Epigenetics and Human Health – serie

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes that play a key role in human development and tissue-specific gene expression patterns. These changes can lead to alterations involved in tumor formation, imprinting, and metabolic disorders. Recent advances can help us understand the importance of epigenetic changes in both cancer development and tumor progression. In addition, epigenetic alterations may also be useful diagnostic and prognostic markers for the analysis of tumor progression.Split into two parts, the book opens with a comprehensive overview of the identification and analysis of epigenetic changes in cancer and the consequences of such changes during tumor development. The second part focusses on cancer specific epigenetic alterations and discusses the potential use of epigenetic markers as biomarkers in diagnosis, early cancer progression, and prognosis. Moreover, it reviews the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs.   Given its scope, Cancer Epigenetics is an indispensable resource not only for researchers working in the field of human epigenetics and cancer research but also for advanced students seeking for an introduction into epigenetic mechanisms.

Epigenetic alterations are heritable changes that play a key role in human development and tissue-specific gene expression patterns. These changes can lead to alterations involved in tumor formation, imprinting, and metabolic disorders. Recent advances can help us understand the importance of epigenetic changes in both cancer development and tumor progression. In addition, epigenetic alterations may also be useful diagnostic and prognostic markers for the analysis of tumor progression.Split into two parts, the book opens with a comprehensive overview of the identification and analysis of epigenetic changes in cancer and the consequences of such changes during tumor development. The second part focusses on cancer specific epigenetic alterations and discusses the potential use of epigenetic markers as biomarkers in diagnosis, early cancer progression, and prognosis. Moreover, it reviews the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs.   Given its scope, Cancer Epigenetics is an indispensable resource not only for researchers working in the field of human epigenetics and cancer research but also for advanced students seeking for an introduction into epigenetic mechanisms.

This volume in the Epigenetics and Human Health series explores the intersection of diet and epigenetic modifications. It provides the reader with the latest research on how diet can influence our genetic and epigenetic profiles, thereby affecting our health and susceptibility to disease.In recent years, the field of nutritional epigenetics/nutri-epigenetics has expanded significantly, shedding light on how environmentally-driven epigenetic pathways can be modulated through nutrition and eating habits. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the various epigenetic mechanisms affected by dietary compounds and focuses on specific topics such as the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome, the impact of diet on cardiovascular disease and psychopathology and the role of diet in pregnancy. Written by an international team of experts, this book reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of diet on epigenetic modifications and discusses the prospect of personalized medicine using dietary strategies to promote well-being and protect against diseases. The book is aimed at researchers and students in the fields of human nutrition, genetics, and medicine.

This volume in the Epigenetics and Human Health series explores the intersection of diet and epigenetic modifications. It provides the reader with the latest research on how diet can influence our genetic and epigenetic profiles, thereby affecting our health and susceptibility to disease.In recent years, the field of nutritional epigenetics/nutri-epigenetics has expanded significantly, shedding light on how environmentally-driven epigenetic pathways can be modulated through nutrition and eating habits. The book provides a comprehensive introduction to the various epigenetic mechanisms affected by dietary compounds and focuses on specific topics such as the relationship between diet and the gut microbiome, the impact of diet on cardiovascular disease and psychopathology and the role of diet in pregnancy. Written by an international team of experts, this book reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying the influence of diet on epigenetic modifications and discusses the prospect of personalized medicine using dietary strategies to promote well-being and protect against diseases. The book is aimed at researchers and students in the fields of human nutrition, genetics, and medicine.

This new volume of the book series Epigenetics and Human Health is dedicated to microRNAs (miRNAS), regulatory non-coding RNAs that have important roles in the control of gene expression both at posttranscriptional and transcriptional levels.Endogenous miRNAs regulate gene expression patterns in a sequence-specific manner. These short sequences may serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of complex diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive disorders, respiratory diseases and pathogenic infections. Moreover, miRNAs hold promise to be used as extensive diagnostic and prognostic markers of disease.miRNAs, Human Health and Disease is an essential reading for graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, and academics interested in the latest developments on non-coding RNA-mediated pathways associated with health and disease.

