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Differentiation and Immunology is a collection of papers that deals with molecular specificity—the link between immunology and differentiation. One paper reviews the status of regulation in bacteria or viruses, and extends the results to animal cells. The paper also investigates a single aspect of the control of immunoglobulin through the use of plasmacytomas. Another paper discusses the role of macrophages in the minimum theory to possibly account for the energetics of the reaction with receptors, or to the frequency of antigen-sensitive cells. Some papers investigate the immunogenic function of macrophages, the transition from monocyte to macrophage, the factors influencing the formation of macrophage lysosomes, and the origin of macrophage lysosomes. Other papers also discuss the immune response as a model system for studies on cellular differentiation, as well as the differentiation for collagen synthesis in cultured cells. One paper suggests that in differentiation, the changes that can occur in the properties of protozoan cells, perpetuated for long periods, are reversible, and can be a means for survival—as every cell line is also capable of being a germ line. This collection can prove valuable to bio-chemists, cellular biologists, micro-biologists, developmental biologists, and scientists involved in immunology research.

This volume covers recent developments on the role, composition, and functional significance of intercellular and interorganellar transfer. It highlights the involvement of intercellular and interorganellar transfer in cell and developmental biology, differentiation, pathogen dissemination, shaping the genetic makeup of organisms, and the development of various diseases. Animals and plants evolved different communication mechanisms and transfer of molecules and organelles between cells and between organelles within the individual cells. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) in animals, discovered as recently as 2004, and their functional equivalent in plants, plasmodesmata, discovered over 100 years ago, are the membranous bridges that mediate the transfer of organelles, membrane patches, vesicles, DNA/RNA, and different molecules between cells. In addition, there are other means of transfer and communication between the cells, such as cytonemes, airinames, extracellular vesicles (exosomes), and others. Variations in cytoskeletal composition, morphology, modality, and connected cells suggest that these structures play a role in development, establishment of cell fate, progenitor cell differentiation, cell reprogramming, ferroptosis, generation of cancer stem cells, and various diseases. The exchange of intact membrane patches (trogocytosis) between cells of the immune system may modify the immune response. Additionally, the transfer of genetic information between nucleus and organelles and cells of different species can shape the species and evolutionary outcome. Viral and bacterial pathogens can hijack the inter-cellular transfer routes to spread more efficiently. Cell-to-cell transfer of animal and plant pathogens can also occur by the virological synapse (VS). These specialized pathogen-induced structures share similarities and differences with neurological and immunological synapses.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the molecular basis of developmental and stem cell regulation. It revisits some of the classical models of developmental biology and puts them in context with the findings of modern stem cell research and developmental biology. Biomedical research is embarking on a new era due to new tools, which are exemplified by stem cell technologies, single-cell transcriptome analysis, and live imaging at a single-cell resolution. Publications based on cutting-edge technologies do often not provide the readers with deep biological backgrounds. This causes the risk that precious data are reduced to highly specific descriptions without sufficient biological contexts.Contemporary developmental biology on the other hand as written in many textbooks, is to a significant extent based on conceptions backdated many decades ago, and is not necessarily supported by recent findings. Yet, the prevailing classical notions tend to mislead modern biomedical researches.This book not only presents current models for developmental processes but also reinterprets and re-evaluates classic observations, thus linking classical and modern worlds of developmental biology. Spanning from molecular mechanisms to highly embryological matters it provides a bridge between these different disciplines.Written for advanced students of developmental and stem cell biology, researchers and teaching scholars, this book provides a new road map to modern developmental biology and stem cell biology.

This volume presents the proceedings of a specialized conference held in November 1969, focusing on the development of the nervous system. Sponsored by UCLA's Brain Research Institute, the conference gathered leading experts from multiple disciplines to discuss the latest findings in neural growth and differentiation. With an emphasis on both morphological and biochemical approaches, the event highlighted groundbreaking research using advanced techniques such as electron microscopy, radioactive tracers, and tissue cultures. Featuring contributions from 38 prominent investigators, the conference offered a platform for the free exchange of ideas between morphologists and biochemists, fostering a collaborative environment. The volume compiles 15 major presentations on diverse topics, alongside shorter reports and rich discussions. Edited with care, this publication captures the evolving landscape of developmental neuroscience, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the complexities of neural growth. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1971.

This book gives a current overview on the development, origin, structure, and functions of germline and somatic cell syncytia during embryogenesis and organogenesis. It also reviews pathogen-induced syncytia and the role of syncytial cells in cancer development.The book covers the following topics:germline syncytia, evolution, function and structure; syncytia in embryogenesis and development; the role of somatic cell fusion in fungi, specialized somatic tissues, host defense and adaptation; syncytia induced by viruses and parasites;syncytia and circulating hybrid cells in cancer and other pathological conditions; It also discusses how the genomic adaptations of microorganisms to extreme habitats can prompt the evolution of mononuclear and multinucleate/syncytial cells. The book offers a fresh outlook on syncytia's role in various processes: embryogenesis, organogenesis, adaptation, host defense, and development of specialized tissues. It highlights the importance of syncytia under physiological and pathological conditions.

