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This volume covers the current knowledge base on the role of signaling and environmental pathways that control the normal development of germline stem cells, meiotic progression of oocytes, events of oocyte maturation and fertilization, and the birth of an embryo.Germ cells are uniquely poised to sustain life across generations through the fusion of oocyte and sperm. Because of the central importance of germ cells to life, much work has been dedicated to obtaining a clear understanding of the molecular and signaling events that control their formation and maintenance. Germ cells are set aside from somatic cells in the embryo and go through specialized meiotic cell cycles as the animal matures. These cell cycles are interspersed with long periods of arrest. In human females, meiosis I is initiated in the fetus. At birth, oocytes are arrested in meiosis I; after puberty, every month an oocyte initiates meiosis II – ovulation. Upon sperm availability these cells are fertilized, generate an embryo, and the cycle-of-life continues. During meiotic I progression and arrest, the fitness of oocytes and their progeny are likely influenced by environmental cues and signaling pathways.A lot of recent work has focused on understanding the mechanisms that regulate oocyte fitness and quality in humans and vertebrates. Much of our understanding on the events of meiosis I and germline stem cell populations comes from work in invertebrates, wherein the germline stem cells produce oocytes continuously through adult development. In both inverbrates and vertebrates nutritional and signaling pathways control the regulation of stem cells in such a manner so as to couple production of gametes with the nutritional availability. Additionally, mature oocytes arrest both in meiosis I and meiosis II, and signaling and nutritional pathways have been shown to regulate their formation, and maintenance, such that despite long periods ofarrest, the oocyte quality is assured and errors in chromosome segregation and varied cytoplasmic events are minimal.

Methods in Cell Biology, Volume 158, the latest release in this series, highlights new advances in the field, with this release covering How to orient cells in micro-cavities for high resolution imaging of cytokinesis and lumen formation, A body-on-a-chip (BOC) system for studying gut-liver interaction, Manipulating cultured mammalian cells for mitosis research, Live-cell FLIM-FRET using a commercially available system, A comparative analysis of methods to measure kinetochore-microtubule attachment stability, A workflow for visualizing human cancer biopsies using large-format electron microscopy, Isolation of stage-specific germ cells using facs in drosophila germarium, Computational analysis of filament polymerization dynamics in cytoskeletal networks, and more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Methods in Cell Biology series Updated release includes the latest information in this area of study

Echinoderms, Volume 150 in the Methods in Cell Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this update presenting interesting chapters on procuring animals and culturing of eggs and embryos, cryopreservation of sea urchin gametes, emerging echinoderm models, culturing of sand dollars, cidaroids and heart urchins, culturing echinoderm larvae through metamorphosis, microinjection methods, injection of exogenous messages and protein overexpression, blastomere transplantation, visualization of embryonic polarity, larval immune cell approaches, methods for analysis of sea urchin primordial germ cells, and protocols and best practices for toxicology and pH studies using echinoderms and several new chapters outlining the use of sea urchins in the classroom. Clear, concise protocols provided by experts who have established the echinoderms as a model system Highlights new advances in the field, with this update presenting interesting chapters on echinoderms

Sex Determination, Volume 134, the latest release in the Current Topics in Developmental Biology series, contains current reviews in the field of vertebrate sex determination. It covers molecular pathways of sex determination in genetic and environmental species and encompasses both sex determination of somatic lineages and commitment of germ cells to male or female fate. Chapters in this new release cover, amongst other topics, Mapping the Sox9 Enhancer Elements, Epigenetic Regulation of Sex Determination, Evolution and Management of Sex Chromosomes, Regulation of Germ Cell Sex Identity in Medaka, Control of Sex Determination in Zebrafish, Sexually Dimorphic Germ Cell Identity in Mammals, and more. - Contains reviews written by leading experts in each field - Includes informative figures that illustrate principle points that are useful for teaching - Written in a style that is clear and simple