This new volume of the book series Epigenetics and Human Health is dedicated to microRNAs (miRNAS), regulatory non-coding RNAs that have important roles in the control of gene expression both at posttranscriptional and transcriptional levels.Endogenous miRNAs regulate gene expression patterns in a sequence-specific manner. These short sequences may serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of complex diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurocognitive disorders, respiratory diseases and pathogenic infections. Moreover, miRNAs hold promise to be used as extensive diagnostic and prognostic markers of disease.miRNAs, Human Health and Disease is an essential reading for graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, and academics interested in the latest developments on non-coding RNA-mediated pathways associated with health and disease.

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile DNA sequences once referred to as "selfish DNA". While they have contributed significantly to genome evolution, their movement can often disrupt genes and lead to disease. To counteract this, organisms have developed post-transcriptional, transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms to control TE activity.This book explores the complex interplay between mobile genetic elements and human health, providing a comprehensive overview of TE biology, their modes of action, and the strategies employed to suppress their movement, and offering valuable insights into potential therapeutic interventions targeting TE-related diseases. In particular, the book reviews how TEs affect gene expression and contribute to diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inherited disorders. Other topics include TE polymorphisms, epigenetic control, co-opted functions, non-coding RNAs, and their roles in environmental stress and immune pathways.Providing a comprehensive reference on the subject, this book is intended for researchers and advanced students in genetics and related disciplines.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the complex relationship between exercise, epigenetics and human health. Drawing on the latest scientific research and expert insights, it provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of how physical activity affects the epigenome - the molecular markers that alter gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.Regular physical activity has the potential to modify gene expression patterns, resulting in a wide range of long-term health benefits that can even be inherited by future generations. These benefits include a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. In addition, physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and mental well-being, contributing to better overall health. This book examines the mechanisms by which exercise benefits health through epigenetic modifications. It also explores how factors such as intensity, duration and frequency of exercise play a role in these modifications, shedding light on the importance of personalized exercise prescriptions.This new volume in the Epigenetics and Human Health book series serves as a valuable resource for those interested in the rapidly evolving field of epigenetics and its profound relationship to physical activity and health. Providing a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge, it is aimed at researchers, educators and students in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, sport science and public health.

Advances in RNA biology have reshaped current thinking about genome function, revealing that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are fundamental regulators of gene expression across human physiology. This volume provides a coherent, evidence‑based synthesis of how lncRNAs influence molecular and cellular processes in health and disease, integrating insights from genomics, epigenetics, and molecular medicine.The opening chapters introduce the genomic organization of lncRNAs and the bioinformatic tools and databases that support their study, followed by detailed examinations of their mechanistic roles in stem cell biology, tissue regeneration, nutrient sensing, metabolic regulation, aging, and cellular senescence. Subsequent contributions explore how lncRNAs modulate pathways implicated in carcinogenesis, including diagnostic applications, therapeutic resistance, and the functional interplay between lncRNAs, chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and RNA–protein interactions. Additional chapters focus on disease‑specific contexts, presenting current knowledge on lncRNA involvement in gastrointestinal, renal, bone, infectious, and rare diseases. Throughout these discussions, the volume emphasizes experimentally supported mechanisms and the biological significance of lncRNA‑mediated regulatory networks.A dedicated translational perspective highlights the promise of lncRNAs as sensitive biomarkers detectable in biological fluids and exosomes, as well as their emerging potential as targets for precision medicine. By bringing together a broad range of established research areas in a structured, accessible format, the volume offers a comprehensive reference for readers in human genetics, molecular biology, clinical research, and bioinformatics seeking to understand the functional and therapeutic implications of long non‑coding RNA biology.

Epigenetic mechanisms are increasingly recognised as key contributors to neurodegenerative disease processes, shaping the molecular pathways involved in ageing, neuroinflammation and neuronal dysfunction. This volume provides an integrated overview of how DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, non‑coding RNAs and epitranscriptomic regulation influence the onset and progression of neurodegenerative disorders.Covering a broad spectrum of conditions—including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, prion and prion‑like diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis—the book examines how epigenetic alterations interact with genetic, metabolic and environmental factors to drive disease pathology. Contributors detail advances in biomarker development, such as DNA methylation profiles, differentially methylated and hydroxymethylated regions, extracellular vesicles and neurofilament light chain, along with emerging therapeutic strategies involving CRISPR‑based epigenetic editing, histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors.Additional chapters explore cross‑disease themes including neuroinflammatory signalling, gut–brain epigenetic interactions, chromatin dynamics and ageing‑related epigenetic drift, offering insights into translational research and precision medicine. This volume serves as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians and advanced students in neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics and biomedical sciences seeking to understand the role of reversible epigenetic regulation in neurodegenerative disorders.

