Academic Press Epigenetics and Reproductive Health (Volume 21) (Translational Epigenetics, Volume 21)

Epigenetics and Reproductive Health, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, provides a thorough overview and discussion of epigenetics in reproduction and implications for reproductive medicine. Twenty international researchers discuss epigenetic mechanisms operating during the formation of male and female gametes, fertilization and subsequent embryo and placental development, particularly in mammals and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This volume also addresses aberrant epigenetic changes influencing male and female infertility, pregnancy related disorders, and those potentially linked to therapeutic manipulations and assisted reproductive technologies. Emphasis is placed on identifying biomarkers for early detection of aberrant epigenetic mechanisms. Later chapters examine the possibility of correcting these epigenetic dysfunctions, as well as current challenges and next steps in research, enabling new translational discoveries and efforts towards developing therapeutics. Review "I believe this to be the first of many textbooks on this topic. It is a much-needed summary of important advancements in the field of epigenetics and reproductive health. It is a very detailed review intended for expects in the field and those devoted to continued research in this area." --Doody Review Discusses epigenetics in reproductive health, with an emphasis on epigenetic causes of disease states, biomarker identification, and enabling drug discovery From the Back Cover In sexually reproducing organisms, unique epigenetic mechanisms operate during gametogenesis and embryogenesis to ensure transfer of a healthy genome to the offspring. These epigenetic mechanisms may act through differential DNA methylation in the parental gametes, chromatin remodeling, and gene expression regulation by noncoding RNA. In recent times, evidence suggests that adverse environmental influences may alter these epigenetic mechanisms, influencing the health of parents, gametes and embryos, offspring, and even future generations. Recent developments in therapeutics are directed towards correcting these epigenetic mechanisms and cure or prevention of disease states. Epigenetics and Reproductive Health, a new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, provides a thorough overview and discussion of epigenetics in reproduction and implications for reproductive medicine. Twenty international researchers discuss epigenetic mechanisms operating during the formation of male and female gametes, fertilization and subsequent embryo and placental development, particularly in mammals and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. This volume also addresses aberrant epigenetic changes influencing male and female infertility, pregnancy related disorders, and those potentially linked to therapeutic manipulations and assisted reproductive technologies. Emphasis is placed on identifying biomarkers for early detection of aberrant epigenetic mechanisms, while later chapters examine the possibility of correcting these epigenetic dysfunctions, as well as current challenges and next steps in research, enabling new translational discoveries and efforts towards developing therapeutics. About the Author Trygve Tollefsbol is a Professor of Biology and a Senior Scientist in the Comprehensive Center for Healthy Aging, the Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Nutrition Obesity Research Center, and the Comprehensive Diabetes Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is Director of the UAB Cell Senescence Culture Facility which he established in 1999. Dr. Tollefsbol has doctorate degrees in molecular biology and osteopathic medicine and has edited and co-authored numerous books on the topics of epigenetics, cancer and aging and is Series Editor of Translational Epigenetics. Dr. Tollefsbol is a Professor of Biology and a Senior Scientist in the Center for Aging, Comprehensive Cancer