Echinoderms and prochordates occupy a key position in vertebrate evolution. The genomes of sea urchin share 70% homology with humans. Researches on cell cycle in sea urchin and phagocytosis in asteroids have fetched Nobel Prizes. In this context, this book assumes immense importance. Echinoderms are unique, as their symmetry is bilateral in larvae but pentamerous radial in adults. The latter has eliminated the development of an anterior head and bilateral appendages. Further, the obligate need to face the substratum for locomotion and acquisition of food has eliminated their planktonic and nektonic existence. Egg size, a decisive factor in recruitment, increases with decreasing depths up to 2,000-5,000 m in lecithotrophic asteroids and ophiuroids but remains constant in their planktotrophics. Smaller ( 110 mm) asteroids generate planktotrophic eggs only. Publications on sex ratio of echinoderms indicate the genetic determination of sex at fertilization but those on hybridization, karyotype and ploidy induction do not provide evidence for heterogametism. But the herbivorous echinoids and larvacea with their gonads harboring both germ cells and Nutritive Phagocytes (NPs) have economized the transportation and hormonal costs on gonadal function. Despite the amazing potential just 2 and 3% of echinoderms undergo clonal reproduction and regeneration, respectively. Fission is triggered, when adequate reserve nutrients are accumulated. It is the most prevalent mode of clonal reproduction in holothuroids, asteroids and ophiuroids. However, budding is a more prevalent mode of clonal reproduction in colonial hemichordates and urochordates. In echinoderms, fission and budding eliminate each other. Similarly, autoregulation of early development eliminates clonal reproduction in echinoids and solitary urochordates. In pterobranchs, thaliaceans and ascidians, the repeated and rapid budding leads to colonial formation. Coloniality imposes reductions in species number and body size, generation time and life span, gonad number and fecundity as well as switching from gonochorism to simultaneous hermaphorditism and oviparity to ovoviviparity/viviparity.

This book provides new insights into the universality of biological systems in animal reproduction and development by a comparative study of a variety of mechanisms in animals ranging from basal invertebrates to vertebrates, including mammals.Animals accomplish genetic diversity through meiosis and fertilization, and during embryogenesis animals must produce specialized cell types, including germ cells, in accordance with their individual body plan. This series of phenomena is essential to the continuity of life in the animal kingdom, and animals show various reproductive and developmental strategies.This volume, comprising four parts, reviews animal kingdom diversity, including reproductive strategies and germ cell differentiation mechanisms (Part 1), sex determination and differentiation (Part2), the mechanisms of fertilization (Part 3), and body axis formation (Part 4). Readers will find descriptions of the reproduction or development of 180 species, 13 phyla, 35 classes, 74 orders, 117 families, and 151 genera in this book. Of particular interest is the diversity of molecules and mechanisms used to achieve the same biological purpose in different animals.Undergraduates, graduate students, and professional scientists who want a deeper understanding of animal reproductive and developmental mechanisms will find this book to be of great value.

This book combines the most recent knowledge on the maternal, i.e. oocyte/egg-specific, molecules and processes. The volume covers the most recent advances in a plethora of subjects such as: maternal transfer of immunity, localized RNAs functions and mechanisms of RNA localization, transcriptional repression of maternal messages, maternal inheritance and maternal role of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing, chromatin remodeling and epigenetic modifications, maternal function of nucleosomes, maternal mitochondria and energy supply, role of bacterial symbionts and their maternal transmission, acquisition of oocyte polarity and evolution of maternal effect genes, germ plasm and oosome origin and functions, mechanisms of oocyte activation and soma germ cells communication. Currently, no other book on the market combines such a comprehensive list of subjects in one volume. Moreover, the information provided is a cross-section through oocytes from various invertebrate and vertebrate species, which is another unique feature of this book. The readers, therefore, get a completely new and invaluable perspective on all covered subjects.

