It has become apparent that the genomes of many organisms are characterized by unique patterns of DNA methylation which can differ from genome segment to genome segment and cell type to cell type. These patterns can be instrumental in determining cell type and function. Thus, it is not surprising that studies on the role of DNA methylation now occupy center stage in many fields of biology and medicine such as developmental biology, genetic imprinting, genetic disease, tumor biology, gene therapy, cloning of organisms and others. Once again, basic research in molecular biology has provided the essential foundation for investigations of biomedical problems.

Our understanding of the biological bases to the autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) is advancing rapidly. Over 80 genetic conditions have now been reported in people who have also been diagnosed with ASDs. Many of these conditions have specific implications for the presenting phenotype and for treatment, management, and intervention. If the basis to the presenting behavioural phenotype is not identified, this can result in a sub-optimal level of care, complications, or even permanent damage. Kenneth J. Aitken shows that the notion of a single condition known as 'autism' is no longer tenable, and challenges current trends in the diagnosis and management of these behaviours as a homogenous group by drawing on recent research into brain function, genetics, epidemiology and neurology. This volume explains the biology and genetics of ASD, and provides clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive summary of each genetic factor including the research that links it to ASD, diagnosis and treatment issues, and related animal models, as well as detailing relevant professional organisations and avenues for further research. An A-Z of Genetic Factors in Autism is an essential resource for a wide range of researchers, clinical professionals and students interested in autism spectrum disorders, including clinical and educational psychologists, dieticians, psychiatrists, and neurologists.

The book covers the main genetic disorders associated with autism, including those linked to growth differences, neurodevelopmental problems, gastrointestinal disturbances epilepsy and many others. It alphabetically lists the conditions next to information about how common they are, causes, signs, symptoms, and methods of treatment and management.

Epigenetics of Exercise and Sports: Concepts, Methods, and Current Research explains fundamental epigenetic processes and how these are altered by exercise and sports. After a brief review of fundamental epigenetic biology, this all-new volume in the Translational Epigenetics series offers step-by-step instruction in how epigenetic factors are investigated for their influence over exercise related traits of human physiology, disease, and injury. The current state of knowledge in the field and recent findings are discussed in-depth, illuminating how exercise and sports performance may epigenetically modify our physiology, disease and injury risks, and how this knowledge can be applied in personalized exercise approaches, diagnostics, and treatment. This book also explores the shortcomings of explaining exercise related phenomena using only genomics and traditional biochemical techniques, setting the scene for a paradigm shift in exercise biology. In addition, over a dozen international specialists contribute chapters on exercise and sports epigenetics, and their influence over metabolism, obesity, aging, immunity, and neurological disease, as well as the epigenetic impacts of concussions and sports doping. A concluding chapter discusses ongoing themes in the field and outlooks for future research. Thoroughly examines fundamental concepts in exercise and sports epigenetics, methods for new research, and known impacts for human physiology, disease, and clinical outcomes Discusses exercise and sports epigenetics in relation to metabolism, obesity, aging, immunity, and neurological disease, concussion, and sports doping, among other topics Includes preliminary information on exercise epigenetics and covid-19 infection Features chapter contributions from international experts in the field

This volume provides a comprehensive overview on developmental origins of health and disease regarding various factors related to the origins of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from early life. It offers a summary of the impacts of various factors such as epigenetics; gene-environment interaction; ethnic predisposition to NCDs and their risk factors; prenatal factors; fetal programming; maternal weight status and weight gain during pregnancy; type of feeding during infancy; growth pattern during childhood; obesity; stunting; socioeconomic status; dietary and physical activity habits; as well as environmental factors including air pollution and global climate change on the development and progress of NCDs.

In line with recent evidence, the development of cancer has been described as uncontrolled cell growth that results from gradual accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations, involving aberrations in oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and defects in genes engaged in DNA repair. As a result, cancer cells acquire a neoplastic phenotype and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are presented on their surface. These target structures should be recognized by cells of the immune system. However, a sequence of events at the genetic and epigenetic level disturb immune cells, and in consequence, make them unable to eliminate cancer cells. Both innate and adaptive immunity are mobilized against cancer cells. In response to the appearance of cells with malignant transformation, NK cells release perforin and granzyme, causing direct cytolysis of the target cells. They can also secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and in that way enhance the anticancer response. The activity of NK cells is regulated by a variety of activating and inhibitory receptors including NKG2D, KIR, CD94 -NKG2 heterodimers and natural cytotoxicity receptors, TNF family ligands, as well as co-stimulatory receptors, which recognize related molecules on target cells. A fundamental trigger of the anticancer immune response is the recognition of TAAs by T cells, via the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which should be followed by signals from co-stimulatory molecules. Full activation of T lymphocytes requires a third signal provided by the presence of cytokines, and this leads to cell proliferation, differentiation, and secretion of chemokines and cytokines. The effect is to drive the clonal expansion of the T cells directed against TAAs and to recruit other immune effector cells in order to enhance immune defense.