This book covers a wide range of topics that illustrate the various functions of autophagy in stem cells and offers insights on the mechanisms by which autophagy can regulate stem-cell self-renewal and facilitate specific differentiation programs. Stem cells are unique cells present in most multicellular animals and are essential for their survival. They have two unique properties: the ability to self-renew and the ability to differentiate into one or more cell types. These characteristics of stem cells have found immense therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Autophagy is a crucial membrane trafficking pathway that is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis that involves sequestration of non-functional proteins, protein aggregates and damaged organelles in double-membraned vesicles called autophagosomes, which are subsequently targeted to the lysosome for degradation. The primary aim of this book is to provide knowledge of recent developments in our understanding of the role of autophagy in stem cells, including germline stem cells.Autophagy is considered a promising target for many diseases. Significant efforts are being developed to identify specific modulators of autophagy, which will aid in designing combinatorial therapeutic strategies that will allow significant improvements in regenerative medicine.

This book aims to systemically summarize the key findings about Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and present the consensus of current views and prospective. ILCs are a class of newly recognized immune cells which play an instructive role in shaping immunity in physiological and pathological conditions. This book discusses the differentiation of ILC, the relation of ILCs with respiratory function, inflammation in the gut, skin disorders, cancer, neurobiology and microbes. The knowledge included in this book is valuable for both basic immunologists and clinicians in understanding the heterogenetic immune responses in disease and health.

This volume reviews the latest research on the functional implications of nuclear, chromosomal and genomic organization and architecture on cell and organismal biology, and development and progression of diseases.The architecture of the cell nucleus and non-random arrangement of chromosomes, genes, and the non-membranous nuclear bodies in the three-dimensional (3D) space alters in response to the environmental, mechanical, chemical, and temporal cues. The changes in the nuclear, chromosomal, or genomic compaction and configuration modify the gene expression program and induce or inhibit epigenetic modifications. The intrinsically programmed rearrangements of the nuclear architecture are necessary for cell differentiation, the establishment of cell fate during development and maturation of tissues and organs including the immune, muscle, and nervous systems.The non-programmed changes in the nuclear architecture can lead to fragmentation of the nucleus and instability ofthe genome and thus cause cancer. Microbial and viral infections can lead to a clustering of centromeres, telomeres and ribosomal DNA and alter the properties of the nuclear membrane, allowing large immobile macromolecules to enter the nucleus. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies combined with nucleus/chromosome conformation capture, super-resolution imaging, chromosomal contact maps methods, integrative modeling, and genetic approaches, are uncovering novel features and importance of nuclear, chromosomal and genomic architecture. This book is an interesting read for cell biologists, researchers studying the structure and function of chromosomes, and anyone else who wants to get an overview of the field of nuclear, chromosomal and genomic architecture.

Cell differentiation and the development of multicellular organisms are processes of self-assembly, controlled and driven by signaling molecules and cascades including redox regulation. These reactions may have provided the energy for the first metabolic steps in the evolution of life. Today, redox modifications are established as important regulatory events in cellular functions including differentiation and development. Redox modifications of single cysteines regulate differentiation of stem cells, formation of functioning organs, and de-differentiation such as formation of cancer cells. Current cancer therapy is based on redox events as well and regeneration often reactivates developmental pathways. Understanding differentiation and de-differentiation on a molecular level is therefore a prerequisite for the continuing development of new medical therapies. This book summarizes the roles of redox regulation in development by bringing together different concepts and comparing similarities and differences between various cell types and species. An international team of contributors presents several new aspects of redox-regulated differentiation and de-differentiation, including aspects of redox medicine.Key Features Provides the first summary on this important topic Reviews redox-dependent development of model organisms and single organs Highlights the redox-regulated pathways important for differentiation processes Illustrates the potential of redox medicine Combines state-of-the-art knowledge in differentiation/development, aging/longevity, and repair/regeneration Written by leading experts in the field Related TitlesAyyanathan, K., ed. Cancer Cell Signaling: Targeting Signaling Pathways Toward Therapeutic Approaches to Cancer (ISBN 978-1-77188-067-1)Clarke, M. & J. Frampton. Stem Cells: Biology and Application (ISBN 9780-8153-4511-4)Lim, W. & B. Mayer. Cell Signaling: Principles and Mechanisms (ISBN 978-0-8153-4244-1)Wong, E., ed. Autophagy and Signaling (ISBN 978-0-367-65772-7)

Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Volume 138, the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series - Includes the latest information on stem cell proliferation and differentiation

This book is a compilation of the bench experience of leading experts from various research labs involved in the cutting edge area of research. The authors describe the use of stem cells both as part of the combinatorial therapeutic intervention approach and as tools (disease model) during drug development, highlighting the shift from a conventional symptomatic treatment strategy to addressing the root cause of the disease process. The book is a continuum of the previously published book entitled'Stem Cells: from Drug to Drug Discovery'which was published in 2017.