This book provides everything from basic knowledge to the recent understandings of avian reproductive physiology, covering many unique aspects. It will inspire avian biologists as well as researchers in varied fields and will offer important steps towards better fertilization success in birds.In spite of the recent remarkable developments in modern technology, a comprehensive understanding of the reproductive mechanisms is still far in the future due to the diverse reproductive tactics in vertebrates. Birds have highly refined reproductive strategies and some of those strategies are unique to birds. However, together with ongoing progress of the genome analysis of birds and the crying need for further increase in meat and egg production, research on avian reproduction is now accelerating and becoming more important.With contributions by leading scientists, the book explains avian primordial germ cells; the sex-determining mechanism; reproductive endocrinology and immunology; sperm, egg, and egg coat; sperm–egg interaction; polyspermic fertilization; seasonal reproduction; social triggers; hormonal and behavioral changes; broodiness; oviductal sperm storage; and biotechnology. This book is recommended for all researchers and students who are interested in birds or reproduction.

This book presents the current state of knowledge on the origin and differentiation of cell lines involved in the development of the vertebrate male and female gonads with particular emphasis on the mouse. It also discusses the processes leading to the testis- and ovary-specific structures and functions.The individual chapters review the origin and differentiation of the somatic cells of the genital ridges; the formation and migration of primordial germ cells in mouse and man; the gonadal supporting cell lineage and mammalian sex determination; differentiation of Sertoli and granulosa cells; mesonephric cell migration into the gonads and vascularization; origin and differentiation of androgen-producing cells in the gonads; germ cell commitment to the oogenic versus spermatogenic pathway and the role of retinoic acid; ovarian folliculogenesis; control of oocyte growth and development by intercellular communication within the follicular niche; biology of the Sertoli cell in the fetal, pubertal and adult mammalian testis; mechanisms regulating spermatogonial differentiation; stem cells in mammalian gonads; the role of microRNAs in cell differentiation during gonad development; human sex development and its disorders; as well as methods for the study of gonadal development.

This book covers two decades of the author's studies about fetal-originated diseases. It contains researches from the aspects of multiple inducing factors of fetal-originated diseases, including prenatal xenobiotic exposure, nutritional deficiency and other adverse environment during pregnancy. The authors introduce a series of animal models for studying the fetal origin of a variety of metabolic and neuropsychiatric diseases, and propose the mechanisms of developmental toxicity and susceptibility to multiple diseases, such as glucocorticoid programming. Moreover, the extended knowledge are also clearly addressed, like identification of biomarkers of developmental toxicity, and the strategies for early warning, prevention and treatment of fetal-originated diseases. Thus, the book is a systematic and complete reference for the researchers of related areas.

This guide covers all aspects pertaining to the use of zebrafish including their basic biology, humane care and management, husbandry, life support systems, regulatory compliance, technical procedures, veterinary care, and water quality management. The zebrafish is now a mainstream model animal employed by scientists to study everything from stem cells to the basis of behavioral changes induced by drug addiction. However, there are few accepted and established standards for husbandry, management, and care for the fish in laboratory settings and even fewer comprehensive and constantly reliable resources. To this end, the goal of this handbook is to provide managers, veterinarians, investigators, technicians, and regulatory personnel with a concise yet thorough reference on zebrafish biology, care, husbandry, and management. The new edition includes more figures, tables and bullet points, a wealth of new full-color images, major updates on health and welfare (including colony health surveillance and viruses), and a complete overhaul of the compliance section to address more international concerns.

The subject of age has ever been one which has attracted human thought. It leads us so near to the great mysteries that all thinkers have contemplated it, and many are the writers who from the literary point of view have presented us, sometimes with profound thought, often with beautiful images connected with the change from youth to old age. We need but to think of two books familiar more or less to us all, that ancient classic, Cicero's De Senectute, the great book on age, one might almost say, from the literary standpoint, and that of our own fellow-citizen, my former teacher and professor at the Medical School, Dr. Holmes, who in his delightful'Autocrat'offers to us some of his charming speculations upon age. ABOUT THE AUTHORCharles Sedgwick Minot (1852-1914) was an American anatomist and embryologist known for his significant contributions to the fields of biology and medicine.

