Personalized Epigenetics discusses the core translatability of epigenetics to health management of individuals who have unique variations in their epigenetic signatures that can guide both disorder and disease prevention and therapy. The book details inter-individual variability in the major epigenetic process in humans consisting of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA, and the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of the field, it also reviews the impact of the environment on epigenetic variations among individuals and the role of pharmacology and drug development in personalized epigenetics. Most importantly, the text covers personalized epigenetics from a disease-oriented perspective, presenting chapters that provide advances in widespread disorders or diseases, including diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and pain management. Discusses the core translatability of epigenetics to health management of individuals who have unique variations in their epigenetic signatures Details inter-individual variability in the major epigenetic process in humans consisting of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA, and the consequent diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential of the field Reviews the impact of the environment on epigenetic variations among individuals and the roles of pharmacology and drug development Devotes several chapters to the advances made in widespread disorders or diseases, including diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and pain management

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Epigenetic Biomarkers and Diagnostics comprises 31 chapters contributed by leading active researchers in basic and clinical epigenetics. The book begins with the basis of epigenetic mechanisms and descriptions of epigenetic biomarkers that can be used in clinical diagnostics and prognostics. It goes on to discuss classical methods and next generation sequencing-based technologies to discover and analyze epigenetic biomarkers. The book concludes with an account of DNA methylation, post-translational modifications and noncoding RNAs as the most promising biomarkers for cancer (i.e. breast, lung, colon, etc.), metabolic disorders (i.e. diabetes and obesity), autoimmune diseases, infertility, allergy, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. The book describes the challenging aspects of research in epigenetics, and current findings regarding new epigenetic elements and modifiers, providing guidance for researchers interested in the most advanced technologies and tested biomarkers to be used in the clinical diagnosis or prognosis of disease. Focuses on recent progress in several areas of epigenetics, general concepts regarding epigenetics, and the future prospects of this discipline in clinical diagnostics and prognostics Describes the importance of the quality of samples and clinical associated data, and also the ethical issues for epigenetic diagnostics Discusses the advances in epigenomics technologies, including next-generation sequencing based tools and applications Expounds on the utility of epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of several diseases, highlighting the study of these biomarkers in cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, infertility, and infectious diseases Includes a special section that discusses the relevance of biobanks in the maintenance of high quality biosamples and clinical-associated data, and the relevance of the ethical aspects in epigenetic studies

Our biology is no longer destiny. Our genes respond to everything we do, according to the revolutionary new science of epigenetics. In other words, our inherited DNA doesn’t rigidly determine our health and disease prospects as the previous generation of geneticists believed. Especially in the last ten years, scientists have confirmed that the vast majority of our genes are actually fluid and dynamic. An endless supply of new studies prove that our health is an expression of how we live our lives—that what we eat and think and how we handle daily stress, plus the toxicity of our immediate environment—creates an internal biochemistry that can actually turn genes on or off. Managing these biochemical effects on our genome is the new key to radiant wellness and healthy longevity. Now gaining broad credibility among scientists, the study of epigenetics is at the forefront of modern medicine. According to the author, the real upshot of the epigenetic revolution is that it opens the door to what futurists call personalized medicine. For the first time in a trade book, Dr. Pelletier explains in layperson’s language the genetic biomarkers that will become the standard reference for measuring which specific lifestyle changes are required to optimize a given individual’s health. In the very near future, each person’s state-of-the-art genetic and epigenetic profile—matched with other precise indicators such as assays of the gut microbiome—will guide their daily health practices. This short but profound book by a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine introduces readers to this exciting new field, and reveals the steps that each of us can take today to change our genetic expression and thereby optimize our health for a lifetime.

Epigenetics is the study of heritable phenotype changes that do not entail changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic abnormalities have emerged as the most promising biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in the early stage of illnesses, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases and psychological disorders. A medical model in which people are divided into groups with medical decisions, practices, interventions and products being tailored to the individual patient based on their predicted response or risk of disease is referred as personalized medicine. The terms precision medicine and personalized medicine are utilized interchangeably for describing the concept. Diagnostic testing is used often in personalized medicine to determine suitable and optimal therapies based on a patient's genetic content, or other molecular or cellular analysis. Certain aspects of personalized medicine utilize genetic information, such as pharmacogenomics. With the help of genomics, proteomics and imaging techniques, molecular scale data of the patients is obtained easily. These molecular biomarkers are then used in determining the prognosis of diseases such as cancer. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about personalized precision medicine through this book. Also included herein is a detailed explanation of the role of epigenetic biomarkers. This book will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in this field of study.

In genetic pathology, epigenetic testing is rare and under utilised. In this book, we introduce epigenetics to a non-expert scientific audience and describe current and future clinical utility of epigenetic testing. By focussing on epigenetics in human disease this book will guide professionals (scientists and clinicians) to understand how epigenetics is relevant in a clinical context, and to implement epigenetic testing in diagnostic laboratories. The book begins with a historical perspective of genetics and epigenetics and describes the work of pioneers who have helped shape these fields. The various mechanisms by which epigenetics can regulate the function of the genome is described. These include DNA methylation, histone modifications, histone variants, nucleosome positioning, cis-regulatory elements, non-coding RNAs and the three-dimensional organisation of chromatin in the nucleus. These are discussed in the context of embryological development, cancer and imprinting disorders, and include examples of epigenetic changes that can be used in diagnosis, prediction of therapeutic response, prognostication or disease monitoring. Finally, for those wishing to implement epigenetic testing in a diagnostic setting, the book includes a case study that illustrates the clinical utility of epigenetic testing.

This open access textbook leads the reader from basic concepts of chromatin structure and function and RNA mechanisms to the understanding of epigenetics, imprinting, regeneration and reprogramming. The textbook treats epigenetic phenomena in animals, as well as plants. Written by four internationally known experts and senior lecturers in this field, it provides a valuable tool for Master- and PhD- students who need to comprehend the principles of epigenetics, or wish to gain a deeper knowledge in this field. After reading this book, the student will: Have an understanding of the basic toolbox of epigenetic regulation Know how genetic and epigenetic information layers are interconnected Be able to explain complex epigenetic phenomena by understanding the structures and principles of the underlying molecular mechanisms Understand how misregulated epigenetic mechanisms can lead to disease