Cell Polarity in Development and Disease offers insights into the basic molecular mechanisms of common diseases that arise as a result of a loss of ordered organization and intrinsic polarity. Included are diseases affecting highly polarized epithelial tissues in the lung and kidney, as well as loss and gain of cell polarity in the onset and progression of cancer. This book provides a basic resource for understanding the biology of polarity, offering a starting point for those thinking of targeting cell polarity for translational medical research. - Provides basic science understanding of cell polarity disease and development - Covers diseases affecting polarized epithelial tissues in the lung and kidney, also covering the progression of cancer - Includes historical context of cell polarity research for potential future breakthroughs

This book discusses the mechanisms of transmembrane signal transduction during B-Cell Activation, the Regulation of Gene Expression during B-Cell Differentiation, Anti-immunoglobulin antibody induction of B-Lymphocyte activation and differentiation in vivo and in vitro, Helper signals in B-Lymphocyte differentiation, Growth and differentiation of b-cell clones in vitro, B-Cell tumors as models of lymphocyte differentiation, and Memory b-cell activation, differentiation, and isotype switching.

This book updates and expands on various aspects of the vasculature's microenvironment and how these regulate differentiation and assembly. Discussed in this new edition are efforts to capitalize on combing engineering techniques, to study and manipulate various biophysical cues, including: endothelial cell- pericyte interactions (Davis), mechanical forces to regulate vascularization in three-dimensional constructs (Levenberg), how matrix properties and oxygen tension regulate vascular fate and assembly (Gerecht), biophysical cues in relation to vascular aging (Ferreira), 3D printing of complex vascularized tissue (Hibino), the harnessing of biophysical cues for therapeutic vasculature interfacing with the damaged brain (Segura) and finally, the infarcted heart (Grayson). This second edition of Biophysical Regulation of Vascular Differentiation and Assembly provides an interdisciplinary view of vasculature regulation thru various biophysical cues and presents recent advances in measuring and controlling such parameters. This book will be of interest to biologists, biophysicists and engineers who work with vascular differentiation and assembly.

Cell Fate in Mammalian Development, Volume 128, the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, provides reviews on cell fate in mammalian development. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors, with this release including sections on the Specification of extra-embryonic lineages during mouse pre-implantation development, Cell polarity and fate specification, The circuitry that drives trophectoderm identity, Breaking symmetry and the dynamics of transcription factors directing cell fate specification, Mechanics and cell fate, How physical properties of cells change in development and their effect on cell fate decisions, and more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Includes new sections on the specification of extra-embryonic lineages during mouse pre-implantation development, cell polarity and fate specification, the circuitry that drives trophectoderm identity, and more - Presents the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series

This book summarizes early pioneering achievements in the field of human neural stem cell (hNSC) research and combines them with the latest advances in stem cell technology, including reprogramming and gene editing. The powerful potential of hNSC to generate and repair the developing and adult CNS has been confirmed by numerous experimental in vitro and in vivo studies. The book presents methods for hNSC derivation and discusses the mechanisms underlying NSC in vitro fate decisions and their in vivo therapeutic mode of action.The long-standing dogma that the human central nervous system (CNS) lacks the ability to regenerate was refuted at the end of the 20th century, when evidence of the presence of neurogenic zones in the adult human brain was found. These neurogenic zones are home to human neural stem cells (hNSCs), which are capable of self-renewing and differentiating into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. NSCs isolated from human CNS have a number of clinical advantages, especially the innate potential to differentiate into functional neural cells. Nevertheless, their full clinical exploitation has been hindered by limited access to the tissue and low expansion potential. The search for an alternative to CNS sources of autologous, therapeutically competent hNSCs was the driving force for the many studies proving the in vitro plasticity of different somatic stem cells to generate NSCs and their functional progeny. Now the era of induced pluripotent stem cells has opened entirely new opportunities to achieve research and therapeutic goals with the aid of hNSCs.

Veterinary Embryology, 2nd Edition, has been updated to reflect the many changes that have developed in the field; the text has been fully revised and expanded and is now in full colour and many pedagogical features and a companion website have been developed. A new edition of this highly successful student textbook, updated to reflect the latest developments in the field of embryology, with the inclusion of four new chapters Written by a team of authors with extensive experience of teaching this subject Short concise chapters on key topics describe complex concepts in a user-friendly way Additional tables, flow diagrams and numerous hand-drawn illustrations support the concepts presented in the text

Anaerobiosis and Stemness: An evolutionary paradigm provides a context for understanding the many complexities and evolutionary features of stem cells and the clinical implications of anaerobiosis stem cells. Combining theoretical and experimental knowledge, the authors provide a broad understanding of how the absence or low concentration of oxygen can play an influential role in the maintenance and self-renewal of stem cells and stem cell differentiation. This understanding has clinical implications for the fields of regenerative medicine, cancer biology and transplantation, as well as cell engineering and cell therapy. Anaerobiosis and Stemness is an important resource for stem cell and developmental biologists alike, as well as oncologists, cancer biologists, and researchers using stem cells for regeneration. - Highlights the molecular and evolutionary features of stem cells which make them so important to all biological research - Explores methods of isolation, characterization, activation, and maintenance of stem cells - Includes models for clinical application in regenerative medicine, cancer therapy, and transplantation

This work provides a state-of-the art overview on the most relevant aspects of cell polarity.Volume 2 discusses the physiological and pathophysiological relevance of cell polarity. It especially focuses on pathophysiological conditions in which one or several aspects of cell polarity are impaired, and in which a loss of cell polarity possibly contributes to disease (e.g. epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer, role of polarity proteins in cancer). Both volumes are intended for professors, group leaders and researchers in cell biology as well as for medical professionals working in anatomy, cell biology, physiology, pathology and tumor biology.