This book addresses possible analogies between cancer and developmental biology. An international group of experts provides a multidisciplinary approach, allowing biological or clinical scientists involved with cancer research to integrate specific information from diverse areas.Five concepts of cancer are presented, and developmental biology is reviewed at five levels. These are integrated in discussions of failure in organisation as a basis of cancer and its control. The book will be a valuable reference for both newcomers as well as experienced biological and clinical scientists.

A landmark work of nineteenth-century developmental and evolutionary biology that takes the Darwinian struggle for existence into the organism itself.Though he is remembered primarily as a pioneer of experimental embryology, Wilhelm Roux was also a groundbreaking evolutionary theorist. Years before his research on chicken and frog embryos cemented his legacy as an experimentalist, Roux endorsed the radical idea that a “struggle for existence” within organisms—between organs, tissues, cells, and even subcellular components—drives individual development.Convinced that external competition between individuals is inadequate to explain the exquisite functionality of bodily parts, Roux aimed to uncover the mechanistic principles underlying self-organization. The Struggle of Parts was his attempt to provide such a theory. Combining elements of Darwinian selection and Lamarckian inheritance of acquired characteristics, the work advanced a materialist explanation of how “purposiveness” within the organism arises as the body's components compete for space and nourishment. The result, according to Charles Darwin, was “the most important book on evolution which has appeared for some time.”Translated into English for the first time by evolutionary biologist David Haig and Richard Bondi, The Struggle of Parts represents an important forgotten chapter in the history of developmental and evolutionary theory.

This handbook reviews the clinical applications of stem cell-based therapy. The book covers the clinical applications of stem cells in cardiovascular diseases, neurological and ocular diseases, pediatrics, and the role of cancer stem cell-derived exosomal microRNA payload in lung cancer. The chapter reviews emerging stem cell therapy and tissue engineering approaches in neurodegenerative diseases. The book further examines the applications of stem cells in various fields of dentistry, and for the regeneration of oral and non-oral tissues. The chapters also explore the application of 3D bioprinting in conjunction with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of bone defects and state-of-the-art technology for bone and cartilage regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells. The book presents stem cell-based therapy against renal, pancreatic, and kidney diseases and examines the advantages of a novel hepatic stem for cirrhotic liver repair and regeneration. Lastly, the book provides methodological and procedural advancements in stem cell-based therapy, including the applications of single-cell sequencing in stem cell research. This handbook is a major one-stop reference for researchers working in regenerative medicine, cellular pharmacology, stem cell research in general, and those involved in specific areas of adult stem cells as well as embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. ​

Comprehensive Hematology and Stem Cell Research is the first major reference to cover both stem cell research and therapy as well as the range of hematological disorders they are currently used to treat and may potentially be able to treat in the future. This five volume set includes fundamentals, such as the underlying mechanisms of the blood and immune system, highlighting blood disorders and cancers of the blood, including lymphoma, leukemia, and myeloma. Other sections cover stem cell research and therapy, from harvesting stem cells to their utilization in cancer treatments. Finally, the work looks to the future and explores newer stem cell research that may lead to future treatments. This book is an excellent resource for students at the graduate and post-graduate levels, academics, and researchers in the fields hematology, immunology and oncology. - Compiles foundational knowledge and breakthrough research into one concise, comprehensive reference - Takes a translational, bench-to-bedside approach to hematological disorders and stem cell therapies - Covers clinical applications of stem cells, advances in the field, and promising new research

