Cancer, Autism and Their Epigenetic Roots

This book considers the branch of heredity known as “epigenetics” and its implications for a variety of diseases in humans and animals. After background information on the growth in understanding genetics and the mechanisms of the epigenetic control of gene expression, the book moves into its main focus: the gathering body of evidence connecting genetics to a range of significant illnesses, including cancer, autism, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and others. Areas of uncertainty are stressed as well as the scientific debate concerning the role of environmental factors. The final chapters discuss the implications for society. Extensive notes provide additional details and personal anecdotes.

K. John Morrow, Jr., has taught and researched in genetics and molecular biology at the University of Kansas and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and was a research director at Meridian Biosciences, Inc. He has written extensively on many aspects of biotechnology and drug development. (Visit his website at www.NewportBiotech.com). He lives in Newport, Kentucky.

Elaine A. Moore has worked in hospital laboratories for more than 30 years, primarily in immunohematology and toxicology. She is a freelance medical writer and laboratory consultant. For more information, visit her website at www.elaine-moore.com. She lives in Sedalia, Colorado.

K. John Morrow, Jr.

Series Editor Elaine A. Moore

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 232
Bibliographic Info: 14 photos, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2014
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7920-7
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1563-9
Imprint: McFarland
Series: McFarland Health Topics

Acknowledgments v
Preface: A Scientific Detective Story 1
Introduction: The 40-Year-Old Mystery 3
1. The Long Winding Road to the Long Neck 7
2. Genes: The Hardware and the Software 26
3. Mutations and Epimutations 38
4. Epigenetics: What Makes It Unique? 50
5. Epigenetics and Cancer: Do We Really Want to Know What’s Out There? 59
6. Epigenetics and Diabetes: More Grim News 81
7. Alzheimer’s Disease and Epigenetics: Castles in the Sand 95
8. A Basket of Mental Disorders 107
9. Epigenetics and Autism: The Queen of the Night 113
10. Epigenetic Exercise: Just Do It 126
11. Aging: The End Game 130
12. Epigenetics to the Ends of the Earth 142
13. Why Should You Care About Epigenetics? 152
14. Pulling It All Together 166
15. The Way Forward 176
Epilogue: Concluding Thoughts on the 40-Year-Old Mystery 182
Chapter Notes 183
Selected Bibliography 205
Index 211

“Recommended”—Choice