It was not until recent years that the study of polyamines, their mechanisms of synthesis, and the roles they play in metabolism have flourished, becoming a fertile field of intense research. Polyamines in Fungi: Their Distribution, Metabolism, and Role in Cell Differentiation and Morphogenesis provides a complete overview of its topic. It is the f

This work provides a state-of-the art overview on the most relevant aspects of cell polarity.Volume 1 addresses cell polarity and cell migration (front-rear polarity), cell polarity and barrier formation (apico-basal polarity) and neuronal polarity. It particularly focuses on cell polarity at the molecular level and the underlying molecular mechanisms. It also elaborates the common principles and mechanisms that regulate cellular polarization in different cell types and contexts.Both volumes are intended for professors, group leaders and researchers in cell biology as well as medical professionals in the fields of anatomy, cell biology, physiology, pathology and tumor biology.

Adult Stem Cells, second edition, takes a critical look at issues concerning the developmental or differentiation potential for a variety of tissue types and for specific adult stem cell types. Since the first edition appeared a decade ago, our understanding of adult stem cells, and more specifically tissue-specific adult stem cells, has advanced tremendously. And an increased interest in regenerative medicine and potential stem cell applications has driven a quest for better understanding of stem cell biology. In turn, this has spawned much activity on generation and utilization of more and better reagents to identify and isolate stem cells and stem cell-like subpopulations, and on assays elucidating their developmental or differentiation potential and functional integration with host tissues and organs. In this fully updated new edition, chapters cover topics ranging from signaling pathways maintaining stemness in hematopoietic cells to regeneration after injury and endocrine mechanisms underlying the stem cell theory of aging. Other chapters cover stem cells by organ or system including pituitary, cardiac, epithelial, teeth, lung, ovary, prostate, liver, and many more. Importantly, the authors of the chapters have not only summarized their successes, but have also summarized some of the difficulties that each particular field is still facing with respect to maximizing the utility of stem cells in clinical settings. Collectively, they impart both the excitement and challenges facing stem cell utilization for repair and regeneration making this book essential reading for those involved in stem cell research as well as those involved in clinical assays.

Adipogenesis is the process of cell differentiation by which preadipocytes become adipocytes. Adipogenesis has been one of the most intensively studied models of cellular differentiation. The exact mechanisms of adipogenesis remain unclear, since it involves abundant gene, growth factors, cytokines and environmental factors. This book provides an in-depth overview of current knowledge about the subject of adipogenesis in the human body, including what is known about molecular mechanisms (e.g. cytokine- and growth-factor-related). Transcriptional regulators control the expression of target genes by the interaction with cofactors, coactivators, chromatin remodelling complexes and also with general transcriptional machinery. Current data suggests that adipogenesis is regulated by complex signaling pathway interactions involving multiple transcription factors. Many signaling pathways follow an inverse relationship between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. To provide better insight into the basic mechanisms of MSC fate determination, it is crucial to understand the various signaling pathways and cytokine interactions that coordinate this process. Further elucidation of this dichotomy may both improve understanding of human disease and speed the realization of MSC mediated tissue engineering. There are a number of gaps in current knowledge of how adipogenesis actually occurs, and the authors are hopeful that the publication of this book will help researchers in this field to decide where to focus their future efforts. Contributions are therefore sought from anyone who is undertaking research in this area. The book will also provide an overview for surgeons and clinicians who wish to be kept abreast of developments in this fascinating subject.

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a secreted polypeptide with multifunctional properties manifested during embryonic development, adult organ physiology, and pathobiology of major diseases, including cancer and fibrotic and cardiovascular diseases. The signaling pathway of TGF-β now is rather well understood. Continuing revelations in the mechanisms of action of TGF-β provide specific mechanistic examples of how human cells lose their controlled function and behave wrongly during the development of diverse diseases. Equally important, however, is the current promise of exploiting the TGF-β pathway in combating human disease. This book comprehensively covers major areas of human disease where the involvement of TGF-β is firmly established. Simultaneously, the book highlights major gaps in knowledge and the future directions of research that can benefit human medical science. The core set of diseases where TGF-β action is well documented and are included in the book are cancer and cardiovascular and fibrotic disorders. The central aim of the book is to stimulate young scientists to enter the prolific TGF-β field and find new solutions to the problems remaining in this area of study. For this purpose the book provides authoritative educational chapters that furnish a good introduction to the field for young doctoral students, postdocs, and clinical fellows. The book also serves as a valuable reference for the aficionados in the field, who can find accessible and well-illustrated material for their teaching and lecturing activities, via which the importance of TGF-β biology is disseminated to the world of science and to the public.