Epigenetic variation has become an important complement to traditional forensic genetics, offering new ways to interpret biological traces and extract investigative information beyond sequence‑based DNA profiling. This volume brings together current approaches that apply DNA methylation and related epigenetic markers to forensic questions, reflecting the field’s rapid development and increasing methodological depth. The book introduces the conceptual foundations of forensic epigenetics and the laboratory and analytical techniques that support its applications. It then examines the use of methylation signatures to address challenges such as distinguishing monozygotic twins, identifying body fluids, and performing age estimation from blood, Y‑chromosome markers, semen, saliva and skeletal tissues. These chapters demonstrate how epigenetic tools can extend across biological materials commonly encountered in casework. Further contributions explore epigenetic strategies for postmortem interval estimation and consider how these methods may complement existing forensic anthropology and pathology approaches. A concluding chapter looks ahead to future developments, including technological, ethical and legal considerations shaping the field’s trajectory. By integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, forensic science and anthropology, this volume offers a coherent resource for researchers, practitioners and students seeking to understand how epigenetic insights can strengthen forensic inference.

This book provides an overview of the interplay between epigenetics and mental health, examining how environmental exposures influence gene expression and mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of stress, trauma and social environments in shaping epigenetic processes linked to psychiatric vulnerability and brain health. The first part of the volume focuses on developmental epigenetics and early life experiences, including prenatal stress, adversity, trauma and socioeconomic inequalities. Chapters explore their association with DNA methylation, socio-emotional development and mental health disparities, while also considering implications for prevention, intervention and public policy. The second part addresses epigenetic mechanisms in adult mental health conditions and clinical applications. Topics include mood disorders, substance use disorder, psychosis and the epigenetic effects of psychiatric treatments, as well as Prader–Willi syndrome and epigenetic aging as models for understanding lifelong brain health. Part of the Epigenetics and Human Health series, this volume offers an interdisciplinary resource for researchers and graduate students in psychiatry, psychology, neuroscience, genetics and public health.

The field of neuroendocrinology has extended from the initial interest in the hypothalamic control of pituitary secretion to embrace multiple reciprocal interactions between the central nervous system and endocrine systems in the coordination of homeostasis and various physiological responses from adaptation to disease. Most recently, epigenetic mechanisms were recognized for their role in the development of the neuroendocrine axes as well as in the mediation of gene-environment interactions in stress-related psychiatry disorders.

This book presents epigenetics research as a new way of looking at genetics. Topics range from basic epigenetics mechanisms to development of cells and organisms and the biological basis of diseases. In addition the book focuses on immunology and the role of viruses in epigenetics. The last part of the book highlights proteins and peptides as epigenetic modulators.

The field of neuroendocrinology has extended from the initial interest in the hypothalamic control of pituitary secretion to embrace multiple reciprocal interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and endocrine systems in the coordination of homeostasis and various physiological responses from adaptation to disease. Most recently, epigenetic mechanisms were recognized for their role in the development of the neuroendocrine axes as well as in the mediation of gene-environment interactions in stress-related psychiatry disorders.

The present volume of Epigenetics and Human Health is devoted to the patho-epigenetics of viral and microbial infections, an exiting new field of disease-related epigenetic research. As recognized during the past years, epigenetic reprogramming of pathogen and host genome functions – the latter frequently induced by pathogens – plays an important role in many infectious processes. Beyond their immediate relevance for pathogen proliferation and obligatorily associated symptoms, such alterations frequently contribute to severe additional complications, such as the development of immunodeficiency, cancer and various chronic disorders. This holds in particular for epigenetic dysregulation of host gene expression induced by latent infections. The present book summarizes current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying epigenetic changes caused by viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoan infections and their impact on human health.

The field of neuroendocrinology has extended from the initial interest in the hypothalamic control of pituitary secretion to embrace multiple reciprocal interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and endocrine systems in the coordination of homeostasis and various physiological responses from adaptation to disease. Most recently, epigenetic mechanisms were recognized for their role in the development of the neuroendocrine axes as well as in the mediation of gene-environment interactions in stress-related psychiatry disorders.

