Main description:

Epigenetics is the study of how certain genes are activated without modification at the DNA sequence level, resulting in genetically similar individuals having different clinical outcomes. As contemporary medicine increasingly aims to personalize the medical approach to a patient's genetic profile, the factors that can affect which genes are expressed also increase in importance and relevance to the clinician. This text from experts will give the clinician in Reproductive Medicine a reliable grounding in current thinking and research on this fast-moving topic, with many clinical implications.

Contents:

A Short Introduction to DNA Methylation. Epigenetic Modifications of Histones. Epigenetic Reprogramming in Early Embryo Development. Epigenetic Reprogramming of Mammalian Primordial Germ Cells. Laboratory Molecular Methodologies to Analyze DNA Methylation. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors That Influence Epigenetics. Epigenetic and Assisted Reproduction Epidemiological Studies. Epigenetics and Assisted Reproduction Experimental Studies: Sperm Epigenome. Epigenetic and Assisted Reproduction Experimental Studies: Sperm ncRNAs. Epigenetic and Assisted Reproduction Experimental Studies: Ovarian Stimulation. Epigenetic and Assisted Reproduction Experimental Studies: In Vitro Culture. Epigenetics: Hope against Genetic Determinism. Future Perspectives.