Cellular proliferation, as a result of cell growth and cell division, is one of the most fundamental biological processes. Although there is a great deal which remains unclear, significant advances have been made in past decades in our understanding of the process and regulation of cell proliferation. There is considerable evidence that this understanding of different cells and cell proliferation behavior provides useful information that may be of major importance in disease control, drug discovery, biomaterial development and medical device improvement. This book studies and discusses recent developments in the field of cell proliferation including: the controlling factors for cell proliferation; changes occurring in the cells; therapeutic effects of the biological molecules to the cells; and analysis of cell proliferation based on the quantal concept. Furthermore, the effects that biomaterials and drugs have on cell proliferation are also reviewed in this book.

The development of an embryo is one of the which prevents entry of other sperm, fusion of most awe inspiring biological phenomena and the two haploid nuclei occurs and within about the study of cell differentiation can be traced 30 minutes the pigmented cortex rotates with respect to the underlying cytoplasm and in so back in antiquity to Aristotle and beyond However, there are few modern sciences which doing it reveals a grey, crescent shaped area on pay more than a cursory obeisance to their the side of the egg opposite to the point of founders and few students seem very interested entry of the sperm. This is another example of in the theories of their dead predecessors. polarity developing. Soon after fertilization the Embryology, though, is that rare exception - a zygote enters a period of rapid nuclear and cell division. The result of this cleavage process is science where the problems, theories and often that the egg cytoplasm is partitioned between techniques that excite our interest today, are essentially the same as those which excited our numerous cells whose ratio of nuclear volume to cytoplasmic volume is more like that found colleagues of fifty or even a hundred years ago. in an'average'somatic cell.

This new volume of Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers the area of Planar Cell Polarity with contributions from an international board of authors. The 12 chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as PCP in Zebra fish, the role of Dishevelled in PCP regulation, and PCP in axon pathfinding. - Covers the area of planar cell polarity - International board of authors - 12 chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as planar cell polarity in Zebrafish, the role of disheveled in planar cell polarity regulation, and planar cell polarity in axon path finding

This manual is a comprehensive compilation of'methods that work'for deriving, characterizing, and differentiating hPSCs, written by the researchers who developed and tested the methods and use them every day in their laboratories. The manual is much more than a collection of recipes; it is intended to spark the interest of scientists in areas of stem cell biology that they may not have considered to be important to their work. The second edition of the Human Stem Cell Manual is an extraordinary laboratory guide for both experienced stem cell researchers and those just beginning to use stem cells in their work. - Offers a comprehensive guide for medical and biology researchers who want to use stem cells for basic research, disease modeling, drug development, and cell therapy applications - Provides a cohesive global view of the current state of stem cell research, with chapters written by pioneering stem cell researchers in Asia, Europe, and North America - Includes new chapters devoted to recently developed methods, such as iPSC technology, written by the scientists who made these breakthroughs

This volume of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology was planned in parallel with an EM BO workshop on cell-cell Interactions in Leukocyte Homing and Differentiation held at the Basel Institute for Immunology in November 1992, and many of the workshop speakers have contributed to it. Cell adhesion is one of the most dynamic fields of biological research and presented in this book is the current knowledge on the structure and function of the major families of cell adhesion molecules-the integrins, the selectins, the immunoglobulin superfamily, and CD44. Complex interactions between the members of these families mediate diverse adhesion functions, including leukocyte-leukocyte interactions, lymphocyte homing, inflammation, and lymphocyte-stromal cell interaction during hematopoiesis. A great deal of emphasis is placed on the regulatory elements that control the expression and function of adhesion molecules. Cytokines not only induce the expression of certain adhesion molecules, but may also modify their functional status. For instance, the integrins exist in either an inactive nonfunctional form or an active functional form, and a number of intracellular or extracellular stimuli modify integrin function. This is particularly important during leukocyte binding to endothelium and transendothelial migration, which proceeds through a cascade of adhesion events. Although cell adhesion molecules play an important role in many processes, this book concentrates on their role within the immune system. A number of chapters discuss the migration of lymphocytes between hematopoietic organs such as the thymus, lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, and spleen.

Mammary Tumor Cell Cycle, Differentiation and Metastasis is the fifth volume since 1988 in a series designed to broadly examine current advances in the cellular and molecular biology of breast cancer. As in previous volumes, the editors have invited recognized experts in cutting-edge topics to provide a chapter focused on their area of research. The editors have turned to the researchers who study rodent models of the disease and to those who study the cellular and molecular basis of human breast cancer. The first section of the book is devoted to new mouse models of mammary development and tumorigenesis. The second section moves to studies of human breast cancer and focuses on receptors, signalling, and the cell cycle. The final section deals with defective tissue interactions in human breast cancer. We are now in a period of extremely rapid accumulation of data on the molecular and cellular biology of breast cancer. These findings are highlighted in chapters from Mammary Tumor Cell Cycle, Differentiation and Metastasis: Advances in Cellular and Molecular Biology of Breast Cancer.

