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Epigenetics play a vital role in modern biological research and advanced studies. The past few years have discovered some ground-breaking studies. The interest of researchers has become enhanced to understand epigenomics and epigenetics for all the aspects such as cloning, ageing, synthetic biology, evolution, and agriculture.
There are a number of books available for young minds and passionate researchers to understand the concepts of this subject. Some books are helpful for beginners to understand the basic fundamental aspects while some books can guide them in applying those fundamentals to do some exceptional research and studies.
Epigenetics has become an integral part of practical sciences. We have prepared a list of the 10 best epigenetics books for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced-level researchers. Read the description of every book to find your perfect match. With the help of these books, you can bring revolutionary changes in the field of epigenetics.
Best Epigenetics Books recommended for every updated learner
Many renowned and experienced scientists have written books on epigenetics in the past few years. With the pace of development in the field of science, the books also upgrade and include fresh information. The latest approaches adopted to solve biological problems are important in any book.
Here is a list of the 3 best books on epigenetics picked by us. It is categorised on the basis of the level of learning.
- Beginner Level: The Epigenetics Revolution briefs the readers about what epigenetics is and how it is relevant along with clearing the basic concepts.
- Intermediate Level: Epigenetics -by Lyle Armstrong brushes up the biological concepts and gives advanced insights into the epigenetics regulation of diseases.
- Advanced Level: Medical Epigenetics is a detailed collection of every aspect of epigenetics along with the latest advanced research and discoveries.
You can read more textbooks on epigenetics in the description given below.
1. The Epigenetics Revolution
The Epigenetics Revolution is an intriguing guide to understanding epigenetics as a beginner. The entire book is divided into 16 sections/chapters. The initial sections are introductory. They describe the concepts in a simplistic way. Layman language is used to keep the subject fascinating and for simplifying complex concepts. The further chapters are also written in a narration format.
Each chapter discusses the concept uniquely. The detailed discussion on the importance of evolutionary biology, inheritance of traits, gene therapy and more are written by the author in interesting ways. The molecular mechanisms of epigenetics, the response of biological systems to epigenetic changes, examples from real life and more are elucidated.
Special emphasis is laid on identical twins who are not truly identical at the cellular level, the effects of psychological trauma at an early age, and the future perspectives of the field of epigenetics.
Overall, the guide is great extra reading material at the initial stages of learning the subject of epigenetics.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- The language is very simple to understand
- Written in a comprehensive style
- Use of non-technical words to keep the interest of the reader
- Recommended for beginners trying to understand the fundamentals
- Unique in style and pattern
- An informal guide for extra reading on epigenetics
Level (best suitable for): Beginners
2. Epigenetics -by David Allis
Epigenetics -by David Allis is a detailed study guide for epigenetics. The book is elaborate with a total of 36 detailed chapters. The initial chapters are on the brief history of epigenetics and the fascinating new discoveries made in the field. The overview and basic concepts of epigenetics are defined in the next chapters.
The molecular mechanisms such as histone acetylation, structure and functional coordination of DNA, and structural perspectives are given. A brief discussion of the role of epigenetics in different organisms such as microbes, plants, mammals and more is penned. The epigenetic factors and human diseases, determinants of cancer, modifications in histone, and similar effects are briefly written.
Chapters describing the involvement of epigenetic processes in epigenetic inheritance, neuronal development, metabolism and signalling and response to environment are provided.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A very comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide
- Conceptual illustrations for every chapter
- Includes all the essential topics in a brief
- The latest researches and developments are given
- The effect of epigenetics on different organisms
- Essential resource for scientists and researchers
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
3. Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Our Genes
Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Our Genes is one of the concept-clearing books on epigenetics. It is meant to be read by graduates and postgraduates working in the applied field of genetics. The book has details on DNA, RNA, protein, histones, transcription, and translation which are the fundamentals to understand epigenetics at the core. The details on the epigenetic gene and regulation of cancer cells are written interestingly.
