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A concise primer that complicates a convenient truth in biology—the divide between germ and somatic cells—with far-reaching ethical and public policy ramifications. Scientists have long held that we have two kinds of cells—germ and soma. Make a change to germ cells—say using genome editing—and that change will appear in the cells of future generations. Somatic cells are “safe” after such tampering; modify your skin cells, and your future children's skin cells will never know. And, while germ cells can give rise to new generations (including all of the somatic cells in a body), somatic cells can never become germ cells. How did scientists discover this relationship and distinction between somatic and germ cells—the so-called Weismann Barrier—and does it actually exist? Can somatic cells become germ cells in the way germ cells become somatic cells? That is, can germ cells regenerate from somatic cells even though conventional wisdom denies this possibility? Covering research from the late nineteenth century to the 2020s, historian and philosopher of science Kate MacCord explores how scientists came to understand and accept the dubious concept of the Weismann Barrier and what profound implications this convenient assumption has for research and policy, from genome editing to stem cell research, and much more.

This is a unique book containing comprehensive coverage of pluripotent stem cell therapies for the treatment of diabetes. The greatest enthusiasm for treatment lies in the possibility of using stem cells to overcome the limits of islet transplantation. Organized into six parts, this book covers the development and differentiation of beta cells, bioengineering, immunoescape, preclinical model and translational approaches, beta cell replacement, and disease modeling. This is an ideal book for scientists, researchers, and clinicians working in the area of stem cell technology in the treatment of diabetes.

This book describes recent important advancements in nanobiotechnology for biomedical applications as well as explaining fundamentals and examining potential applications in biomedical settings. Nanobiotechnology is the study of applications of nanotechnologies in biological or biomedical settings. It is an interdisciplinary field of growing importance whose subcategories encompass chemical engineering, molecular biophysics, and cellular mechanics or tissue engineering. This book is structured in a way to summarize the latest process in nanobiotechnology at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels. The principles of the underlying science are presented, and widely accepted applications in the field and newly designed techniques are extensively described. Fresh insights are provided into the convergence of science and technology. This book is an ideal guide to the field that will be of value especially for researchers from interdisciplinary fields and higher level graduate students with extraordinary inspirations and research training.

This book examines the interactions of nanomaterials with the biological system. The chapters of the book explore the natural and synthetic biomaterials that modulate immune responses for their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. Further, the book discusses the implications of the physiochemical properties of nanoparticles and their microenvironment on their interactions with biological systems. The chapters also present the recognitive capabilities of biomaterials for the development of novel strategies for the detection and treatment of autoimmune disorders. The book also introduces nanotechnology platforms for drug delivery and highlights current and emerging nanotechnologies that could enable novel classes of therapeutics. Towards the end, the book reviews the efficiency of drug-loaded nanoparticles in modulating the functioning of the biological milieu for improved disease treatment. Lastly, the book outlines the ethical issues regarding the use of nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo applications. Given its scope, it is a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers interested in understanding the biomedical applications of nanoparticles and their interactions with the biological milieu.

Cognition-Based Evolution is the first comprehensive alternative to 20th-century Neodarwinism, proposing a radical 21st-century evolutionary framework with a novel point of origination: all cells are intelligent and must measure uncertain environmental information to sustain themselves. In Cognition-Based Evolution, life is defined by cognition. From this differential stance, evolutionary biology transforms into the science of why, how, what, and with whom cells measure and communicate under stressful environmental conditions. Life's context is uncertain environmental information, communication is its means, and genes are its tools. Evolution is its yield as continuous non-random self-referential cellular problem-solving.

By understanding how cells work in healthy and diseased states, cell biologists working in animal, plant and medical science will be able to develop new vaccines, more effective medicines, plants with improved qualities and through increased knowledge a better understanding of how all living things live. The aim of this book termed “Cell Technology” is to assist students understand the concepts of this vast field. The topics covered are inclusive but not limited to Cell Biology, Cell Biochemistry, Cell Enzymology, Cell Immunology, Cell Molecular, Cell Genetics, Cell Microbiology, Cell Metabolic, Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, Bioinstrumentation and Techniques.

