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Over a decade ago, as the Human Genome Project completed its mapping of the entire human genome, hopes ran high that we would rapidly be able to use our knowledge of human genes to tackle many inherited diseases, and understand what makes us unique among animals. But things didn't turn out that way. For a start, we turned out to have far fewer genes than originally thought - just over 20,000, the same sort of number as a fruit fly or worm. What's more, the proportion of DNA consisting of genes coding for proteins was a mere 2%. So, was the rest of the genome accumulated 'junk'? Things have changed since those early heady days of the Human Genome Project. But the emerging picture is if anything far more exciting. In this book, John Parrington explains the key features that are coming to light - some, such as the results of the international ENCODE programme, still much debated and controversial in their scope. He gives an outline of the deeper genome, involving layers of regulatory elements controlling and coordinating the switching on and off of genes; the impact of its 3D geometry; the discovery of a variety of new RNAs playing critical roles; the epigenetic changes influenced by the environment and life experiences that can make identical twins different and be passed on to the next generation; and the clues coming out of comparisons with the genomes of Neanderthals as well as that of chimps about the development our species. We are learning more about ourselves, and about the genetic aspects of many diseases. But in its complexity, flexibility, and ability to respond to environmental cues, the human genome is proving to be far more subtle than we ever imagined.

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Library Journal Review

When the Human Genome Project completed its sequencing in 2003, scientists were confident that identification of genes that predispose us to disease would soon lead to improved prevention, therapies, and even cures. Twelve years later, for most common illnesses, this hope has not been realized. Parrington (molecular and cellular pharmacology, Oxford Univ.) explains why, as he takes readers through genome research since the sequencing. He discusses the history of genetics, the science of inheritance, and the discovery of DNA; explains the current understanding of the shape and function of DNA and the various types of RNA and proteins associated with it; the controversy among scientists with regard to the amount, if any, of our DNA that is "junk"; and how DNA may have influenced the development of human consciousness. He also illustrates the achievements of the Human Genome Project in terms of disease prevention and treatment and what might be possible in the future. VERDICT Aimed at the layman, this science-dense history of human genetics to the present day will be appreciated most by readers with some background in science.-Rachel Owens, Daytona State Coll. Lib., FL © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

For many years, researchers in molecular genetics have suspected that the noncoding regions of the human genome, formerly called "junk DNA," had some other function that would eventually become evident, given time and enough research. Now it appears that this suspicion is becoming reality. This informative, highly readable book addresses scientists' current understanding of noncoding DNA. It begins with a series of chapters reviewing fundamental concepts of modern genetics, including the genetic code, gene expression, and genetic regulation. Parrington (Univ. of Oxford, UK) includes this content to provide important background information as well as to serve as a springboard for leading readers into the details of the most current research in this field. Along the way, he masterfully expands upon this research by also exploring its myriad applications in evolutionary biology, medicine, and psychology. Extensive endnotes offer a wealth of resources for readers who want to go further in any particular topic, and simple line drawings illustrate key concepts throughout the book. All in all, this is a valuable book for anyone wishing to explore the newest discoveries, and the implications of these discoveries, in a rapidly expanding field. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readership levels. --Randall K. Harris, William Carey University

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

John Parrington is an Associate Professor in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, and a Tutorial Fellow in Medicine at Worcester College, Oxford. He has published over 80 peer-reviewed articles in science journals including Nature, Current Biology, Journal of Cell Biology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, The EMBO Journal, Development, Developmental Biology, and Human Reproduction. He has extensive experience writing popular science, having published articles in The Guardian, New Scientist, Chemistry World, and The Biologist. As a British Science Association Media Fellow he has worked as a science journalist at The Times for 7 weeks where he published 22 articles. He has also written science reports for the Wellcome Trust, British Council, and Royal Society.