4 books found
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.
The purpose of this primer is to provide students, teachers as well as academic and industry researchers with a succinct account of the chemical and structural features of chromatin and the role that these features play in the maintenance and function of the genetic material.It is universally accepted that DNA is the carrier of the genetic information that is transmitted from parents to their offspring and that it is responsible for the anatomy, physiology and behavior of all individuals throughout development and adult life. Yet, how this information is retrieved and used selectively to allow a fertilized egg to become an organism made up of myriads of different cells and tissues is not as evident and easily understood.Dr Lucchesi, an internationally known researcher and teacher, provides an easily opened window into the role that the complex of proteins and nucleic acids that are associated with the DNA play in mediating gene expression and in responding to environmental circumstances.
by Thomas D. Pollard, William C. Earnshaw, Jennifer Lippincott-Schwartz, Graham Johnson
2022 · Elsevier Health Sciences
Reader-friendly Cell Biology, 4th Edition, provides a concise but comprehensive foundation for students entering research or health care career paths. Award winning illustrations help readers quickly grasp general principles. The authors have thoroughly updated this popular text to provide readers with the current understanding of the principles of normal cellular function along with examples of how molecular defects predispose to human disease. Major new themes in the 4th edition include the roles of intrinsically disordered polypeptides and phase separation in cellular functions, the influence of new molecular structures on understanding mechanisms, and the impact of exciting new methods—from single cell RNA sequencing to second generation super resolution fluorescence microscopy—on advancing our understanding. - Clear, readable explanations provide a concise story about how cells function at the molecular level - An intuitive chapter flow starts with genome organization, gene expression, and RNA processing as a foundation for understanding every aspect of cellular function and physiology - Brings cellular biology to life for students interested in medical science by explaining how mutations in genes can compromise virtually every cellular system and predispose to human disease. Knowledge of cell biology has led to new treatments for cancer, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases - Unique illustrations with realistic proportions and relationships explain every cellular process including the assembly of SARS CoV-2, the structures attaching mitotic chromosomes to microtubules, the mechanism of DNA replication and how pumps, carriers and channels orchestrate physiological processes from synaptic transmission to cellular volume regulation - Covers exciting breakthroughs such as SMC motor proteins actively organizing chromosomal DNA, TOR kinases regulating metabolism, new types of immunotherapy for cancer treatment, mechanisms regulating fast axonal transport and their relation to neurodegenerative diseases, how completion of DNA replication sets the time for cells to enter mitosis, how a cascade of signals specifies the site of cell division, and newly understood pathways of normal and pathological cell death - Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook allows you to access all of the text, figures, and references from the book on a variety of devices
by Nancy Lynn Craig, Rachel Green, Carol C. Greider, Carol W. Greider, Gisela Storz, Cynthia Wolberger, Orna Cohen-Fix
2021
Molecular Biology: Principles of Genome Function offers a fresh, distinctive approach to the teaching of molecular biology. It is an approach that reflects the challenge of teaching a subject that is in many ways unrecognizable from the molecular biology of the 20th century - a discipline in which our understanding has advanced immeasurably, but about which many questions remain to be answered.KEY FEATURESA focus on the underlying principles equips students with a robust conceptual framework on which to add further detail from the vast amount of scientific information available to us todayAn emphasis on commonalities reflects the conserved molecular processes and components that we now know to exist between bacteria, archaea and eukaryotesExperimental Approach panels demonstrate the central importance of experimental evidence to furthering our understanding of molecular biology by describing research that has been particularly valuable in elucidating different aspects of the subjectOnline resources, for both instructors and students alike, enhance the educational value of the textNEW TO THIS EDITIONNew content on epigenetics, targeted genome editing and pre-mRNA splicingCutting-edge scientific breakthroughs in CRISPR technology, including a description of newly defined steps in the molecular mechanisms underlying CRISPR-mediated adaptation in bacterial adaptive immunity; and a description of a recently discovered transposable element family whose integration mechanism is closely related to and involves molecular relatives of the CRISPR-Cas bacterial adaptive immunity systemEnhanced coverage of DNA replication and regulatory RNAsSeven new Experimental Approach panelsThis title is available as an eBook. Visit VitalSource for more information or to purchase.