Clinical Epigenetics

The study of heritable phenotype changes which do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence is known as epigenetics. It involves the changes affecting gene activity and expression. Some common mechanisms which alter gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence include histone modification and DNA methylation. The action of repressor proteins which attach to silencer regions of the DNA, aids in controlling gene expression. The process of cellular differentiation is a common example of epigenetic change in the eukaryotes. Other epigenetic processes include position effect, gene silencing, paramutation, transvection, bookmarking, imprinting, X chromosome inactivation, the progress of carcinogenesis, etc. This book elucidates new techniques and their applications in a multidisciplinary manner. It elucidates the concepts and innovative models around prospective developments with respect to clinical epigenetics. As this field is emerging at a rapid pace, the contents of this book will help the readers understand the modern concepts and applications of the subject.