About this Book

 Transcription depends on an ordered sequence of events, starting with (i) setting of

the enhancer and chromatin environment, (ii) assembly of DNA binding and general

transcription factors, (iii) initiation, elongation, processing of mRNA and termination,

followed by (iv) creation of epigenetic marks and memory formation. Highlighting the

importance of these activities, more than 10% total genes are dedicated to regulating

transcriptional mechanisms. This area of research is highly active and new insights

are continuously being added to our knowledge.

Cells of the immune system have unique features of gene regulation to support

diverse tasks required for innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity involves

the recognition of external infectious and noxious agents as well as internal cancer

cell components, and the elimination of these agents by non-specific mechanisms.

Adaptive immunity involves gene rearrangement to achieve highly specific T and

B cell responses, imparting the capability of self and non-self discrimination. This

requires transcription and epigenetic regulation. Adaptive immunity also employs

epigenetic memory, enabling recapitulation of prior transcription. Recent advances

in nuclear architecture, chromatin structure, and transcriptional regulation have

provided new insights into immune responses. The increased understanding of

these molecular mechanisms is now affording opportunities to improve therapeutic

strategies for various diseases.