Because of their ability to differentiate and develop into functional vasculature, stem cells hold tremendous promise for therapeutic applications. However, the scientific understanding and the ability to engineer these cellular systems is still in its early stages, and must advance significantly for the therapeutic potential of stem cells to be realized. Stem cell differentiation and function are exquisitely tuned by their microenvironment. This book will provide a unique perspective of how different aspect of the vasculature microenvironment regulates differentiation and assembly. Recent efforts to exploits modern engineering techniques to study and manipulate various biophysical cues will be described including: oxygen tension during adult and embryonic vasculogenesis (Semenza and Zandstra), extracellular matrix during tube morphogenesis and angiogenesis (Wirtz, Davis, Ingber), surface topography and modification (Chen and Gerecht), shear stress and cyclic strain effect on vascular assembly and maturation (Vunjak-Novakovic and Niklason), and three dimensional space for angio-andvasculogensis (Ferreria and Fischbach).

Complex physiopathological relationships have been proven to exist between two of the body's most vital organs; the brain and the heart. In Cell Cycle Regulation and Differentiation in Cardiovascular and Neural Systems Antonio Giordano, Umberto Galderisi and a panel of the most respected authorities in their field offer an in-depth analysis of the differentiation process in two systems that have profound relationships with one another. The text looks at several aspects of the cardiovascular and nervous systems from a new point of view, describing the differences and similarities in their differentiation pathways with an emphasis on the role of cell cycle regulation and cell differentiation. Topics discussed include neurogenesis in the central nervous system, neural stem cells, and the basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factors in neural differentiation. Ground-breaking and authoritative, Cell Cycle Regulation and Differentiation in Cardiovascular and Neural Systems is a must have for all researchers in cardiovascular medicine and neuroscience and will prompt the scientific community to perceive cell cycle regulation and differentiation under a novel and more comprehensive light.

Stem cells are fascinating cell types. They can replicate themselves forever while retaining the potential to generate progeny with speci?c functions. Because of these special properties, stem cells have been subjects of intensive investigation, from understanding basic mechanisms underlying tissue generation, to modeling human diseases, to application for cell replacement therapy. Stem cells come in different forms. For example, mouse embryonic stem cells can general all cell types in a body, either in a dish or when put back into mouse embryos. On the other hand, neural stem cells in the adult brain generate neurons and glia cells that contribute to the brain's plasticity. Rapid progress has been made in the stem cell?eld with discov- ies published in a record speed. A quick Pubmed search has returned 2789 hits for “embryonic stem cells” and 815 hits for “adult neural stem cells/neurogenesis” in the year 2008 alone. It remains a taunting task for all who are interested in stem cells to keep up with rapidly accumulating literatures. The “Perspectives of Stem Cells” by a truly international team of experts provides a timely and invaluable highlight of the stem cell?eld gearing toward future therapeutic applications in the nervous system. Stem cells with neural potentials have attracted a lot of attention because of their promise for cell replacement therapy, ranging from degenerative neurological dis- ders to spinal cord injuries.

Book Description: This book summarizes some of the major processes involved in the production of daughter cells as they have been reported from work mainly with synchronous cultures of microalgae over the 50 years or so since that technique was first developed. It highlights the key findings that have led to our present understanding of cell cycle processes in microalgae with particular reference to those that control daughter-cell production. The authors of this book also systematize the data on molecular genetic system controlling drosophila bristle morphogenesis and proposes an integral scheme of its functioning. In addition, the current understanding of kidney regeneration after injury are examined from the perspective of renotropic factors, renal stem/progenitor cells, and stem cell therapies. In unicellular and multicellular organisms, asymmetric division enables segregation of damaged molecules into one daughter cell. The authors suggest that partition of damaged proteins and organelles and segregation of template DNA may function together to produce long-lived stem cells. Daughter cells'behavior of the chlorarachniophytes are also described and the evolution and biological implications are discussed. Lastly, recent advances in stem cell biology are summarized, and ways in which clinical medicine could take advantage of this fascinating field of biology are examined.

Pluripotent cells of the early embryo originate all types of somatic cells and germ cells of adult organism. Pluripotent stems cell lines were derived from mammalian embryos and adult tissues using different techniques and from different sources. Despite different origin, all pluripotent stem cell lines demonstrate considerable similarity of the major biological properties. This book examines the fundamental mechanisms which regulate normal development of pluripotent cells into different lineages and are disrupted in cancer initiating cells. Analysis gene expression profiles, differentiation potentials and cell cycle of normal and mutant pluripotent stem cells provide new data to search molecular targets to eliminate malignant cells in tumors. In this book, the authors also aim to present a global picture of how extracellular signals, intracellular signal transduction pathways and transcriptional networks cooperate together to determine the cell fate of pluripotent stem cells. Practical, ethical and legal considerations that must be addressed before induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can realize their potential in the treatment of degenerative disease is discussed as well. Recent advancements in the cancer stem cell hypothesis are also summarized and the challenges associated with targeting resistant cancers in the context of stem cell microenvironments are presented.

For many years the mammalian blood cell system has provided cell biologists and hematologists with one of the best experimental models in which to unravel how one stem cell – the hematopoietic stem cell – gives rise to many different types of progeny. Numerous models of lineage relationships have emerged, but the most influential of these, in which differentiating cells undergo a series of binary choices, has been increasingly challenged in recent years – to the extent that the accumulation of new findings recently culminated in a Nature commentary suggesting that “the latest research will necessitate revision of textbook accounts”. This book brings together contributions from many leading experts in the field of blood cell development who each discuss both the overall process of hematopoiesis and the origins and development of each of the cells of the blood and immune systems. It describes how new molecular, cellular and – particularly – transgenic tools are helping us understand the processes that control the lineage fates of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells and how lineage-committed progeny develop along particular maturation pathways.