This book focuses on the recent innovations and therapeutic potentials of regenerative medicine and discusses the applications of stem cells, biomaterials, and tissue engineering in regenerative medicine. The book covers essential aspects of regenerative medicine, including tissue microenvironment, immunological perspectives, stem, and non-stem cell-mediated approaches, imaging techniques, biomarkers, and 3D printing technology. It also reviews the applications of biosensing technologies in regenerative medicine, including biomanufacturing, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and as indicators of therapeutic efficacy. Further, it focuses on the regenerative medicine approaches for diseases of the central nervous system. It also provides the therapeutic potential of regenerative medicine to improve soft tissue and wound healing, cardiovascular, neural, bone, and orofacial regeneration. ​

This book acts as a field-guide for human cells. The book's unique structure first separates cells by what makes them distinctive, and then examines the essential “tools and parts” needed for both the cells'specialized function, and also the basic mechanisms that are shared with most other cells. The chapters highlight interactions between multiple cell types, exploring areas such as immunology and cancer to exemplify the complex coordination of cells, as well as the manipulation of normal cell interactions. This book works as a companion reference for an academic text in cell and molecular science, and will be of general interest to anyone who wants to learn more about how cells work and interact.

Cutting-edge engineering approaches towards modelling lung homeostasis and disease have created dynamic new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and unprecedented progress toward understanding and treating lung disease. This text connects established research in lung biology and physiology to innovative engineering strategies for pulmonary modelling. This unique approach aims to encourage and facilitate progress among a greater audience of basic and translational scientists, clinicians, and medical practitioners. Engineering Translational Models of Lung Homeostasis and Disease illustrates the advances in lung tissue characterization, revealing dynamic changes in the structure, mechanics, and composition of the extracellular matrix. This information paves the way for tissue-informed engineering models of pulmonary tissue, improved design of clinical materials, and advances against a variety of common pathologies. Current translational challenges arehighlighted, as are engineering opportunities to overcome these barriers. This foundational text holds valuable lessons for researchers and clinicians throughout the fields of engineering, materials science, cell biology, pulmonary medicine, and clinical science.· Each section focuses on a specific region of the lung, presenting either the biological or clinical perspective along with complimentary engineering approaches · Covers the interface of engineering and lung biology · Highlights emerging new models to study lung disease and repairChapter 4 is available openaccess under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com

Reader-friendly Cell Biology, 4th Edition, provides a concise but comprehensive foundation for students entering research or health care career paths. Award winning illustrations help readers quickly grasp general principles. The authors have thoroughly updated this popular text to provide readers with the current understanding of the principles of normal cellular function along with examples of how molecular defects predispose to human disease. Major new themes in the 4th edition include the roles of intrinsically disordered polypeptides and phase separation in cellular functions, the influence of new molecular structures on understanding mechanisms, and the impact of exciting new methods—from single cell RNA sequencing to second generation super resolution fluorescence microscopy—on advancing our understanding. Clear, readable explanations provide a concise story about how cells function at the molecular level. An intuitive chapter flow starts with genome organization, gene expression, and RNA processing as a foundation for understanding every aspect of cellular function and physiology. Brings cellular biology to life for students interested in medical science by explaining how mutations in genes can compromise virtually every cellular system and predispose to human disease. Knowledge of cell biology has led to new treatments for cancer, heart failure, cystic fibrosis, and many other diseases. Unique illustrations with realistic proportions and relationships explain every cellular process including the assembly of SARS CoV-2, the structures attaching mitotic chromosomes to microtubules, the mechanism of DNA replication and how pumps, carriers and channels orchestrate physiological processes from synaptic transmission to cellular volume regulation. Covers exciting breakthroughs such as SMC motor proteins actively organizing chromosomal DNA, TOR kinases regulating metabolism, new types of immunotherapy for cancer treatment, mechanisms regulating fast axonal transport and their relation to neurodegenerative diseases, how completion of DNA replication sets the time for cells to enter mitosis, how a cascade of signals specifies the site of cell division, and newly understood pathways of normal and pathological cell death.

This book provides a selection of recent developments in scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) technology and applications. In recent years, SICM has been applied in an ever-increasing number of areas in the bioanalytical sciences. SICM is based on an electrolyte-filled nanopipette with a nanometer-scale opening, over which an electric potential is applied. The induced ion current is measured, which allows to directly or indirectly quantify various physical quantities such as pipette-sample distance, ion concentration, sample elastic modulus among many others. This makes SICM well suited for applications in electrolytes - most prominently for the study of live cells.This book starts with a historic overview starting from the days of the invention of SICM by Paul Hansma at the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1989. SICM is a member of the family of scanning probe microscopies. It is related to another prominent member of the family, atomic force microscopy (AFM), which has found application in almost any field of nanoscale science. The advantages and disadvantages of SICM over AFM are also outlined. One of the most effective and break-through applications of SICM nanopipettes is in electrochemistry. The different routes and applications for doing electrochemistry using nanopipettes are also discussed. In addition the book highlights the ability of SICM for surface positioning with nanometer precision to open up new vistas in patch clamp measurements subcellular structures. Finally the book presents one research area where SICM has been making a lot of contributions, cardiac research and the endeavors to combine SICM with super-resolution optical microscopy for highest-resolution joint topography and functional imaging.

