This book reviews and summarizes the current state of understanding of the Sonic Hedgehog (shh) pathway and the downstream Gli transcription factors during development. An introductory chapter reviews the pathway both in invertebrates and vertebrates. Subsequent chapters deal with the role of Shh during the development of specific organs and body systems in a variety of organisms including zebrafish, mouse and human.
Hedgehog-GLI Signaling in Human Disease represents the first compilation of up-to-date reviews by top-level scientists in this important field of research. The chapters cover a wide spectrum of related interests, from the molecular bases of morphogen function, to human genetics to cancer research. The aim of the book is to disseminate information on this exciting field, to allow students, scientists and the public in general to gain access current information from research leaders and to provide a book that encompasses different aspects of research showing the fusion of basic research in model systems and medicine. This is a timely primer on how a system of cell communication, Hedgehog-GLI signaling, plays a critical role in human disease and thus provides the background for the development of novel and rational therapies.
The hypothalamus is the region of the brain in charge of the maintenance of the internal milieu of the organism. It is also essential to orchestrate reproductive, parental, aggressive-defensive, and other social behaviors, and for the expression of emotions. Due to the structural complexity of the hypothalamus, however, many basic aspects of its ontogenesis are still mysterious. Nowadays we assist to a renewal of interest spurred in part by the growing realization that prenatal and early postnatal influences on the hypothalamus could entail pathological conditions later in life. Intriguing questions for the future include: do early specification phenomena reflect on adult hypothalamic function and possibly on some kinds of behavior? Can early events like specification, migration or formation of nuclei influence adult hypothalamic function? A change in morphological paradigm, from earlier columnar interpretations to neuromeric ones, is taking place. Concepts long taken for granted start to be challenged in view of advances in developmental and comparative neurobiology, and notably also in the molecular characterization of hypothalamic structures. How should we understand the position of the hypothalamus in relation to other brain regions? Should we bundle it together with the thalamus, a functionally, genetically and developmentally very different structure? Does the classic concept of “diencephalon” make sense, or should the hypothalamus be separated? Does the preoptic area belong to the hypothalamus or the telencephalon? The answer to these questions in the context of recent causal molecular analysis will help to understand hypothalamic evolution and morphogenesis as well as its adult function and connectivity. In this Research Topic we have reviewed the fundamentals of hypothalamic ontogenesis and evolution, summarizing present-day knowledge, taking stock of the latest advances, and anticipating future challenges.
Branching morphogenesis, the creation of branched structures in the body, is a key feature of animal and plant development. This book brings together, for the first time, expert researchers working on a variety of branching systems to present a state-of-the-art view of the mechanisms that control branching morphogenesis. Systems considered range from single cells, to blood vessel and drainage duct systems to entire body plans, and approaches range from observation through experiment to detailed biophysical modelling. The result is an integrated overview of branching.
T cells play a vital role mediating adaptive immunity, a specific acquired resistance to an infectious agent produced by the introduction of an antigen. There are a variety of T cell types with different functions. They are called T cells, because they are derived from the thymus gland. This volume discusses how T cells are regulated through the operation of signaling mechanisms. Topics covered include positive and negative selection, early events in T cell receptor engagement, and various T cell subsets.
Knowledge about the mechanisms of lung development has been growing rapidly, especially with regard to cellular and molecular aspects of growth and differentiation. This authoritative international volume reviews key aspects of lung development in health and disease by providing a comprehensive review of the complex series of cellular and molecular interactions required for lung development. It covers such topics as pulmonary hypoplasia, effects of malnutrition, and pulmaonary angiogenesis. An indispensable reference for all those involved in studying or treating lung disease in neonates and children, the book offers a unique view of the development of this essential organ.
In situ hybridization is used to reveal the location of specific nucleic acids sequences on chromosomes or in tissues. Visualization of the location of genes on chromosomes or of specific mRNAs or viruses in tissues is crucial for understanding the organization, regulation, and function of genes. It is a therefore a core technique in all areas of biomedical research. In Situ Hybridization: A Practical Approach 2/e is the second edition of one of the most successful Practical Approach books, published in 1992. Since the first edition was published, a number of important technical advances have been made. The new edition has been thoroughly updated to contain protocols detailing the major techniques of in situ hybridization currently in use: in situ hybridization to mRNA with oligonucleotide and RNA probes (radiolabelled and hapten labelled); analysis using light and electron microscopes; whole mount in situ hybridization; double detection of RNAs, and RNA plus protein; and fluorescent in situ hybridization to detect chromosomal sequences. The protocols are complemented by advice on strategies for successful results, descriptions of the theoretical basis of in situ hybridization and important new developments in gene expression databases. The procedures described are widely applicable to many systems. The use of in situ hybridization in PCR is covered in a separate volume: Herrington and O'Leary (Eds) PCR 3 - PCR in situ hybridization: A Practical Approach (OUP, 1997). All the authors have extensive practical experience of establishing reliable techniques of in situ hybridization. This book will be useful to all researchers at all levels who use in situ hybridization.
Hox Gene Expression starts with the amazing discovery of the homeobox twenty-three years ago and follows the exciting path thereafter of a series of breakthroughs in Genetics, Development and Evolution. It deals with homeotic genes, their evolution, structure, normal and abnormal function. Researchers and graduate students in biology and medicine will benefit from this integrated overview of Hox gene activities.
**Selected for Doody's Core Titles® 2024 in Clinical Genetics** Human Reproductive and Prenatal Genetics, Second Edition provides application-driven coverage of key topics in human reproductive and prenatal genetics, including genetic control underlying the development of the reproductive tracts and gametogenesis, the genetics of fertilization and implantation, the genetic basis of female and male infertility, as well as genetic and epigenetic aspects of assisted reproduction. Also examined are the genetics and epigenetics of the placenta in normal and abnormal pregnancy, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening, and cutting-edge advances in noninvasive prenatal screening, prenatal genetic counseling, and bioethical and medicolegal aspects of relevance in the lab and clinic. This new edition has been fully revised to address new and evolving technologies in human reproductive genetics, with new chapters added on chromatin landscapes and sex determination, genetic alterations of placental development and preeclampsia, metabolism and inflammation in PCOS, pre-implantational genetic testing, maternal genetic disorders, bioethics, and future applications. - Features chapter contributions from leading international scientists and clinicians - Provides in-depth coverage of key topics in human reproductive and prenatal genetics, including genetic controls, fertilization, placental development, embryo implantation, in vitro culture of the human embryo for the study of post-implantation development, and more - Identifies how researchers and clinicians can implement the latest genetic, epigenetic, and –omics-based approaches - Includes all new chapters on evolving technologies and recent genetic discoveries of relevance to reproductive medicine
Vertebrate Skeletal Development, Volume 133, the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, presents interesting chapters on a variety of topics, with this edition focusing on Craniofacial skeletal development, Regulatory mechanism of jawbone and tooth development, Development of the axial skeleton and intervertebral discs, Stem and progenitor cells in skeletal development, Origin, functioning and morphogenetic activity of limb synovial joint, ECM signaling in cartilage development and endochondral ossification, Sox genes in skeletal development, Wnt-Signaling in Skeletal Development, Gas signaling in skeletal development and diseases, FGF signaling in skeletal development, Bone morphogenetic growth factors in bone development, and more. - 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 Vertebrate Skeletal Development
