Epigenetics and Health: A Practical Guide

An incisive and contemporary discussion of epigenetic phenomena applied to human health and disease Epigenetics and Health: A Practical Guide delivers a thorough and insightful exploration of the basic principles of gene function, gene regulation, and gene expression. The author explains how epigenetic modifications alter gene expression and demonstrate the role played by environmental factors—including nutrition, exercise, toxins, and stress—in gene regulation, as well as their potential health consequences. The book presents current methods for analyzing epigenetic variation, including NGS applications and bioinformatic analysis. Readers will be encouraged to question, analyze, and critically appraise the literature on epigenetics to further develop their understanding. They’ll also find: Explorations of epigenetic mechanisms, homeostasis, and the potential for manipulating the epigenomePractical discussions of methods for epigenetic analysesHow to address cancer epigenetics, mental health epigenetics, and guidance on developing an epigenetics research project Epigenetics and Health: A Practical Guide will benefit practicing geneticists and medical geneticists seeking insights into epigenetic phenomena applied to human health and disease. "This book successfully conveys that we are in the early stages of understanding epigenetic phenomena, and McCulley admirably explains why this new discipline is important, even if significant hurdles remain before we understand enough about epigenetics to use that information when designing medical or nutritional/lifestyle interventions."—David S. Moore, The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2025, Volume 100, Number 1 pp. 43-44