Cell movement is a complex phenomenon primarily driven by the actin network beneath the cell membrane, and can be divided into three general components: protrusion of the leading edge of the cell, adhesion of the leading edge and deadhesion at the cell body and rear, and cytoskeletal contraction to pull the cell forward. Each of these steps is driven by physical forces generated by unique segments of the cytoskeleton. This review examines the specific physics underlying these phases of cell movement and the origins of the forces that drive locomotion. Cell movement or motility is a highly dynamic phenomenon that is essential to a variety of biological processes such as the development of an organism (morphogenesis), wound healing, cancer metastasis and immune response. For example, during morphogenesis there is a targeted movement of dividing cells to specific sites to form tissues and organs. For wound healing to occur, cells such as neutrophils (white blood cells) and macrophages (cells that ingest bacteria) move to the wound site to kill the microorganisms that cause infection, and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) move there to remodel damaged structures. This new book presents important research in the field from around the globe.

For more than 30 years, Current Topics in Developmental Biology has provided a forum for dissemination and discussion of new ideas and thought in developmental biology. Bringing together a series of articles on the structural, functional, and developmental characteristics of epithelials, this thematic volume represents a timely and valuable contribution to an exciting and multidisciplinary field of study. Because defects in epithelial function and growth control play a major role in human disease—cancerous tumors, spina bifida, cardiac malformations, for example—this volume will be of particular interest to researchers working in cancer drug design and development and those working in therapeutic areas to treat developmental abnormalities. - Coverage of current research findings and thought on cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions gives researchers a better understanding of the processes of remodeling and morphogenesis, which are critical to the development of drugs aimed at disrupting the early formation and proliferation of cancerous tumors - Inclusion of chapters that discuss the most contemporary thought on cell polarity and tissue morphogenesis, providing researchers with a better understanding of the control of cellular organization and polarity (particularly important to researchers who are developing treatments for developmental abnormalities and those working in cancer drug development) - Use of a variety of animal models, allowing researchers to compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms that underlie cell-cell and cell-extracelluar matrix interactions in a variety of research models

Although much is known with respect to blood cell formation and function, many new concepts in the areas of the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell commitment and the subsequent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of progenitors have been elucidated in the last five years. Our understanding of the microenvironment where stem cells reside and commit to distinct blood types (the niche) has grown significantly in recent years. Furthermore, blood cells have been used as the key model system to study microRNA function and the role of microRNAs in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. The current volume Molecular Basis of Hematopoiesis, edited by Amittha Wickrema & Barbara Kee, provides the most recent developments in the area in addition to a chapter on the utilization of basic science knowledge for the treatment of blood diseases. Each chapter in this book has been written and edited by faculty in major academic and research institutions around the world, who are pushing the frontiers of research in this important area.

The aim of volume 7 of Human Cell Culture is to provide clear and precise methods for growing primary cultures of adult stem cells from various human tissues and describe culture conditions in which these adult stem cells differentiate along their respective lineages. The book will be of value to biomedical scientists and of special interest to stem cell biologists and tissue engineers. Each chapter is written by experts actively involved in growing human adult stem cells.

Development of the oral and craniofacial region is a complex and fascinating set of processes which require a sequential integration of numerous biological steps. For medical and dental doctors, interest is particularly high in this region, because it is composed of three blastoderms - ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm - as well as neural crest cells. There are many different types of neoplasms in this region. In general, proliferation, development and cytological differentiation of the neoplastic cells reflect the normal physiological development of the outbreak mother cells and/or tissues. Collected human neoplasm cases, such as osteosarcoma appearing in the oral and craniofacial region, are examined regarding the immunohistochemical expression of some morphogenesis regulation factors. Furthermore, examination of Notch signaling is also conducted for some odontogenic neoplasms. This book mainly describes the examination results of some morphogenesis regulation factors, such as Notch signaling, in the neoplastic cells originating in the oral and craniofacial region, especially in the odontogenic neoplasms, in both well-differentiated and poorly-differentiated neoplasms of tooth germ enamel organ-derived neoplasm. In general, these morphogenesis regulation factors are responsible for cytological regulation of cell fate, morphogenesis and/or development. The results suggest that these factors play some role in cytological differentiation or acquisition of tissue specific characteristics in neoplastic cells. Furthermore, there would appear to be a relationship between the cytological differentiation in the oral and craniofacial neoplastic cells and the physiological development and differentiation of their originating mother cells and tissues of the oral and craniofacial region.

A major review of many aspects of myxobacterial biology.

