The Regulatory Genome in Adaptation, Evolution, Development, and Disease

The Regulatory Genome in Adaptation, Evolution, Development, and Disease synthesizes insights from recent genomic and gene expression studies across organisms, from humans to plants, animals, and single cell life, exploring common roles gene regulation has played in adaptive evolution, as well as in developmental biology and susceptibility to disease. Here, Moyra Smith, a celebrated researcher in the field, sheds light on common themes in gene regulation across evolutionary timelines, illuminating new areas of focus and pathways for future research. Early chapters consider key elements in gene expression regulation, fundamentals of genomic alterations over time and in response to environmental and local conditions, and the role of epigenetics in adaptive evolution, with later chapters considering the role of adaptive gene regulation in healthy processes and developmental biology, as well as in disease biology. Throughout the book, a comparative approach is adopted across organisms, to highlight common evolutionary themes and genome diversity revealed by recent sequencing and GWAS studies, as well as how this informs our understanding of human adaptive evolution. The book finishes by detailing how we can use this knowledge to impact disease outcomes and healthy human metabolism, development, and physiology. Reviews key elements in regulation of gene expression regulation, and modes of studying gene regulation across evolutionary timelines Adopts a cross-species view, synthesizing recent sequencing and GWAS studies across organisms, to draw out fresh meaning and highlight pathways for future research Considers altered gene expression associated with developmental defects and disease, as well as healthy biology and physiology, and our adaptive response to disease influence