It also discusses epigenetic therapy for cancer treatment. The DNA methylation of oncogenes, histone modifications, RNA interferences, and more are elaborated. This a great book to understand epigenetic regulation and therapies for cancer patients. Good overview on X chromosome silencing, developmental biology, animal research such as sea urchins, and more.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Interesting ideas are presented throughout the chapters
- Written in a sophisticated manner
- Simple use of language and non-technical words
- A fascinating introduction for intriguing the readers
- Recommended for intermediate and advanced research students
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
4. Introducing Epigenetics: A Graphic Guide
Introducing Epigenetics: A Graphic Guide is a visually interesting book for understanding epigenetics by beginners. The book is divided into different topics of epigenetics. The genes, RNA and proteins are described in the initial chapters along with chromosomes, nucleosomes, and chromatin.
A brief discussion on DNA replication, mitosis, meiosis, and inheritance patterns is given. The epigenetics topic such as gene regulation, history, modifications, DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, nuclear location and more are written explicitly along with diagrams.
The epigenetic inheritance in animal models, evolution, ageing, cancer, medicine, cell therapies, epi-genomics and more are written down well. The book concludes with the future of epigenetics and the ethics of this subject.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Written in simple and easy-to-understand language
- Comprehensive format
- Illustrations of the key concepts
- Visually appealing to the readers
- Unique comic book style representation
- Recommended for beginners with no biological background
Level (best suitable for): Beginners
5. Epigenetics -by Lyle Armstrong
Epigenetics -by Lyle Armstrong is one of the most recommended books for learning about epigenetics. The book is divided into a total of 16 chapters. The division is clear-cut and very sophisticated. The first chapter is an introductory discussion on epigenetics and the importance of this subject.
The chapters further describe the process of transcription followed by the mechanism of DNA packaging and chromatin structure. The modification of chromatin structure and DNA methylation and its modification is explained later.
The post-translational modification of histones and epigenetic control of cell-specific gene expression and locus-specific control is written in brief. The epigenetic control of the mitotic cell cycle, cellular differentiation, gene imprinting, reversibility of modification patterns, diseases and disorders, mental health, and cancer are briefly written too.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Comprehensively written with discussion on every epigenetics topic
- Very well written for easy understanding
- The structure and machinery for epigenetic modification mentioned
- Valuable information source for research
- Recommended for intermediate research learners
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate
6. Epigenetics: The Death of the Genetic Theory of Disease Transmission
Epigenetics: The Death of the Genetic Theory of Disease Transmission is a must-have book for every reader seeking to learn the concepts of epigenetics. A number of scholars with abundant expertise in the field of epigenetics have contributed to the book with their knowledge. The book is a collection of research findings on genetic diseases and their transmission.
The connection between nutritional deficiencies and diseases has been focused on in this book. Special attention is given to hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Also, the predominance in women for the development of the human pelvis during adolescence is given.
The relationship between nutrition and genetic diseases caused in humans and primates is the central theme idea of the textbook. It has the key concepts about the human body functions and the path to better health.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A uniquely written book for curious learners
- comprehensively written for clearing concepts
- Easy-to-understand language and simple words used
- Complex topics are simplified
- Diseases in humans are discussed in the light of epigenetics
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
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7. The Developing Genome: An Introduction to Behavioral Epigenetics
The Developing Genome is a uniquely written and different book on epigenetics. The author has distinctly divided the book into four different categories. Part one is focused on the concept of DNA, development, regulation and expression. This part lays the foundation for the learners before diving deep into epigenetics.
Part two of the book begins with a description of epigenetics, the role of epigenetics in primates, the brain, nutrition and more. The third part describes the mechanisms of inheritance and a brief description of the inheritance terminologies such as multiplicity, evidence, inheritance and more.