Pericytes were originally discovered and named more than hundred years ago as contractile cells around the blood vessel endothelial cells. Due to the lack of exclusive markers, pericytes are now defined by a combination of location, morphology and gene expression. Pericytes are attracting increasing attention as important regulators during development and during normal and disturbed organ function. In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the identification and characterization of pericytes subpopulations and their amazing functions using state-of-art techniques. These advantages facilitated identification of molecular basis of interaction between these cells with several other more well studied cell types, and revealed key signals derived from pericytes involved in homeostasis, regeneration, and disease regulation. In the last ten years, several unexpected roles of pericytes have been discovered. It has been demonstrated that pericytes from different tissues differ in their properties as well as functions. Even more, pericytes are heterogeneous also within the same organ. This book is will describe the major contributions of pericytes to different organs biology in physiological and pathological conditions.The book will teach the readers about this so special cell type that 10 years ago was almost completely forgotten, and it was associated basically only with vascular stability. Recently, it become a very hot topic to work in. Several articles in Nature, Science and Cell have been and are being currently published about this cell type. These recent works are revealing how important those cells are for before unimaginable biological processes.Thus, this book will update us on what are the most novel functions attributed to these cells. Also, will introduce to the young generation all the history about these cells from when they were discovered in different organs till where we are now in this field. So it will be a great book for both cell biology students as well as researchers that will have an update on these cells biology in different organs.

More than a history, From Cells to Organisms delves into the nature of scientific practice, showing that results are interpreted not only through the lens of a microscope, but also through the lens of particular ideas and prior philosophical convictions. Before the twentieth century, heredity and development were considered complementary aspects of the fundamental problem of generation, but later they became distinct disciplines with the rise of genetics. Focusing on how cell theory shaped investigations of development, this book explores evolution, vitalism, the role of the nucleus, and the concept of biological individuality. Building upon the work of Thomas Huxley, an important early critic of cell theory, and more recent research from biologists such as Daniel Mazia, From Cells to Organisms covers ongoing debates around cell theory and uses case studies to examine the nature of scientific practice, the role of prestige, and the dynamics of theory change.

This is the first book that provides a comprehensive review of the entire area of artificial cells. The author, a pioneer of the field, invented the first artificial cells some 50 years ago and has continued to carry out active research in this field. Since then, there have been explosive research activities around the world on artificial cells, especially in fields related to biotechnology, nanomedicine, cell therapy, blood substitutes, drug delivery and others. However, instead of the term “artificial cells,” many authors use other terminologies such as blood substitutes, bioencapsulation, liposomes, nanoparticles and so on. Furthermore, papers in this highly interdisciplinary area are published in numerous journals specializing in chemistry, medicine, surgery, bioengineering and others, while books in this area are mostly multi-authored, describing very specific and narrow areas. As a result, any meaningful literature search for a complete idea of the present status of the whole field of artificial cells is impossible.This monograph is written to fill this gap by including all those areas in artificial cells that are disguised under different terminologies. Each chapter begins with a detailed overview, followed by detailed examples of the author's own research and a full description of his methods and procedures. Readers interested in a detailed overview of the whole area can read from cover to cover, omitting the methods section at the end of each chapter; while those entering this area of research will find the detailed methods and procedures very useful.

