 2014 Neanderthal Man tells the story of geneticist Svante Paabo's mission to answer this question: what can we learn from the genomes of our closest evolutionary relatives? Beginning with the study of DNA in Egyptian mummies in the early 1980s and culminating in the sequencing of the Neanderthal genome in 2010, Neanderthal Man describes the events, intrigues, failures, and triumphs of these scientifically rich years through the lens of the pioneer and inventor of the field of ancient DNA. We learn that Neanderthal genes offer a unique window into the lives of our hominid relatives and may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of why humans survived while Neanderthals went extinct. Paabo's findings have not only redrawn our family tree, but recast the fundamentals of human history,the biological beginnings of fully modern Homo sapiens , the direct ancestors of all people alive today.

Some of the brightest minds in criminology who were nurtured on the strictly environmentalist paradigm of the 20th century have declared that biosocial criminology is the paradigm for the 21st century. This book attempts to unite this ever-growing field with the premier neurobiological theory of personality, otherwise known as reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST). Anthony Walsh places the highly variable number of biosocial approaches under a single theoretical umbrella, whilst providing a unique integrative framework. As the leading neurobiological theory of personality and behavior in psychology today, RST focuses around the age-old question of how naturally selfish social animals can achieve their wants and needs without alienating others in their social groups. RST posits that evolution has built into humans three interacting systems: the behavioral approach system; the behavioral inhibition system; and the fight/flight/freeze system. RST identifies the neurobiological and genetic functions underlying each system and has found a cascade of supporting evidence. Throwing new light on many areas of concern to criminologists, such as psychopathy, violence, ADHD, and schizophrenia, this book will be of interest to scholars and upper-level students in the field. Additional features such as Focus Boxes and diagrams delve into measurement techniques and brain areas.

Almost daily, new technologies are being presented that move the field of human pluripotent stem cell research towards a future that may yield highly-effective, personalized medical treatments. Three enabling technologies at hand for human PSCs are 1) directed reprogramming of somatic cells, which eliminate many of the ethical issues associated with the derivation and use of human PSCs, increase genetic diversity of the available human PSC lines, and give rise to better" in vitro" human disease models; 2) the discovery that a Rho-associated protein Kinase (ROCK) inhibitor allows for efficient single cell passaging and cryopreservation, increasing the efficiency and reliability of hPSC culture; and 3) defined, animal-component-free media, which lay the groundwork for simplified scale-up for therapeutic applications, differentiation protocols, and toxicology screens. The aforementioned technologies can be found in "Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols," a compilation of 33 detailed protocols in six categories of PSC research that cover laboratory essentials and the derivation of new PSC lines, including induced PSC lines, as well as their growth, maintenance, characterization, genetic manipulation, and differentiation. Written in the successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and accessible, "Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols" serves as an ideal guide to scientists conducting their own pluripotent cell research programs and makes great strides towards furthering human knowledge and, ultimately, improving the human condition.

The over-riding premise for biotechnology in this book is bringing novel products to market to substantially advance patient care and disease mitigation. Biotechnology, over its relatively brief existence of 40 years, has experienced a mercurial growth. The vast educational need for biotechnology information in this rapidly burgeoning field is a basic rationale here. However a more prominent underpinning is that, bringing biotech products to market for patient care involves success in the following four areas of engagement simultaneously - scientific advances for healthcare technologies, novel and varied products for untreated diseases, regulatory authorities, and biotech companies. Features Comprehensive coverage of biotechnology science topics used in development and manufacturing Addresses all the scientific technologies within biotechnology responsible for products on the market and the pipeline Presents business issues such as marketing and sales of the products, as well as companies engaged, and how biotech business has evolved

Genome Plasticity in Health and Disease provides a fully up-to-date overview on genome plasticity and its role in human physiology and disease. Following an introduction to the field, a diverse range of chapters cover genomic and epigenomic analysis and the use of model organisms and genomic databases in studies. Specific molecular and biochemical mechanisms of genome plasticity are examined, including somatic variants, De Novo variants, founder variations, isolated populations dynamics, copy-number variations, mobile elements, DNA methylation, histone modifications, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs, telomere dynamics and RNA editing. Later chapters explore disease relevance for cancer, as well as cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, inflammatory, and endocrine disease, and associated pathways for drug discovery.

