Molecular Medicine: How Science Works

Molecular medicine provides a molecular and cellular description of health and disease, with a focus on gene regulation and epigenetics. It explains that most non-communicable human diseases have a genetic and epigenetic component, with epigenetics based on lifestyle choices and environmental exposures. This book is subdivided into 42 chapters and is linked to lecture courses in molecular medicine and genetics, molecular immunology, cancer biology, and nutrigenomics. It aims to make the textbook a personal experience by combining basic understanding of cellular mechanisms with clinical examples.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 700 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The captivating realm of molecular medicine offers a comprehensive molecular and cellular understanding of health and disease. This comprehensive text begins by delving into the intricate mechanisms of gene regulation and epigenetics, which encompass the interplay between transcription factors and chromatin. By providing a fundamental foundation for nearly all physiological processes, both in health and in common disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, this book serves as a cornerstone for understanding the complexities of human biology.

It is important to note that the majority of non-communicable human diseases possess both a genetic and epigenetic component. The latter arises from our lifestyle choices and environmental exposures, shaping our genetic makeup. While a genetic predisposition can account for a significant portion of certain common diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, it is only responsible for approximately 20% of their occurrence. This underscores the significant role that our epigenome plays in determining our health outcomes.

While we cannot alter the genes we are born with, we have the power to nurture the remaining 80% through lifestyle choices and environmental interventions. This emphasizes the individual responsibility we hold for maintaining good health. Consequently, molecular medicine is not just a domain of interest for biologists and biochemists but also for students across biomedical disciplines. By introducing these concepts, students will gain a solid foundation that will serve as a strong basis for their specialized research endeavors in modern life science.

The book is organized into 42 chapters, each seamlessly linked to a series of lecture courses on "Molecular Medicine and Genetics," "Molecular Immunology," "Cancer Biology," and "Nutrigenomics" delivered by one of us (C. Carlberg) in various formats since 2002 at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio. This book represents an updated and enhanced version of our previous textbooks, including "Mechanisms of Gene Regulation: How Science Works" (ISBN 978-3-030-52321-3) and "Human Epigenetics: How Science Works" (ISBN 978-3-030-22907-8).

In conclusion, the field of molecular medicine provides a profound insight into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying health and disease. By unraveling the complexities of gene regulation and epigenetics, this text offers a valuable foundation for understanding the underlying causes of common disorders and empowers individuals to take control of their health through lifestyle choices and environmental interventions. As such, it is an essential resource for students, researchers, and healthcare professionals alike.

Weight: 1208g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031271328
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023