epigenetic players as well as novel functions of old and known ones. Medicinal
chemistry plays a fundamental role in the discovery process as it provides not only
tools to better understand the function of an epigenetic player but also novel therapy
options where aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are involved.
The book comprises 16 chapters. Each chapter includes a short introduction for a
single epigenetic target or a target family ranging from structural biology aspects to
cell biology and biochemistry. Most of the space is devoted to target modulation,
either inhibition or activation. The authors give an insight into the discovery and
development of mainly small organic molecules and also peptides influencing
epigenetic pathways. Modern aspects of drug design such as new methodologies,
ranging from computational approaches, crystallography to structural biology are
presented with hands-on examples.
In the last 2 years, I have had the privilege to first convene leading experts in the
growing field of epigenetics to contribute for the present book. It was an honour to
work with them and I think all the contributors can be proud of the results achieved.
The present book can be a facile start for everyone to dive into the field of epigenetic
drug discovery providing a sound base of knowledge as a strong focus has been put
on the most recent and up to date literature.
I would like to express my gratitude to Clemens Zwergel for his enormous
support and useful comments in managing this book. I also wish to thank Sofia
Costa and Shanti Ramamoorthy from Springer for their valuable assistance during
the whole project from the first idea to the final book.
Rome, Italy
Antonello Mai
February 2019
vi
Preface
chemistry plays a fundamental role in the discovery process as it provides not only
tools to better understand the function of an epigenetic player but also novel therapy
options where aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are involved.
The book comprises 16 chapters. Each chapter includes a short introduction for a
single epigenetic target or a target family ranging from structural biology aspects to
cell biology and biochemistry. Most of the space is devoted to target modulation,
either inhibition or activation. The authors give an insight into the discovery and
development of mainly small organic molecules and also peptides influencing
epigenetic pathways. Modern aspects of drug design such as new methodologies,
ranging from computational approaches, crystallography to structural biology are
presented with hands-on examples.
In the last 2 years, I have had the privilege to first convene leading experts in the
growing field of epigenetics to contribute for the present book. It was an honour to
work with them and I think all the contributors can be proud of the results achieved.
The present book can be a facile start for everyone to dive into the field of epigenetic
drug discovery providing a sound base of knowledge as a strong focus has been put
on the most recent and up to date literature.
I would like to express my gratitude to Clemens Zwergel for his enormous
support and useful comments in managing this book. I also wish to thank Sofia
Costa and Shanti Ramamoorthy from Springer for their valuable assistance during
the whole project from the first idea to the final book.
Rome, Italy
Antonello Mai
February 2019
vi
Preface