Awarded with the 2018 Prose Award in Clinical Medicine, the third edition of Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine explored and described exciting new areas in biomedicine that integrated technology into the treatment of disease and the augmentation of human function. Novel topics such as the sex-specific aspects of space medicine, the development and the use of genderized robots and a discussion of cyborgs were included in the third edition, providing a preview of the expanding world of sex-specific physiology and therapeutics. This Fourth Edition is a continuation of the mission to trace the relevance of biological sex to normal function and to the experience of disease in humans.We are now twenty years into the postgenomic era. The investigation of how the genome produces the phenome has led to fascinating insights as well as yet unanswered questions. Principles of Gender-Specific Medicine, Fourth Edition, has a central theme: discuss advances in understanding the role of epigenetics in regulating gene expression in a dynamic, sex-specific way during human life. It explores the protean role of epigenetics in human physiology, the relevance of environmental experience to human function, the therapeutic promise of cutting-edge methodologies like gene manipulation, the preparation of humans for space travel, the use of artificial intelligence in detection and therapeutic decisions concerning disease states, the possibilities for technological support of not only compromised individuals but of the augmentation of human function, and an analysis of the benefits, limitations and issues that surround our current expectations of personalized medicine. - Covers the most important developments in biomedical research in the past decade, with a thoughtful analysis of how they impact patient care - Discusses the feasibility and usefulness of personalized medicine, the limits and promise of genetic editing, the basis for variation in sexual identity and how artificial intelligence and technology will affect basic human function as well as correcting disability - Promotes and facilitates discussions about the ethics and governance issues that surround much of what science is now able to do at the most basic levels of human's physiology

The most recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Gliomas (glioblastoma) in the brain are presented. The importance of personalized medicine and clinical validation for targeted therapy are discussed. The identification of various types of biomarkers (determined by molecular genetics) is included, along with their advantages and limitations as markers in tumor detection and diagnosis. The identification and validation of brain cancer (glioblastoma) genes are discussed. The role of cancer stem cells in the initiation and persistence of malignant gliomas is explained; response of glioblastoma cancer stem cells to various growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, is explained. The use of surgical resection, chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide), immunotherapy, and radiation therapy for glioblastoma patients is included. Biological impediments for chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant glioblastoma are pointed out. Standard (established) as well as newer imaging modalities (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) are discussed. Also included are proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in intracranial gliomas, and the use of proton magnetic spectroscopic imaging in determining the infiltration zone in gliomas. The role of molecular signaling in the CNS cancer development is explained, including cell death signaling in glioblastoma multiforme. The most recent developments in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of Gliomas (glioblastoma) in the brain are presented. The importance of personalized medicine and clinical validation for targeted therapy are discussed. The identification of various types of biomarkers (determined by molecular genetics) is included, along with their advantages and limitations as markers in tumor detection and diagnosis. The identification and validation of brain cancer (glioblastoma) genes are discussed. The role of cancer stem cells in the initiation and persistence of malignant gliomas is explained; response of glioblastoma cancer stem cells to various growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, is explained. The use of surgical resection, chemotherapy (e.g., temozolomide), immunotherapy, and radiation therapy for glioblastoma patients is included. Biological impediments for chemotherapy and radiotherapy for malignant glioblastoma are pointed out. Standard (established) as well as newer imaging modalities (proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy) are discussed. Also included are proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in intracranial gliomas, and the use of proton magnetic spectroscopic imaging in determining the infiltration zone in gliomas. The role of molecular signaling in the CNS cancer development is explained, including cell death signaling in glioblastoma multiforme.

Although the utility of human antibodies as medical therapeutics for cancer and immune diseases has been well-established, it is only beginning to be realized for the treatment of viral infectious diseases. Polyclonal immunoglobulins have long been used for some viral diseases, but they have limited potency and disease scope. Only a single humanized monoclonal antibody (pavilizumab) has been approved as a viral countermeasure.

The importance of specific antibodies for the clearance of and long-term resistance to many infectious pathogens has long been appreciated. In the last five years, data from these areas of research has coalesced, resulting in the emergence of a new and more complete understanding of how antibody-mediated resistance to pathogens is elaborated. This volume will highlight this new perspective on antibody responses to infection and convey its practical implications.