Does science aim at providing an account of the world that is literally true or objectively true? Understanding the difference requires paying close attention to metaphor and its role in science. In The Third Lens, Andrew S. Reynolds argues that metaphors, like microscopes and other instruments, are a vital tool in the construction of scientific knowledge and explanations of how the world works. More than just rhetorical devices for conveying difficult ideas, metaphors provide the conceptual means with which scientists interpret and intervene in the world. Reynolds here investigates the role of metaphors in the creation of scientific concepts, theories, and explanations, using cell theory as his primary case study. He explores the history of key metaphors that have informed the field and the experimental, philosophical, and social circumstances under which they have emerged, risen in popularity, and in some cases faded from view. How we think of cells—as chambers, organisms, or even machines—makes a difference to scientific practice. Consequently, an accurate picture of how scientific knowledge is made requires us to understand how the metaphors scientists use—and the social values that often surreptitiously accompany them—influence our understanding of the world, and, ultimately, of ourselves. The influence of metaphor isn't limited to how we think about cells or proteins: in some cases they can even lead to real material change in the very nature of the thing in question, as scientists use technology to alter the reality to fit the metaphor. Drawing out the implications of science's reliance upon metaphor, The Third Lens will be of interest to anyone working in the areas of history and philosophy of science, science studies, cell and molecular biology, science education and communication, and metaphor in general.

This book describes how biologically available free energy sources (ATP, chemical potential, and membrane potentials, among others) can be used to drive synthetic reactions, signaling in cells, and various types of motion such as membrane traffic, active transport, and cell locomotion. As such, it approaches the concept of the energy cycle of life on Earth from a physical point of view, covering topics ranging from an introduction to chemical evolution, to an examination of the catalytic activity of enzymes associated with the genome in Darwinian evolution. The author introduces the relationship between functions and physical properties in biomembranes, explaining the methods and equipment used in biophysics research to help researchers unravel the still-unsolved mysteries of life. The physical principles needed to understand the cellular functions are provided; these functions are associated with biomembranes and regulated by physical properties of the lipid bilayer such as membrane fluidity, phase transition, and phase separation, as shown in lipid rafts. Other key dynamic aspects of life (cell locomotion, cytoskeletal dynamics, and sensitivities of the cell to physical stimuli such as external forces and temperature) are also discussed. Lastly, readers will learn how life on Earth and its ecological system are maintained by solar energy, and be provided further information on the problems accompanying global warming.

Although modern cell biology is often considered to have arisen following World War II in tandem with certain technological and methodological advances—in particular, the electron microscope and cell fractionation—its origins actually date to the 1830s and the development of cytology, the scientific study of cells. By 1924, with the publication of Edmund Vincent Cowdry's General Cytology, the discipline had stretched beyond the bounds of purely microscopic observation to include the chemical, physical, and genetic analysis of cells. Inspired by Cowdry's classic, watershed work, this book collects contributions from cell biologists, historians, and philosophers of science to explore the history and current status of cell biology. Despite extraordinary advances in describing both the structure and function of cells, cell biology tends to be overshadowed by molecular biology, a field that developed contemporaneously. This book remedies that unjust disparity through an investigation of cell biology's evolution and its role in pushing forward the boundaries of biological understanding. Contributors show that modern concepts of cell organization, mechanistic explanations, epigenetics, molecular thinking, and even computational approaches all can be placed on the continuum of cell studies from cytology to cell biology and beyond. The first book in the series Convening Science: Discovery at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Visions of Cell Biology sheds new light on a century of cellular discovery.

Gas molecules such as O2, NO, CO and ethylene are present in the environment and are endogenously (enzymatically) produced to act as signalling molecules in biological systems, including the regulation of metabolic networks, chemotaxis, circadian rhythms, mammalian hypoxia responses, and plant ethylene responses by transcriptional, translational, or post translational control. Sensing these gas molecules is the first step in their acting as signalling molecules. When a sensor domain/protein senses an external signal, intra- and inter-molecular signal transductions take place to regulate the biological function of a regulatory domain/protein such as DNA-binding, enzymatic activity, or protein–protein interaction. Interaction between gas molecules and sensor proteins is essential for recognition of gas molecules. Metal-containing prosthetic groups such as haem, iron–sulfur clusters, and non-haem iron centres are widely used. As these metal-containing centres are good spectroscopic probes, detail characterizations have utilized spectroscopic techniques along with X-ray crystallography.Covering both the signalling and sensing of gaseous molecules, this book provides the first comprehensive overview of gas sensor proteins in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. This book will be particularly interesting to postgraduates and researchers in biochemistry, molecular biology and metallobiology.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology reviews and details current advances in cell and molecular biology. This most current release in this highly cited series focuses on such timely topics as novel treatments in immunotherapy in breast cancer, chemokine receptor signaling and the hallmarks of cancer, tumor-targeting antibodies, and a section on mitochondrion and whether they are a common organelle for cell death. As always, readers will find the articles in this series to be of great value, with a high impact and average cited half-life of nine years. The IRCMB series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics that are authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. This great resource ranks high amongst scientific journals dealing with cell biology. Publishes only invited review articles on selected topics Authored by established and active cell and molecular biologists, drawn from international sources Offers a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects

The much-anticipated 3rd edition of Cell Biology delivers comprehensive, clearly written, and richly illustrated content to today's students, all in a user-friendly format. Relevant to both research and clinical practice, this rich resource covers key principles of cellular function and uses them to explain how molecular defects lead to cellular dysfunction and cause human disease. Concise text and visually amazing graphics simplify complex information and help readers make the most of their study time. Clearly written format incorporates rich illustrations, diagrams, and charts. Uses real examples to illustrate key cell biology concepts. Includes beneficial cell physiology coverage. Clinically oriented text relates cell biology to pathophysiology and medicine. Takes a mechanistic approach to molecular processes. Major new didactic chapter flow leads with the latest on genome organization, gene expression and RNA processing. Boasts exciting new content including the evolutionary origin of eukaryotes, super resolution fluorescence microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, gene editing by CRISPR/Cas9, contributions of high throughput DNA sequencing to understand genome organization and gene expression, microRNAs, IncRNAs, membrane-shaping proteins, organelle-organelle contact sites, microbiota, autophagy, ERAD, motor protein mechanisms, stem cells, and cell cycle regulation. Features specially expanded coverage of genome sequencing and regulation, endocytosis, cancer genomics, the cytoskeleton, DNA damage response, necroptosis, and RNA processing. Includes hundreds of new and updated diagrams and micrographs,plus fifty new protein and RNA structures to explain molecular mechanisms in unprecedented detail. Student Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, and over a dozen animations from the book on a variety of devices.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Contains valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology, and includes articles that address the structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining its high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics that are authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology, and includes articles that address the structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

The Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Four Volume Set offers a broad overview of cell biology, offering reputable, foundational content for researchers and students across the biological and medical sciences. This important work includes 285 articles from domain experts covering every aspect of cell biology, with fully annotated figures, abundant illustrations, videos, and references for further reading. Each entry is built with a layered approach to the content, providing basic information for those new to the area and more detailed material for the more experienced researcher. With authored contributions by experts in the field, the Encyclopedia of Cell Biology provides a fully cross-referenced, one-stop resource for students, researchers, and teaching faculty across the biological and medical sciences. Fully annotated color images and videos for full comprehension of concepts, with layered content for readers from different levels of experience Includes information on cytokinesis, cell biology, cell mechanics, cytoskeleton dynamics, stem cells, prokaryotic cell biology, RNA biology, aging, cell growth, cell Injury, and more In-depth linking to Academic Press/Elsevier content and additional links to outside websites and resources for further reading A one-stop resource for students, researchers, and teaching faculty across the biological and medical sciences

This book bridges the gap between life sciences and physical sciences by providing several perspectives on cellular and molecular mechanics on a fundamental level. It begins with a general introduction to the scales and terms that are used in the field of cellular and molecular biomechanics and then moves from the molecular scale to the tissue scal

Since its discovery in I960, the hybridization of somatic cells has evolved from a biological curiosity into an analytical method that today underlies nearly all investigations of the genetic aspects of various biological phenomena. As an eyewitness to this development from its inception forward, Boris Ephrussi here relates the history of somatic hybridization and the formation of its methodology, lie follows with a discussion of the characteristics and properties of the resultant hybrid cells. Together, these topics comprise an authoritative introduction to the principles of the technique.Dr. Ephrussi proceeds to an examination in greater detail of three specific areas of biological research to which the techniques of hybridization are currently being applied with promising consequences. Thus the major part of the book deals with applications of somatic hybridization to mammalian genetics, cell differentiation, and cancer.Originally published in 1972.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

The cell is the basic building block of life. In its 3.5 billion years on the planet, it has proven to be a powerhouse, spreading life first throughout the seas, then across land, developing the rich and complex diversity of life that populates the planet today. With The Cell: A Visual Tour of the Building Block of Life, Jack Challoner treats readers to a visually stunning tour of these remarkable molecular machines. Most of the living things we're familiar with—the plants in our gardens, the animals we eat—are composed of billions or trillions of cells. Most multicellular organisms consist of many different types of cells, each highly specialized to play a particular role—from building bones or producing the pigment in flower petals to fighting disease or sensing environmental cues. But the great majority of living things on our planet exist as single cell. These cellular singletons are every bit as successful and diverse as multicellular organisms, and our very existence relies on them. The book is an authoritative yet accessible account of what goes on inside every living cell—from building proteins and producing energy to making identical copies of themselves—and the importance of these chemical reactions both on the familiar everyday scale and on the global scale. Along the way, Challoner sheds light on many of the most intriguing questions guiding current scientific research: What special properties make stem cells so promising in the treatment of injury and disease? How and when did single-celled organisms first come together to form multicellular ones? And how might scientists soon be prepared to build on the basic principles of cell biology to build similar living cells from scratch.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a world-wide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