The final and fourth section discusses about the implications of epigenetics and future perspectives of the subject. An excellent guide for building the concepts around epigenetics and behavioural perspective. Readers belonging to graduate and post-graduate levels of study can go for this textbook.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Cutting-edge research in behavioural genetics is included
- Helps in building critical thinking in the readers
- Comprehensively written in a lucid style
- Written for researchers, teachers, students and general scientific readers
Level (best suitable for): Beginner to Intermediate
8. Epigenetics in Health and Disease
Epigenetics in Health and Disease is divided into 20 distinct chapters. The beginning of the chapter is on the historical perspective of epigenetics. It is followed by a description of chromatin dynamics and remodelling in animals and plants. The details on the epigenetic mechanisms such as methylation of DNA and histone modifications are provided.
A general overview of non-coding RNAs involved and epigenetic processes in bacteria and humans is given. The other kingdoms such as Protista, fungi, and plants are given too. A comparative study on the biogenesis of plants and animals along with mutations and silencing of sequences is written briefly.
An entire chapter is dedicated to cancer and the role of epigenetics, behavioural neuroscience, diet, toxicology, environmental exposures and epigenetics technologies such as hairpin-based antisense.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Comprehensively written with the use of simple language to understand
- Well-labelled diagrams and figures for visual understanding
- Well-written chapters on diseases specific to cancer
- In-depth content with abundant facts
- Constitutes all the biological kingdoms in the discussion
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate to Advance
9. Medical Epigenetics
Medical Epigenetics is a complete package to understand epigenetics from basics to advance level. The entire book is divided into a total of eight sections. The initial section is an overview of medical epigenetics. It describes how the subject came into existence and its importance in today’s time.
The basic principles of epigenetics are included in section two. The general medical aspects of epigenetics are elucidated in section three. The fourth section briefly describes system disorders due to epigenetics. The fifth and sixth sections are about multisystem medical and pharmacology of epigenetics. The therapeutics based on epigenetics is mentioned in section seven.
The final section emphasises the future perspectives of advances in medical epigenetics. All the essential topics from personalised epigenetics to medical therapies are written in a brilliant style for advance level learners.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- Clear-cut division of sections for easy navigation by the readers
- Written in simple and easy-to-understand language
- Comprehensive format and illustrative diagrams
- Includes all the essential topics with facts and content
- Recommended for advanced learners for core studies/research
Level (best suitable for): Advance
10. Handbook of Epigenetics
Handbook of Epigenetics is a compilation of molecular and medical genetics concepts. A total of 11 sections constitute this textbook. It begins with the mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, and the epigenetics of non-coding RNA. More details are added to the epigenetic processes such as prions, chromosomal position effects, and polycomb-group proteins.
The third section talks about the technological advances in epigenetics such as gene-specific methylation, methods for assessing genomes, computational epigenetics, and more.
The model organisms of epigenetics such as drosophila, mouse, lower organisms, and plants are discussed in brief. Functional epigenetics is an essential topic which is covered brilliantly. The topics of evolutionary and epidemiology epigenetics are elucidated too.
The concluding chapters include details on human diseases such as cancer, brain disorders, metabolic diseases and more. Epigenetic therapy, combination therapy and future perspectives of research in the field are also given.
Why You Should Buy This Book
- A comprehensive collection of up-to-date reviews on the topic of epigenetics
- Covers the latest advances in different areas
- Provides basic aspects, technologies and clinical medicine
- Use of simple technical words for easy understanding
- Updated therapeutics and clinical trials mentioned
Level (best suitable for): Intermediate
In this article, we have discussed the best books on epigenetics recommended for every level of learners and biologists. The best textbook to learn epigenetics from is mentioned at the beginning of this article.
Each of the textbooks mentioned is very helpful in grasping the fundamentals and understanding the molecular mechanisms of epigenetics. With the help of thorough reading, one can understand how this science plays a vital role in genetics. By understanding and analysing the methodologies involved in epigenetics, new methods of molecular diagnosis and treatment can be developed.
Go for books that are inclusive of fundamental concepts and written in comprehensive and straightforward language. You can efficiently choose the book that meets your requirements.