The present volume of Epigenetics and Human Health is devoted to the patho-epigenetics of viral and microbial infections, an exiting new field of disease-related epigenetic research. As recognized during the past years, epigenetic reprogramming of pathogen and host genome functions – the latter frequently induced by pathogens – plays an important role in many infectious processes. Beyond their immediate relevance for pathogen proliferation and obligatorily associated symptoms, such alterations frequently contribute to severe additional complications, such as the development of immunodeficiency, cancer and various chronic disorders. This holds in particular for epigenetic dysregulation of host gene expression induced by latent infections. The present book summarizes current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying epigenetic changes caused by viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoan infections and their impact on human health.

Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding field in medical and biological research which concerns heritable traits that are not attributable to changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play key roles in many biological processes, and it has become clear that their disruption can gives rise to diverse pathologies in humans. Edited by preeminent experts, Sophie Rousseaux and Saadi Khochbin, this volume in the ‘Epigenetics and Human Health’ series discusses the role of epigenetics in human reproduction

Biomedical research in the first decade of the 21st century has been marked by a rapidly growing interest in epigenetics. The reasons for this are numerous, but primarily it stems from the mounting realization that research programs focused solely on DNA sequence variation, despite their breadth and depth, are unlikely to address all fundamental aspects of human biology. Some questions are evident even to non-biologists. How does a single zygote develop into a complex multicellular organism composed of dozens of different tissues and hundreds of cell types, all genetically identical but performing very different functions? Why do monozygotic twins, despite their stunning external similarities, often exhibit significant differences in personality and predisposition to disease? If environmental factors are solely the cause of such variation, why are similar differences also observed between genetically identical animals housed in a uniform environment? Over the last couple of decades, epigenetics has undergone a significant metamorphosis from an abstract developmental theory to a very dynamic and rapidly developing branch of molecular biology. This volume represents a compilation of our current understanding about the key aspects of epigenetic processes in the brain and their role in behavior. The chapters in this book bring together some of the leading researchers in the field of behavioral epigenetics. They explore many of the epigenetic processes which operate or may be operating to mediate neurobiological functions in the brain and describe how perturbations to these systems may play a key role in mediating behavior and the origin of brain diseases.

There are now compelling human epidemiological and animal experimental data that indicate the risk of developing adult-onset complex diseases and neurological disorders are influenced by persistent epigenetic adaptations in response to prenatal and early postnatal exposures to environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. The main components of the epigenetic code are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenetic programs are established as stem cell differentiate during embryogenesis, and they are normally faithfully reproduced during mitosis. Moreover, they can also be maintained during meiosis, resulting in epigenetic transgenerational disease inheritance, and also potentially introducing phenotypic variation that is selected for in the evolution of new species. The objective of this book is to provide evidence that environmental exposures during early development can alter the risk of developing medical conditions, such as asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia later in life by modifying the epigenome.

Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding field in medical and biological research which concerns heritable traits that are not attributable to changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play key roles in many biological processes, and it has become clear that their disruption can gives rise to diverse pathologies in humans. Edited by preeminent experts, Sophie Rousseaux and Saadi Khochbin, this volume in the ‘Epigenetics and Human Health’ series discusses the role of epigenetics in human reproduction

Biomedical research in the first decade of the 21st century has been marked by a rapidly growing interest in epigenetics. The reasons for this are numerous, but primarily it stems from the mounting realization that research programs focused solely on DNA sequence variation, despite their breadth and depth, are unlikely to address all fundamental aspects of human biology. Some questions are evident even to non-biologists. How does a single zygote develop into a complex multicellular organism composed of dozens of different tissues and hundreds of cell types, all genetically identical but performing very different functions? Why do monozygotic twins, despite their stunning external similarities, often exhibit significant differences in personality and predisposition to disease? If environmental factors are solely the cause of such variation, why are similar differences also observed between genetically identical animals housed in a uniform environment? Over the last couple of decades, epigenetics has undergone a significant metamorphosis from an abstract developmental theory to a very dynamic and rapidly developing branch of molecular biology. This volume represents a compilation of our current understanding about the key aspects of epigenetic processes in the brain and their role in behavior. The chapters in this book bring together some of the leading researchers in the field of behavioral epigenetics. They explore many of the epigenetic processes which operate or may be operating to mediate neurobiological functions in the brain and describe how perturbations to these systems may play a key role in mediating behavior and the origin of brain diseases.

The ability of a single genome to give rise to hundreds of functionally distinct cell type programs is in itself remarkable. Pioneering studies over the past few decades have demonstrated that this plasticity is retained throughout development, a phenomenon of epigenetic programming and reprogramming that remains one of the most fascinating areas of modern biology, with major relevance to human health and disease. This book presents the basic biology involved, including key mechanistic insights into this rapidly growing field.

