Epigenetics, Second Edition is a comprehensive textbook published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press in February 2015 that brings together 36 expertly authored chapters covering the breadth of epigenetic mechanisms—from DNA methylation and histone modification to chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and three‐dimensional genome architecture. The new edition expands upon the first by introducing structural insights into chromatin‐modifying enzymes, addressing emerging model organisms, and exploring the role of epigenetics in development, disease, and inheritance, with fresh content on neuronal plasticity, metabolism, and environmental responses. Designed for advanced undergraduates, graduate courses, and active researchers, each chapter begins with concise summaries and is richly illustrated, making this volume both a classroom mainstay and an indispensable reference for labs worldwide.
Background and Scope of the Second Edition
Publication Details
「Editors」: C. David Allis and colleagues from leading research institutions.
「Publisher」: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY.
「Publication Date」: February 28, 2015.
「Pages」: 984, reflecting the expanded content from 24 chapters in the first edition to 「36 chapters」 in the second.
Evolution from First Edition
Building on the foundational 2007 edition, this volume comprehensively updates every chapter and adds 「twelve new contributions」 that track cutting‐edge discoveries in epigenetics, particularly in 「cancer biology」, 「neuroscience」, and 「environmental epigenomics」.
Key Features and Novel Chapters 😊
Molecular Mechanisms
「Histone‐Modifying Enzymes」: Detailed structural and functional analysis of writers, erasers, and readers of histone marks.
「DNA Methylation」: New insights into maintenance and de novo methyltransferases, with clinical perspectives on imprinting and X‐inactivation.
「Chromatin Remodeling」: Extended coverage of ATP‐dependent remodeling complexes and their role in genome accessibility.
Regulatory RNAs and Gene Silencing
「siRNAs & piRNAs」: Mechanistic chapters on small RNA pathways and their influence on heterochromatin formation.
「Long Noncoding RNAs」: Emerging models of lncRNA in imprinting and nuclear organization.
Development, Disease, and Inheritance
「Cell Fate & Differentiation」: How epigenetic memory guides stem cell pluripotency and lineage commitment.
「Cancer Epigenetics」: Exploration of aberrant methylation patterns, oncohistones, and therapeutic targeting of epigenetic enzymes.
「Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance」: Novel chapters on how environmental exposures impact germline chromatin and phenotype inheritance.
Structural and 3D Genomics 📖
「Chromatin Architecture」: New content on CTCF/cohesin loops, topologically associating domains (TADs), and Hi‐C technologies.
「Visualization」: High‐resolution illustrations and summary tables clarify complex molecular machinery, aiding both teaching and research.
Structure and Organization 🎓
Chapter Layout
Each chapter features:
「Summary Box」 – A brief overview for quick comprehension.
「Introduction & Historical Context」 – Tracing seminal discoveries from Waddington’s epigenetic landscape to modern molecular insights.
「Detailed Discussion」 – Well‐annotated figures, mechanisms, and pathway diagrams.
「Key References & Further Reading」 – Curated lists for deep dives.
Pedagogical Value
Ideal for 「advanced undergraduates」 and 「graduate seminars」, enabling instructors to assign individual chapters as focused reading.
Serves as a 「laboratory reference」, consolidating methods like ChIP‐seq and bisulfite sequencing alongside interpretive frameworks.
「Cutting‐Edge Content」: Twelve brand‐new chapters reflect developments up to 2015, including mental health epigenetics and metabolic signaling.
「Global Perspective」: Contributions from over 40 laboratories provide a diverse survey of model systems, from microbes and plants to mammals.
「Research Inspiration」: Case studies—such as tetrahymena nuclear dimorphism, first described by Allis—demonstrate how model organisms unlock fundamental epigenetic principles.
Conclusion and Recommendations 🌟
Epigenetics, Second Edition stands as the benchmark text for anyone seeking a deep understanding of how chromatin‐mediated processes regulate gene expression and cellular identity. Whether you are designing experiments in epigenetic therapy, investigating the role of the epigenome in development, or teaching a graduate‐level course, this volume provides authoritative, up‐to‐date coverage. Dive into its richly illustrated chapters, absorb the conceptual frameworks, and let it guide your exploration of one of biology’s most dynamic and impactful fields!
「Happy reading and discovering the epigenetic code!」 📚✨
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