The book considers signaling events from the zygote embryo through to the blastocyst with relevant data from embryonic stem (ES) cells, including dialogue with the extracellular environment and with the maternal tract during the implantation process. Application of the knowledge described to improve the success of human and animal assisted conception is considered where appropriate, but the focus is largely on fundamental rather than applied cell/molecular biology, as this is the area that has historically been neglected. While the general features of metabolism during preimplantation development are well established, especially in terms of nutrient requirements, uptake and fate, remarkably little is known about early embryo signaling events, intracellular or intercellular, between individual embryos in vitro or with the female reproductive tract in vivo. This contrasts with the wealth of information on cell signaling in somatic cells and tissues, as a glance at any textbook of biochemistry illustrates. This lack of information is such that our understanding of the molecular cell biology of early embryos -- a prerequisite to defining the mechanisms which regulate development at this critical stage of the life cycle -- is seriously incomplete. This volume is the first to address this issue by describing the current state of knowledge on cell signaling during mammalian early embryo development and highlighting priority areas for research.

The ideal text for students in advanced cell biology courses, Lewin's CELLS, Third Edition continues to offer a comprehensive, rigorous overview of the structure, organization, growth, regulation, movements, and interactions of cells, with an emphasis on eukaryotic cells. The text provides students with a solid grounding in the concepts and mechanisms underlying cell structure and function, and will leave them with a firm foundation in cell biology as well as a “big picture” view of the world of the cell. Revised and updated to reflect the most recent research in cell biology, Lewin's CELLS, Third Edition includes expanded chapters on Nuclear Structure and Transport, Chromatin and Chromosomes, Apoptosis, Principles of Cell Signaling, The Extracellular Matrix and Cell Adhesion, Plant Cell Biology, and more. All-new design features and a chapter-by-chapter emphasis on key concepts enhance pedagogy and emphasize retention and application of new skills.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology, and includes articles that address the structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. The series has a worldwide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Provides comprehensive reviews and current advances Presents a wide range of perspectives on specific subjects Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists

The origin of cells remains one of the most fundamental problems in biology, one that over the past two decades has spawned a large body of research and debate. With In Search of Cell History, Franklin M. Harold offers a comprehensive, impartial take on that research and the controversies that keep the field in turmoil. Written in accessible language and complemented by a glossary for easy reference, this book investigates the full scope of cellular history. Assuming only a basic knowledge of cell biology, Harold examines such pivotal subjects as the relationship between cells and genes; the central role of bioenergetics in the origin of life; the status of the universal tree of life with its three stems and viral outliers; and the controversies surrounding the last universal common ancestor. He also delves deeply into the evolution of cellular organization, the origin of complex cells, and the incorporation of symbiotic organelles, and considers the fossil evidence for the earliest life on earth. In Search of Cell History shows us just how far we have come in understanding cell evolution—and the evolution of life in general—and how far we still have to go.

Written for undergraduate cell biology courses, Principles of Cell Biology, Second Edition provides students with the formula for understanding the fundamental concepts of cell biology. This practical text focuses on the underlying principles that illustrate both how cells function as well as how we study them. It identifies 10 specific principles of cell biology and devotes a separate chapter to illustrate each. The result is a shift away from the traditional focus on technical details and towards a more integrative view of cellular activity that is flexible and can be tailored to suit students with a broad range of backgrounds.

The ciliopathies are a group of rare diseases that often affect multiple systems within the body, and are caused by defects in the function or structure of cilia. When cilia go wrong, there are profound consequences; these are discussed in detail for the first time in Ciliopathies: a reference for clinicians. The book provides a clinical overview and reference to this newly emergent group of disorders ranging from Alström syndrome to putative ciliopathic disorders. Each chapter provides an in-depth discussion on a specific disorder, including the latest scientific research together with a description of its features, and practical guidelines on diagnosis. The authors also examine the evidence for dysfunction of cilia in cancer and more common disorders. Ciliopathies: a reference for clinicians will appeal to those involved in the care of patients with ciliopathies, including specialists in the fields of nephrology, diabetes, cardiology, and ophthalmology, and non-clinical researchers interested in cilia biology.