This book encompasses the proceedings of a conference held at Trinity College, Oxford on September 21-25, 1985 organized by a committee comprised of Drs. M. Crumpton, M. Feldmann, A. McMichael, and E. Simpson, and advised by many friends and colleagues. The immune response gene workshops that took place were based on the need to understand why certain experimental animal strains were high responders and others were low responders. It was assumed that identification of the immune response (Ir) genes and definition of their products would explain high and low responder status. Research in the ensuing years has identified the Ir gene products involved in antibody responses as the la antigens, or MHC Class II antigens. These proteins are now well defined as members of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, and their domain structure is known. Epitopes have been defined by multiple mono clonal antibodies and regions of hypervariability identified. Their genes have been identified and cloned. The basic observation of high and low responsive ness to antigen is still not understood in mechanistic terms, however, at either the cellular or molecular level. This is because the rate of progress in immune regulation has been far slower than in the molecular biology of the MHC Class II antigens. This is not surprising, since immune regulation is a very complex field at the crossroads of many disciplines."

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This book provides a practical and self-contained overview of the Gene Ontology (GO), the leading project to organize biological knowledge on genes and their products across genomic resources. Written for biologists and bioinformaticians, it covers the state-of-the-art of how GO annotations are made, how they are evaluated, and what sort of analyses can and cannot be done with the GO. In the spirit of the Methods in Molecular Biology book series, there is an emphasis throughout the chapters on providing practical guidance and troubleshooting advice. Authoritative and accessible, The Gene Ontology Handbook serves non-experts as well as seasoned GO users as a thorough guide to this powerful knowledge system.

This volume discusses recent research advances in cancer biology, focusing on the role of the tumor microenvironment. Taken alongside its companion volumes, Tumor Microenvironment: Recent Advances covers the latest research on various aspects of the tumor microenvironment, as well as future directions. Useful for introducing the newer generation of researchers to the history of how scientists studied the tumor microenvironment as well as how this knowledge is currently applied for cancer treatments, it will be essential reading for advanced cell biology and cancer biology students, as well as researchers seeking an update on research on the tumor microenvironment.

Genetics mapping, physical mapping and DNA sequencing are the three key components of the human and other genome projects. Statistics, mathematics and computing play important roles in all three, as well as in the uses to which the mapping and sequencing data are put. This volume edited by key researchers Mike Waterman and Terry Speed reviews recent progress in the area, with an emphasis on the theory and application of genetic mapping.

Plant Small RNA: Biogenesis, Regulation and Application describes the biosynthesis of small RNA in plant systems. With an emphasis on the various molecular mechanisms affected by small RNA and their applications in supporting plant growth and survival, this books presents the basics and most recent advancements in small RNA mediated plant genomics, metabolomics, proteomics and physiology. In addition, it emphasizes the various molecular mechanisms affected by small RNA and their applications in supporting plant growth and survival. Final sections cover the most recent advancements in small RNA mediated plant genomics, metabolomics, proteomics and physiology.

The field of eukaryotic DNA repair is enjoying a period of remarkable growth and discovery, fueled by technological advances in molecular bi- ogy, protein biochemistry, and genetics. Notable achievements include the molecular cloning of multiple genes associated with classical human repair disorders, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, Cockayne syndrome, and ataxia telangiectasia; elucidation of the core reaction of nucleotide excision repair (NER); the discovery that certain NER proteins participate not only in repair, but also in transcription; recognition of the crucial role played by mismatch repair processes in maintenance of genome stability and avoidance of cancer; the findings that the tumor suppressor protein p53 is mutated in many types of cancer, and has a key role in directing potentially malignant, genotoxin-d- aged cells towards an apoptotic fate; and the discovery and elaboration of DNA damage (and replication) checkpoints, which placed repair phenomen- ogy firmly within a cell-cycle context. Of course, much remains to be learned about DNA repair. To that end, DNA Repair Protocols: Eukaryotic Systems is about the tools and techniques that have helped propel the DNA repair field into the mainstream of biological research. DNA Repair Protocols: Eukaryotic Systems provides detailed, step-- step instructions for studying manifold aspects of the eukaryotic response to genomic injury. The majority of chapters describe methods for analyzing DNA repair processes in mammalian cells. However, many of those techniques can be applied with only minor modification to other systems, and vice versa.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Western countries. It also provides an archetypal example of how inherited predisposing genetic variants may interact with an environmental influence (smoking) to modulate individual cancer risk.