A new history of the concept of fetal life in the human sciencesAt a time when the becoming of a human being in a woman's body has, once again, become a fraught issue—from abortion debates and surrogacy controversies to prenatal diagnoses and assessments of fetal risk—Of Human Born presents the largely unknown history of how the human sciences came to imagine the unborn in terms of “life before birth.”Caroline Arni shows how these sciences created the concept of “fetal life” by way of experimenting on animals, pregnant women, and newborns; how they worried about the influence of the expectant mother's living conditions; and how they lingered on the question of the beginnings of human subjectivity. Such were the concerns of physiologists, pediatricians, psychologists, and psychoanalysts as they advanced the novel discipline of embryology while, at the same time, grappling with age-old questions about the coming-into-being of a human person. Of Human Born thus draws attention to the fundamental way in which modern approaches to the unborn have been intertwined with the configuration of “the human” in the age of scientific empiricism.Arni revises the narrative that the “modern embryo” is quintessentially an embryo disembedded from the pregnant woman's body. On the contrary, she argues that the concept of fetal life cannot be separated from its dependency on the maternal organism, countering the rhetorical discourses that have fueled the recent rollback of abortion rights in the United States.

Animal Developmental Ecology is the first book to focus specifically on the interactions between the environment and developmental mechanisms with particular emphasis given to the consequences for animal populations. The underlying premise of the book is that the study of physiological mechanisms alongside the analysis of adaptive values will enable rapid advances in our knowledge of this important field. With contributors from well-known experts, the book will be invaluable for all postgraduates and researchers in this area.

This volume in the book series Healthy Ageing and Longevity focuses on the interaction and co-dependence of the brain and mental health during ageing. A wide-range of topics discussed here include conceptual and historical understanding, descriptive analyses, and evidence-based interventions for the maintenance, enhancement and recovery of the brain and mental health, especially in old age. The emphasis is on the effective biological and psycho-social lifestyle factors, and complementary medicine and traditional cultural practices that could be health beneficial. Potential readership includes the early stage- and experienced researchers in biogerontology and cognitive sciences, and college/university teachers, medical practitioners, health care personnel, and public educationists.

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.

Neither cellular/molecular nor ecosystem processes can be fully understood without a detailed understanding of the biology of the whole organism. Despite this, much of modern biology teaching tends to be focused on the cellular and molecular level, with the organism often neglected. This is particularly noticeable in many undergraduate biology programs, where introductory courses in animal biology are either given with limited evolutionary context or else use an outdated view of animal phylogeny. This accessible textbook provides a general conceptual framework for understanding the organismic level. It provides a broad overview of the diversity of animal life while focusing on general organizational principles with a few, carefully chosen examples rather than providing exhaustive specific details. The book adopts two parallel tracks, with most chapters focusing on one or the other. The first follows the general principles of organismic biology and animal organization, starting with the basic terminology and definitions in evolutionary biology before introducing the evolutionary framework for comparative biology. It then describes organizational principles and specific organ systems in a sequence of increasing complexity. The second track follows a phylogenetic journey, introducing the different animal phyla. Major phyla are given their own chapter with an overview of their common features and diversity. Organismic Animal Biology is an introductory textbook for an undergraduate course in organismal animal biology in a general biology or biotechnology program. It is explicitly aimed at students who will go on to be biomedical researchers, biochemists, cell biologists etc. and who need to understand the significance of the organism to their future research careers. It will also be a useful primer or easy reference for undergraduate and graduate students in more intensive organismic animal biology programs.

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 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.

Targetting Signaling Pathways in Solid tumour Part B, 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 latest information on cancer research - Offers outstanding and original reviews on a range of cancer research topics - Serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and students alike

This book presents an evaluation of stem cells from human dental pulp as a reliable stem cell source for cell-based therapy to stimulate tissue regeneration.​ In this thoroughly updated and expanded second edition, the author covers mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) biology, various sources of MSCs, and the therapeutic potential of MSCs. Tooth regeneration, dental pulp-derived MSC, and the therapeutic potential of dental pulp derived stem cells is also covered. This is an essential resource for students, faculty, and researchers in academia and industry working on dental pulp stem cells.

