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Epigenetics of Cognition and Neurodegenerative Disorders

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Part of the book series: Neuromethods ((NM,volume 94))

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Abstract

Epigenetics is defined as alterations in RNA transcript expression, or the phenotype of the cell, that are caused by mechanisms other than changes in the associated DNA sequence. This chapter focuses on the general process of gene transcription. It also discusses how epigenetics intervenes in this process, the heritability of cognitive performance, as well as relations between cognition and DNA methylation, histone and chromatin changes, and micro RNAs. In addition, also summarized here is the current state of knowledge surrounding the role of epigenetics in the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Highlighted are the complex regulatory networks at play in the healthy and diseased nervous system, and the tenet that the research findings are promising and suggest new therapeutic avenues.

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Correspondence to Matthew Huentelman Ph.D. .

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Coleman, P., Huentelman, M., Dunckley, T. (2015). Epigenetics of Cognition and Neurodegenerative Disorders. In: Bimonte-Nelson, H. (eds) The Maze Book. Neuromethods, vol 94. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2159-1_10

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2159-1_10

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