Epigenetic Regulation in the Nervous System

Epigenetic Regulation in the Nervous System addresses molecular, cellular, behavioral and clinical roles for epigenetic mechanisms in the nervous system. Given the recent rapid pace of discovery in this new scientific sub-discipline, the time is ripe to introduce a foundational book that will be broadly relevant to a wide variety of emerging research programs beginning to investigate the role of epigenetics in neural and glial function and dysfunction. The editors have assembled a book covering the broad area comprehensively, with both sufficient background material and enough scientific depth to cover the evolving disciplines of neuroepigenetics and behavioral epigenetics. Many of the leading investigators in this still relatively new field include their respective areas of discovery and expertise. After a brief introduction to the basics of epigenetics at the molecular level, the book describes current understanding of the roles of epigenetic processes at the molecular and cellular level, their impact on neural development and behavior, and the potential roles of these mechanisms in neurological and psychiatric disorders. This book is the first unified synthesis of information concerning the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the developing and diseased nervous system. The book is primarily intended for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, active researchers, and physician-scientists newly interested in the emerging field of epigenetic mechanisms and their role in the nervous system. The focus is on recent breakthrough advances in the field that have occurred over the last decade. Importantly, the book covers both background material and specific topics of emerging excitement in the area, to have applicability as a textbook that can be widely used in the university setting. Key Features: A unified view of epigenetic mechanisms from behavior to genes and everything in between, Extensively illustrated in full color and very readable, A balanced treatment of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in modem experimentation in this area, Discusses clinically relevant disorders in the context of modern molecular epigenetics research, Edited by and chapters written by the leading investigators in the behavioral and neural epigenetics arena, Numerous practical examples for the new investigator concerning how to implement a research program in the neuroepigenetics area Book jacket.