This Handbook on cancer biology comprehensively reviews the current status of the oncobiology of major cancer types, cancer detection and treatment strategies, principles and processes of cancer drug development, and nanomedicine and other emerging cancer medicine applications to cancer diagnosis and treatment. The book also provides practical and implementable nutritional guidance in cancer prevention, treatment, and quality of life for cancer survivors. It discusses pharmacogenetics strategies for predicting cancer prognosis and treatment exposure, response, and toxicity. Further, it presents bioinformatics approaches for predicting anti-cancer drugs and drug combinations based on the multi-omic data, including transcriptomics, toxicogenomics, functional genomics, and biological networks. The Handbook also examines major factors and pathways that regulate cancer stem cells development and discusses potential targeted therapy for cancer stem cells. The book explores the application of the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing technique in basic cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. This Handbook is an invaluable source for oncologists, researchers, public health specialists, epidemiologists, and policy makers.​

The book provides a concise, integrated view of DNA biology and biotechnology in various aspects, such as human health, food production, environmental sustainability, and industry development. It covers the evolution of DNA, genes, cancer, aging biology, and plant gene technology. The chapters delve into the evolution of DNA, cells, genes, and regulation and its influence on cancer, aging, and development. The book emphasizes modern DNA biotechnology, including plant gene technology, gene therapy, and synthetic biology, and highlights the relevance of DNA knowledge in addressing global challenges. It focuses on providing a contemporary understanding and the background of DNA biology, making it suitable for science and medicine programs or as an introduction to specialized DNA/biotechnology areas. The book targets academicians, researchers, and clinicians in related fields. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding DNA and its applications in various fields.

This textbook gives an insight into the importance of cell migration in health during development, wound healing and immune responses as well as in disease with particular focus on cancer. The reader will learn about the different ways cells migrate to allow cellular changes during development to occur, as well as responses to injury and threat by foreign invaders. Cell migration is a driver of invasion and ultimately metastasis in cancer and as such we will give examples from highly aggressive cancer such as brain tumours. The book also includes an introduction to mathematical modelling to predict cell migration, information on the development of software for analysis of data generated in 2D and 3D as well as recent developments in the investigations into cell migration using 3D bioprinting. This textbook will be a great learning tool for advanced undergraduate students and Master students with the relevant science degrees such as in cell biology, developmental biology, cancer research, and tumour biology.

In this next volume in the Cell Biology and Translational Medicine series, we continue to explore the potential utility of stem cells in regenerative medicine. Amongst topics explored in this volume are various aspects of stem cell commitment, differentiation and organogenesis in both health and cancer. Amongst the diverse areas covered are those exploring stems cells in relation to wound healing and their use in treatment of wound healing and different cancers. Other topics include genome editing, regulation of metabolism, immune cells, and algae in medicine. One goal of the series continues to be to highlight timely, often emerging, topics and novel approaches that can accelerate stem cell utility in regenerative medicine.

This book is a systematic collection and critical analysis of current information on rejuvenation, starting from the evolutionary aspects of the origin of life, immortality, and aging. Models, mechanisms, and types of rejuvenation are the key subjects of the book. Processes like cellular reprogramming, resetting of the aging clock, immortal unicellulars and cell cultures are explored through the lens of rejuvenation. Recent discoveries in this field offer a nuanced view of rejuvenation that has fascinated mankind since early history. There is evidence, though still controversial, indicating that biological time could be reversible. Indeed, under specific experimental conditions, cells can be moved back and forth along the age axis. Differentiation status and replicative age of cells can be modified not only by defined transcription factors, but also by ‘cocktails'of small molecules originating from natural substances or well-known longevity-promoting drugs. Still in its infancy, such findings open up the perspective of in vivo rejuvenation trials. Special attention is given to the quasi-immortal and extremely long-lived multicellular animal species as well as to the role of rejuvenation in treatment of pathology and healthy aging. Rejuvenation is experiencing a significant growth in recent years. There is ample debate in the scientific and near-scientific community about the ethics of rejuvenation and radical life span extension. This book aims to take a balanced and scientific approach to the mirage of immortality and ever-lasting youth and serves as a valuable resource for parties on both sides of the coin.

