Neurogenetics: Molecular and Clinical Foundations

This book on neurogenetics has been written keeping in mind the requirements of undergraduate and postgraduate students of medical genetics and neuroscience. The subject of neurogenetics, though rapidly advancing, has often been studied from scattered resources and highly specialized references that are usually beyond the reach of students at an early stage. Experience has shown that much of the available material is either too detailed for beginners or too superficial for meaningful understanding. This difficulty has grown in recent years as the field continues to expand and evolve at an extraordinary pace. The combination of genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience, being highly technical, often leaves the student overwhelmed.

In this book, care has been taken to ensure that the text provides all the information necessary for an intelligent understanding of the essential genetic mechanisms underlying the development, function, and disorders of the nervous system.

Firstly, the language has been kept simple. Care has been taken not to compress too many facts into an involved sentence. New words are clearly explained.

Secondly, simultaneous references to unrelated concepts have been avoided as far as possible. While this has necessitated some repetition, it is hoped that this has removed one of the greatest factors leading to confusion in the study of this subject.

Thirdly, wherever possible, concepts have been explained with clear and simple illustrations, flowcharts, and genetic maps. Complex pathways are presented in a step-by-step manner to aid comprehension. Only structures and mechanisms relevant to the discussion are shown.

The chapters have been arranged in a logical sequence so that all fundamental aspects of genetics are dealt with before moving to advanced applications in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases.

In an effort of this kind, it is inevitable that some errors of omission, and of commission, are liable to creep in. To minimize these, the text was read by colleagues and experts from related disciplines, whose valuable suggestions have greatly added to the accuracy and usefulness of this book. Nevertheless, scope for further improvement remains, and the author would welcome suggestions to this end both from teachers and from students.