In the first four chapters the reader is introduced to basic concepts of gene structure and function, epigenetics, Mendellian and non-Mendellian patterns of inheritance, population genetics, types of mutations and chromosomal abnormalities, and modern molecular diagnostic techniques.
Therefore the potential health consequences of changes in mitochondrial functioning, gene expression and epigenetics in early life should be further elucidated.
Thus, the allocation of functions between mutagenesis and epigenetics during carcinogenesis looks as follows: the former is the driving force of "cancer differentiation", whereas the latter is the mechanism of its implementation (Lichtenstein 2008).
Interestingly, DBC1 is a regulator of several molecules and pathways that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer such as apoptosis, nuclear receptor function, cellular metabolism, circadian cycle and epigenetics [ 4– 17].
The placental epigenome regulates placental gene expression and function, and any disruption in placental epigenetics (via either stochastic or environmental perturbation) has the potential to affect the developing fetus.
Chemicals are being found to be increasingly important in cellular functions, for example through small molecule modulators and epigenetics.
Thousands of lncRNAs have been recently discovered in a wide range of mammalian systems, related to development, epigenetics, cancer, brain function and hereditary disease.
Through these techniques, the zebrafish model has helped to clarify the relationship between epigenetics and gene function, and can be expected to further contribute to this understanding in the future.
Since differential gene expression patterns were previously observed in VAT of obese with versus without MetS [ 7], gene-specific DNA methylation analysis in VAT are warranted to better understand the contribution of epigenetics in VAT function and, consequently, in obesity-related metabolic disorders.