Neuroglia, the third edition, is the long-awaited revision of the most highly regarded reference volume on glial cells. This indispensable edition has been completely revised, greatly enlarged, and enhanced with four-color figures throughout, all in response to the tremendous amount of new information that has accumulated since the previous edition seven years ago. Glial cells are, without doubt, the new stars in the neuroscience and neurology communities. Neglected in research for years, it is now evident that the brain only functions in a concerted action of all the cells, namely glia and neurons. Seventy one chapters comprehensively discuss virtually every aspect of normal glial cell anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and function, and consider the central roles of these cells in neurological diseases including stroke, Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, and psychiatric conditions. More than 20 new chapters have been added to accommodate the unprecedented growth of knowledge about the basic biology of glia and the sophisticated manner in which they partner with neurons in the course of normal brain function. Lavishly illustrated and meticulously edited, the third edition remains the most convenient and maximally useful reference available. This new edition is an essential reference for both newcomers to the field as well as established investigators. Neuroglia belongs on every neuroscientist's bookshelf and will be a great asset for educators and neurological clinicians as well.

A thorough appreciation of the cellular, molecular and tissue changes which precede the birth of an animal is a fundamental requirement for understanding normal structural development and also abnormal processes which result in congenital defects. This textbook provides information relevant to many subjects taught in preclinical, paraclinical and clinical years. Early chapters describe and explain sequential events relating to the division, growth and differentiation of cells and to the formation of foetal membranes, implantation and placentation. Succeeding chapters trace the origin, growth, development and maturation of the major body systems. Age determination of the embryo and foetus is reviewed in a single chapter. Genetic, chromosomal and environmental factors which adversely affect pre-natal development are reviewed in the final chapter. A reading list at the end of each chapter offers additional sources of information on the topics discussed. Tables, flow diagrams and numerous hand-drawn illustrations provide information in a form which complements the concepts presented in the text. Key features: Written by a team which includes members with expertise in developmental anatomy, molecular biology and clinical aspects of veterinary medicine. The authors have extensive experience in the teaching of veterinary embryology and cognate subjects. Illustrations, hand-drawn by a veterinary graduate, are used extensively to explain organogenesis and system development. An explanatory glossary provides concise information on specialised terms used in the text. The index is designed for easy retrieval of information.

This book provides a premier resource on understanding the ribosome's essential nature and how it interacts with other proteins and nucleic acids to control protein synthesis. As one of the central foundations in our understanding of the biology at the molecular level, this topic appeals to a wide audience, from bench researcher to clinician. With the advent of atomic scale structures, methods to visualize and separate individual molecules, and the computational power to model the complex interactions of over a million atoms at once, our understanding of how gene expression is controlled at the level of protein translation is now deeply ensconced in the biophysical realm.

Physical Biology of the Cell is a textbook for a first course in physical biology or biophysics for undergraduate or graduate students. It maps the huge and complex landscape of cell and molecular biology from the distinct perspective of physical biology. As a key organizing principle, the proximity of topics is based on the physical concepts that

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Impact factor for 2011: 4.481. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

Pío del Rio-Hortega, one of the pioneering neuroscientists and discoverer of microglia, has been recognized as one of the most important Spanish neurohistogists of the past century. His landmark research on oligodendroglia, originally published in Spanish in 1928, has been translated into English for the first time by Dr. José R. Iglesias-Rozas and Prof. Manuel Garrosa. The book establishes definitively the concept of oligodendroglia and describes in great detail its structure, varieties, function, origin and pathology, providing a thorough review. The entire 1928 writing is presented, including the 79 excellent drawings and photographs from the original publication. To complement the original book and provide historical context, the translators have also included an introduction to the research and a biography of Pío del Rio-Hortega. This book constitutes a milestone in the history of neuroscience, biology and medicine, and it will be valuable reading for researchers and practitioners in these fields. First English translation of seminal 1928 research Contains the broad descriptions and interpretations of the normal and pathological oligodendroglia Full original text and new introductory sections