The Molecular Genetics of Lung Cancer describes how the new techniques, methods and approaches of molecular genetics are being used to unravel the complexities of the mechanisms underlying lung tumorigenesis by analysis at the DNA, RNA and protein levels with potentially important implications for tumour classification, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment as well as providing new insights into how lung tumours arise and how they progress to malignancy.

Transcription factors are important in regulating gene expression, and their analysis is of paramount interest to molecular biologists studying this area. This book looks at the basic machinery of the cell involved in transcription in eukaryotes and factors that control transcription in eukaryotic cells. It examines the regulatory systems that modulate gene expression in all cells,a s well as the more specialized systems that regulate localized gene expression throughout the mammalian organism. Transcription Factors updates classical knowledge with recent advances to provide a full and comprehensive coverage of the field for postgraduates and researchers in molecular biology involved in the study of gene regulation.

This book explains current strategies for mapping genomes of higher organisms and explores applications of gene mapping to agriculturally important species of plants and animals. It also explores the experimental techniques used for genetic and physical mapping of genes.

Legumes include many very important crop plants that contribute very critical protein to the diets of both humans and animals around the world. Their unique ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in association with Rhizobia enriches soil fertility, and establishes the importance of their niche in agriculture. Divided into two volumes, this work presents an up-to-date analysis of in vitro and recombinant DNA technologies for the improvement of grain, forage and tree legumes.

Volume 10A examines the current status and future prospects of challenges of the following: in vitro morphogenesis; biotic and abiotic stress tolerance; genomics; nitrogen fixation and utilization; nutritional improvement, and biodiversity of wild and tribal legumes.

Volume 10B presents the current state and future prospects of in vitro regeneration and genetic transformation expression and stability of transgenes modification of traits in almost all the important legumes, for example: soybean; peanut; pea; french bean; chick pea; pigeon pea; cowpea; mung bean; black gram; azuki bean; lentil; Lathyrus; lupinus; Lotus spp; Medicago spp; Trifolium spp; Winged bean; Guar; and tree legumes for their improvement. Written by international experts, these volumes will be of great value to researchers, as well as graduate students and all those requiring an advanced level overview of the subject area.

The genome's been mapped.
But what does it mean?

Arguably the most significant scientific discovery of the new century, the mapping of the twenty-three pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome raises almost as many questions as it answers. Questions that will profoundly impact the way we think about disease, about longevity, and about free will. Questions that will affect the rest of your life.

"Genome" offers extraordinary insight into the ramifications of this incredible breakthrough. By picking one newly discovered gene from each pair of chromosomes and telling its story, Matt Ridley recounts the history of our species and its ancestors from the dawn of life to the brink of future medicine. From Huntington's disease to cancer, from the applications of gene therapy to the horrors of eugenics, Matt Ridley probes the scientific, philosophical, and moral issues arising as a result of the mapping of the genome. It will help you understand what this scientific milestone means for you, for your children, and for humankind.

Completely updated and rewritten, with 150 new figures Genomes from a wide variety of organisms included, from viruses to humans Techniques fully integrated into the text, including those investigating the genome, transcriptome, and proteome Coverage of expression, regulation, and evolution is on a genomic scale Short answer questions and in-depth problems at the end of each chapter Same structure as Genomes 3 but streamlined