Genomic Imprinting (Frontiers in Molecular Biology Series) [Hardcover]

Wolf Reik (Editor), Azim Surani (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0199636265 | ISBN-13: 978-0199636266

Genomic imprinting has been recognized since the late 1970s and known to be involved in several inherited diseases, but only recently have the questions surrounding the mechanisms behind it been answered. This volume reviews the latest exciting developments, with full citations of the key bibliography, discussions of the major questions in the field and outlines of directions for future research. Chapters range from a discussion of the genetic analysis of DNA methylation to a comprehensive evaluation of evolutionary theories. In between lie discussions of sequence signals and their recognition during development, expositions of some of the best studied imprint genes, and a summary for methods of identification.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The term 'genomic imprinting' is used in various ways, but it is usually applied to situations in which genetic material behaves in one way when inherited maternally and another way when inherited paternally. This volume is concerned with cases in which a gene is expressed almost exclusively from one allele during some developmental stages. Such genes are of interest to biologists with a variety of orientations. . . . In twelve chapters, this volume presents a wide variety of information relevant to parent-of-origin effects in mice and humans. . . . The chapters fit together nicely, with few of the awkward gaps and unhelpful redundancies that plague many such multiauthored monographs. . . . [T]he book should be accessible to biologists who are unfamiliar with imprinting, yet it will be valuable even to workers in this field."--The Quarterly Review of Biology

"The book can be recommended for those wishing for an accessible introduction to the subject of the molecular mechanisms of genomic imprinting."--American Journal of Human Biology

"[G]enomic imprinting . . . hypothesizes that it is not sufficient to inherit two copies of certain genes and/or chromosomal regions: normal development requires that one copy be paternally derived while the other be maternally derived. Situations that do not conform to this pattern of inheritance could potentially lead to the complete or almost complete silencing of the transcription from one allele . . . Wolf Reik and Azim Surani . . . have edited a very useful primer . . . designed for a reader with a basic background in molecular biology and genetics. . . . One of the outstanding features of this book is that each chapter can stand alone . . . This makes it a great resource for genetics students and faculty. . . . [T]he index and table of contents appear inclusive. . . . This book represents an excellent summary of the field . . . and provides a foundation for understanding this exciting and dynamic area of research."--The Journal of the Association of Genetic Technologists

"This volume reviews the latest developments in this field and points the way to areas of future research. The work contains 12 chapters written by experts. Diagrams, photographs, tables and graphs supplement the text. An index is provided." -- Biosis, Vol 50, Issue 7, July 22, 1998

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Dr Wolf Reik,The Babraham Institute, Babraham Hall, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT. Email: [e-mail] Professor Azim Surani, Wellcome/CRC Institute, Cambridge

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (December 4, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199636265
• ISBN-13: 978-0199636266
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,674,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)