Stem Cells: An Insider's Guide is an exciting new book that takes readers inside the world of stem cells guided by international stem cell expert, Dr. Paul Knoepfler. Stem cells are catalyzing a revolution in medicine. The book also tackles the exciting and hotly debated area of stem cell treatments that are capturing the public's imagination. In the future they may also transform how we age and reproduce. However, there are serious risks and ethical challenges, too. The author's goal with this insider's guide is to give readers the information needed to distinguish between the ubiquitous hype and legitimate hope found throughout the stem cell world. The book answers the most common questions that people have about stem cells. Can stem cells help my family with a serious medical problem such as Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, or Autism? Are such treatments safe? Can stem cells make me look younger or even literally stay physically young? These questions and many more are answered here.A number of ethical issues related to stem cells that spark debates are discussed, including risky treatments, cloning and embryonic stem cells. The author breaks new ground in a number of ways such as by suggesting reforms to the FDA, providing a new theory of aging based on stem cells, and including a revolutionary Stem Cell Patient Bill of Rights. More generally, the book is your guide to where the stem cell field will be in the near future as well as a thoughtful perspective on how stem cell therapies will ultimately change your life and our world.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

Cell based impedance sensing is becoming a new biophysical and cellular technology in cell based analyses. The technology has been used in investigation of cellular growth and death, cell adhesion and migration, cell invasion and cell-cell interactions, cell toxicity, angiogenesis, cell permeability, signal transduction and cellular behaviour under flow conditions. It is a probe free, highly sensitive, and versatile technology platform. Recent development in the technology has also allowed high throughput, automated analyses. It has been widely explored in chemistry, toxicity, cell biology, cancer biology, and other areas of chemistry, medicinal chemistry, life and medical science. Written by experts in the area of cell impedance sensing, including the Nobel Laureate Dr Ivar Giaever, this books covers the background of electric cell-substrate impedance sensing, their applications in cell based investigations, particularly in the area of cancer biology. This book is the first on thistechnology platform and will be a highly useful reference for molecular and cell biologists, cancer biologists, chemists and biochemists, clinical researchers who work in the areas of cell biology, molecular biology, toxicology, pharmaceutical industry, life science and medical research.

The mouse is a perfect model organism to study mammalian, and thus indirectly also human, embryology. Most scientific achievements that have had an important impact on the understanding of basic mechanisms governing embryo development in humans, originated from mouse embryology. Stem cell research, which now offers the promise of regenerative medicine, began with the isolation and culture of mouse embryonic stem cells by Martin Evans (who received the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2007 for this achievement) and Matthew Kaufman. This book provides an overview of mouse development, spanning from oocytes before fertilization to the state-of-the-art description of embryonic and adult stem cells. The chapters, written by the leading specialists in the field, deal with the most recent discoveries in this extremely fast-developing area of research.

The main objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive review on stem cells and their role in tissue regeneration, homeostasis and therapy. In addition, the role of cancer stem cells in cancer initiation, progression and drug resistance are discussed. The cell signaling pathways and microRNA regulating stem cell self-renewal, tissue homeostasis and drug resistance are also mentioned. Overall, these reviews will provide a new understanding of the influence of stem cells in tissue regeneration, disease regulation, therapy and drug resistance in several human diseases.

This book describes basic cell engineering methods, emphasizing stem cell applications, and use of the genetically modified stem cells in cell therapy and drug discovery. Together, the chapters introduce and offer insights on new techniques for engineering of stem cells and the delivery of transgenes into stem cells via various viral and non-viral systems. The book offers a guide to the types of manipulations currently available to create genetically engineered stem cells that suit any investigator's purpose, whether it's basic science investigation, creation of disease models and screens, or cells for therapeutic applications.

Computational neurosciences and systems biology are among the main domains of life science research where mathematical modeling made a difference. This book introduces the many different types of computational studies one can develop to study neuronal systems. It is aimed at undergraduate students starting their research in computational neurobiology or more senior researchers who would like, or need, to move towards computational approaches. Based on their specific project, the readers would then move to one of the more specialized excellent textbooks available in the field. The first part of the book deals with molecular systems biology. Functional genomics is introduced through examples of transcriptomics and proteomics studies of neurobiological interest. Quantitative modelling of biochemical systems is presented in homogeneous compartments and using spatial descriptions. A second part deals with the various approaches to model single neuron physiology, and naturally moves to neuronal networks. A division is focused on the development of neurons and neuronal systems and the book closes on a series of methodological chapters. From the molecules to the organ, thinking at the level of systems is transforming biology and its impact on society. This book will help the reader to hop on the train directly in the tank engine.