An incisive and contemporary discussion of epigenetic phenomena applied to human health and disease

Epigenetics and Health: A Practical Guide delivers a thorough and insightful exploration of the basic principles of gene function, gene regulation, and gene expression. The author explains how epigenetic modifications alter gene expression and demonstrate the role played by environmental factors—including nutrition, exercise, toxins, and stress—in gene regulation, as well as their potential health consequences.

The book presents current methods for analyzing epigenetic variation, including NGS applications and bioinformatic analysis.

Readers will be encouraged to question, analyze, and critically appraise the literature on epigenetics to further develop their understanding. They’ll also find:

• Explorations of epigenetic mechanisms, homeostasis, and the potential for manipulating the epigenome
• Practical discussions of methods for epigenetic analyses
• How to address cancer epigenetics, mental health epigenetics, and guidance on developing an epigenetics research project

Epigenetics and Health: A Practical Guide will benefit practicing geneticists and medical geneticists seeking insights into epigenetic phenomena applied to human health and disease.

"This book successfully conveys that we are in the early stages of understanding epigenetic phenomena, and McCulley admirably explains why this new discipline is important, even if significant hurdles remain before we understand enough about epigenetics to use that information when designing medical or nutritional/lifestyle interventions."
—David S. Moore, The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2025, Volume 100, Number 1 pp. 43-44

Michelle McCulley, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine at the University of Otago in New Zealand. Her research is focused on the epigenetic regulation of our genes, particularly as it relates to environment, health, and disease.