There are now compelling human epidemiological and animal experimental data that indicate the risk of developing adult-onset complex diseases and neurological disorders are influenced by persistent epigenetic adaptations in response to prenatal and early postnatal exposures to environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. The main components of the epigenetic code are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenetic programs are established as stem cell differentiate during embryogenesis, and they are normally faithfully reproduced during mitosis. Moreover, they can also be maintained during meiosis, resulting in epigenetic transgenerational disease inheritance, and also potentially introducing phenotypic variation that is selected for in the evolution of new species. The objective of this two volume book is to provide evidence that environmental exposures during early development can alter the risk of developing medical conditions, such as asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia later in life by modifying the epigenome. Consequently, epigenetic research promises to markedly improve our ability to diagnosis, prevent, and treat the pathological conditions of humans; however, it also introduces unique legal and ethical issues. This volume highlights the correlation between environmental factors and complex diseases, such as autism, addiction, neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer. It concludes with a chapter on legal and ethical implications of epigenetics. ​

There are now compelling human epidemiological and animal experimental data that indicate the risk of developing adult-onset complex diseases and neurological disorders are influenced by persistent epigenetic adaptations in response to prenatal and early postnatal exposures to environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. The main components of the epigenetic code are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenetic programs are established as stem cell differentiate during embryogenesis, and they are normally faithfully reproduced during mitosis. Moreover, they can also be maintained during meiosis, resulting in epigenetic transgenerational disease inheritance, and also potentially introducing phenotypic variation that is selected for in the evolution of new species. The objective of this book is to provide evidence that environmental exposures during early development can alter the risk of developing medical conditions, such as asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia later in life by modifying the epigenome.

There are now compelling human epidemiological and animal experimental data that indicate the risk of developing adult-onset complex diseases and neurological disorders are influenced by persistent epigenetic adaptations in response to prenatal and early postnatal exposures to environmental factors. Epigenetics refers to heritable changes in gene function that occur without a change in the sequence of the DNA. The main components of the epigenetic code are DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. The epigenetic programs are established as stem cell differentiate during embryogenesis, and they are normally faithfully reproduced during mitosis. Moreover, they can also be maintained during meiosis, resulting in epigenetic transgenerational disease inheritance, and also potentially introducing phenotypic variation that is selected for in the evolution of new species. The objective of this two volume book is to provide evidence that environmental exposures during early development can alter the risk of developing medical conditions, such as asthma, autism, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and schizophrenia later in life by modifying the epigenome. Consequently, epigenetic research promises to markedly improve our ability to diagnosis, prevent, and treat the pathological conditions of humans; however, it also introduces unique legal and ethical issues. This volume highlights the correlation between environmental factors and complex diseases, such as autism, addiction, neurological diseases, diabetes, obesity and cancer. It concludes with a chapter on legal and ethical implications of epigenetics. ​

During vertebrate hematopoiesis many specialized cell types are formed with vastly different functions such as B cells, T cells, granulocytes, macrophages, erythrocytes and megakaryocytes. To tightly control the enormous proliferative potential of developing blood cells, an intricately balanced signaling and transcription network has evolved that ensures that the different cell types are formed at the right time and in the right numbers. Intricate regulatory mechanisms ensure that blood cells function properly and have a determined life span. Moreover, in the adaptive immune system, long-lived memory cells have evolved that ensure that when pathogens have been seen once they will never cause a problem again. In this book we will therefore make a journey from asking how more primitive organisms use the epigenetic regulatory machinery to balance growth with differentiation control towards digging deep into what controls the function of specialized cells of the human immune system. We will first discover that flies make blood but exist without blood vessels, why fish make blood cells in the kidney and which precise genetic circuitries are required for these developmental pathways. We will then learn the regulatory principles that drive the differentiation of mature blood cells from stem cells and what controls their function in mammals. In the process, we will find out what unites hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial cells. Finally, we will shed light on the molecular mechanisms that either alter hematopoietic cell differentiation or lead to the development of cells with impaired function.

Pioneering studies over the past few decades have demonstrated that this plasticity is retained throughout development, a phenomenon of epigenetic programming and reprogramming that remains one of the most fascinating areas of modern biology, with major relevance to human health and disease.