This new book presents the latest research in environmental microbiology which is area of interaction that studies the interaction of microorganisms with the environment. It includes the structure, activities and communal behaviour of microbial communities, microbial interactions and interactions with plants, animals and non-living environmental factors, population biology and clonal structure microbes and surfaces, adhesion and biofouling responses to environmental signals and stress factors growth and survival, modelling and theory development, microbial community genetics and evolutionary processes, microbial physiological, metabolic and structural diversity, pollution microbiology, extremophiles and life in extreme and unusual little-explored habitats, primary and secondary production, element cycles and biogeochemical processes and microbially-influenced global changes

If you wish to grow or characterize embryonic stem cells or persuade them to differentiate into a particular cell type, then this book contains information that is vital to your success. The aim is to provide clear simple instructions and protocols for growing, maintaining and characterizing embryonic stem cells and details of the various methods used to make stem cells differentiate into specific cell types. The contents will be of interest to stem cell biologists, tissue engineers and scientists wishing to use embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Each chapter has been written and edited by internationally respected scientists working at the cutting edge of technological developments in human embryonic stem cells.

The Neurobiology of C. elegans assembles together a series of chapters describing the progress researchers have made toward solving some of the major problems in neurobiology with the use of this powerful model organism. The first chapter is an introduction to the anatomy of the C. elegans nervous system. This chapter provides a useful introduction to this system and will help the reader who is less familiar with this system understand the chapters that follow. The next two chapters on learning, conditioning and memory and neuronal specification and differentiation, summarize the current state of the C. elegans field in these two major areas of neurobiology. The remaining chapters describe studies in C. elegans that have provided particularly exciting insights into neurobiology.

This is the second of three planned volumes in the Methods in Enzymology series on the topic of stem cells. This volume is a unique anthology of stem cell techniques focusing on adult stem cells, and written by experts from the top laboratories in the world. The contributors not only have hands-on experience in the field but often have developed the original approaches that they share with great attention to detail. The chapters provide a brief review of each field followed by a'cookbook and handy illustrations. The collection of protocols includes the isolation and maintenance of stem cells from various species using'conventional and novel methods, such as derivation of ES cells from single blastomeres, differentiation of stem cells into specific tissue types, isolation and maintenance of somatic stem cells, stem cell-specific techniques and approaches to tissue engineering using stem cell derivatives. The reader will find that some of the topics are covered by more than one group of authors and complement each other. Comprehensive step-by-step protocols and informative illustrations can be easily followed by even the least experienced researchers in the field, and allow the setup and troubleshooting of these state-of-the-art technologies in other laboratories. - Provides complete coverage spanning from derivation/isolation of stem cells, and including differentiation protocols, characterization and maintenance of derivatives and tissue engineering - Presents the latest most innovative technologies - Addresses therapeutic relevance including FDA compliance and tissue engineering

Cell Cycle in the Central Nervous System overviews the changes in cell cycle as they relate to prenatal and post natal brain development, progression to neurological disease or tumor formation.Topics covered range from the cell cycle during the prenatal development of the mammalian central nervous system to future directions in postnatal neurogenesis through gene transfer, electrical stimulation, and stem cell introduction. Additional chapters examine the postnatal development of neurons and glia, the regulation of cell cycle in glia, and how that regulation may fail in pretumor conditions or following a nonneoplastic CNS response to injury. Highlights include treatments of the effects of deep brain stimulation on brain development and repair; the connection between the electrophysiological properties of neuroglia, cell cycle, and tumor progression; and the varied immunological responses and their regulation by cell cycle.

This is the first of three planned volumes in the Methods in Enzymology series on the topic of stem cells. This volume is a unique anthology of stem cell techniques written by experts from the top laboratories in the world. The contributors not only have hands-on experience in the field but often have developed the original approaches that they share with great attention to detail. The chapters provide a brief review of each field followed by a'cookbook and handy illustrations. The collection of protocols includes the isolation and maintenance of stem cells from various species using'conventional and novel methods, such as derivation of ES cells from single blastomeres, differentiation of stem cells into specific tissue types, isolation and maintenance of somatic stem cells, stem cell-specific techniques and approaches to tissue engineering using stem cell derivatives. The reader will find that some of the topics are covered by more than one group of authors and complement each other. Comprehensive step-by-step protocols and informative illustrations can be easily followed by even the least experienced researchers in the field, and allow the setup and troubleshooting of these state-of-the-art technologies in other laboratories.• Provides complete coverage spanning from derivation/isolation of stem cells, and including differentiation protocols, characterization and maintenance of derivatives and tissue engineering • Presents the latest most innovative technologies • Addresses therapeutic relevance including FDA compliance and tissue engineering

Research on, and interest in, red blood cell formation spans several centuries and was thought to have peaked in the 1980s with the cloning of the eryth- poietin (EPO) gene. In the years subsequent to the cloning of EPO and its expression as a recombinant protein, much was written about EPO. Although much has been learned and published, new, exciting data are becoming ava- able on almost a daily basis. Erythropoietins and Erythropoiesis: Molecular, Cellular, Preclinical, and Clinical Biology compiles both pertinent historical and very recent research on this molecule and its clinical utility. The book is divided into two sections: Background and Basic Science and Clinical Uses of Recombinant Erythropoietins. To begin, Israels and Israels describe the biology of red cells, the hierarchy of erythropoietic progenitor cells, their development to mature cells, and the effects of endogenous EPO on their development. Foote summarizes the historical interest in, and search for, an erythropoietic factor. Once EPO was identified,cloned,and expressed,the path was set for the study of other aspects of EPO biology both within e- thropoiesis and other cellular systems.