Epigenetics and Systems Biology

Epigenetics and Systems Biology highlights the need for collaboration between experiments and theoretical modeling that is required for successful application of systems biology in epigenetics studies.

This book breaks down the obstacles which exist between systems biology and epigenetics researchers due to information barriers and segmented research, giving real-life examples of successful combinations of systems biology and epigenetics experiments.

Each section covers one type of modeling and one set of epigenetic questions on which said models have been successfully applied. In addition, the book highlights how modeling and systems biology relate to studies of RNA, DNA, and genome instability, mechanisms of DNA damage signaling and repair, and the effect of the environment on genome stability.

Presents original research in a wider perspective to reveal potential for synergies between the two fields of studyProvides the latest experiments in primary literature for the modeling audienceIncludes chapters written by experts in systems biology and epigenetics who have vast experience studying clinical applications

Section I. Introduction

Section II: Where Am I? Genomic Features and DNA Sequence Principles Defining Sites of Epigenetic Regulation: Machine Learning 1. Computational Identification of Polycomb/Trithorax Response Elements 2. Modeling Chromatin States 3. Crossing Borders: Modeling Approaches to Understand Chromatin Domains and Their Boundaries 4. Inferring Chromatin Signaling From Genome-Wide ChIP-seq Data

Section III. Everything’s Moving: In Vivo Dynamics of Epigenetic Regulators: Kinetic Models Based on Ordinary Differential Equations 5. “In Vivo Biochemistry”: Absolute Quantification and Kinetic Modeling Applied to Polycomb and Trithorax Regulation 6. Modeling Distributive Histone Modification by Dot1 Methyltransferases: From Mechanism to Biological Insights

Section IV: Reconciling Randomness and Precision: Bistable Epigenetic Memory and Switching: Stochastic Models 7. Modeling Bistable Chromatin States 8. Quantitative Environmentally Triggered Switching Between Stable Epigenetic States

Section V: The Third and Fourth Dimensions: Chromosomal Long Range Interactions: Polymer Models 9. On the Nature of Chromatin 3D Organization: Lessons From Modeling 10. From Chromosome Conformation Capture to Polymer Physics and Back: Investigating the Three-Dimensional Structure of Chromatin Within Topological Associating Domains 11. A Combination Approach Based on Live-Cell Imaging and Computational Modeling to Further Our Understanding of Chromatin, Epigenetics, and the Genome 12. Capturing Chromosome Structural Properties From Their Spatial and Temporal Fluctuations