Includes bibliographical references and index.

Contents
Front Matter
Copyright Page
Dedication and Acknowledgments
About the Author
Preface
Part I An Introduction to Epigenetics and Epigenetic Regulation
John C. Lucchesi
Expand1 Epigenetic phenomena in fungi, plants and animals
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Expand2 The basic structure of chromatin
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Expand3 The basic mechanism of gene transcription
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Part II Transcription is Regulated by Epigenetic Mechanisms
John C. Lucchesi
Expand4 Chromatin modification and remodeling
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Expand5 Epigenetic chromatin changes and the transcription cycle
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Expand6 The role of non-coding RNAs
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Expand7 Maintenance of the active and inactive states
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Expand8 DNA methylation and gene expression
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Expand9 Regulation of domains and whole chromosomes
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Part III The Interplay Between Transcription and Nuclear Structures
John C. Lucchesi
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Expand10 Architectural organization of the genome
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Expand11 The nuclear envelope
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Expand12 The nucleolus
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Expand13 Nuclear bodies
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Part IV Inheritance of Chromatin Structure and Functional States
John C. Lucchesi
Expand14 Chromatin replication
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Expand15 DNA repair and genomic stability
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Expand16 Inheritance of chromatin modifications through the cell cycle
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Expand17 Stem cells
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Expand18 Nuclear reprogramming and induced pluripotency
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Expand19 Transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic traits
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Part V Epigenetics, Human Health and Development
John C. Lucchesi
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Expand20 Aging, cellular senescence and cancer: the role of genomic instability, cellular homeostasis and telomeres
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Expand21 Aging, cellular senescence and cancer: epigenetic alterations and nuclear remodeling
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Expand22 Developmental systems and their dysfunction
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End Matter
Index

Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes, consisting principally of DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, maintain and modulate the initial impact of regulatory factors that recognize and associate with particular genomic sequences. 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 its 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. Dysfunctions at any level of genetic regulation have the potential to result in an increased susceptibility to disease or actually give rise to overt pathologies. As illustrated in this book, 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.