Since their discovery by Barbara McClintock in the mid-20th century, the importance of transposable elements in shaping the architecture, function and evolution of genomes has gradually been unveiled. These DNA sequences populate nearly all genomes and are viewed as genomic parasites. They are mobile, capable of proliferating within genomes and also commonly travel between species. These elements are mutagenic and are responsible for several human genetic disorders, but they also constitute a major source of genetic diversity. Some insertions have beneficial effects for the host and are selected for, giving rise to significant evolutionary innovations. Their dynamics within genomes are intricate, as are their interactions with other genome components. To limit their proliferation, the genome has evolved sophisticated defense mechanisms. While researchers commonly use these elements as genetic tools, their identification in newly sequenced genomes remains a challenge due not only to their extensive diversity, but also their large copy numbers.

The Atlas of Diagnostic Pathology in Nonhuman Primates offers the first extensively illustrated collection of classic lesions in nonhuman primate diseases and pathological conditions, compiled by an international team of expert contributors. Organized by infectious and noninfectious conditions, the atlas comprehensively covers viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic diseases, as well as nutritional, toxic, and metabolic causes, and genetic, age-related, neoplastic, and noninfectious inflammatory conditions. Since nonhuman primates are an indispensable resource for efficacy and safety evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies targeting clinically important human diseases, research with monkeys is critical to understand how to prevent and treat emerging infectious diseases such as Zika virus disease, Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2/coronavirus, pandemic flu, and many more. This book is intended to serve veterinary practitioners in university facilities, zoos, biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies, as well as clinicians, researchers, and students engaged in nonhuman primate research.

Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer, Part C, Volume 389 in the International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of hot topics, including Epigenetic biomarkers in breast cancer, Contribution of epigenetics to virus-driven cancer, Cancer metabolism and epigenetics, Technologies for epigenome editing, Epigenetics and cancer stemness, Epigenetic modifications in obesity-associated cancers, Epigenetics in cf microRNA in blood of solid tumors, Integrative analysis of transcriptome, chromatin accessibility, cell surface antigen in single cell level for AML, and more.Additional chapters cover Epigenetics in lung cancer, Gene Regulatory Mechanisms underlying therapy resistance in Cancer, Role of miRNAs as epigenetic regulators of immune checkpoints in cancer immunity, Epigenetic contributions to Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Contribution of epigenetics to chemoresistance, Epigenetic contribution to the relationship between obesity and cancer, and Epigenetic regulation in ovarian cancer. - Provides the latest information on cancer research - Offers outstanding and original reviews on a range of cancer research topics - Serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and students alike

This book unveils the secrets of archer fish, covering everything from their morphology to their unique feeding techniques, digestion physiology, and reproductive intricacies. It serves as an essential resource for students, researchers, conservation biologists, and anyone curious about the biology of archer fish, as well as fish biology in general. Readers can immerse themselves in chapters that discuss identification techniques, age, and growth, feeding physiology, and much more. The book highlights the wonders of these remarkable creatures, helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the intricate realm of fish biology.

The study and therapeutic application of macrophages is a rapidly developing field. Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the phenotypes and functions of macrophages in healthy and diseased tissues and organs. Following the great success of Volume 62:'Macrophages - Origin, Functions and Biointervention'published in this series, this new book now focuses on the role of monocytes and macrophages in development, regeneration and disease. This new volume offers an overview of the latest developments in monocyte and macrophage subtypes and functions across various tissues including adipose tissue, bones, liver, lungs, testes, and the nervous system. The book also reviews existing and potential therapies targeted towards the macrophages and describes their homeostatic functions. It explores how macrophage cell cycle, metabolism, mitochondrial activity, histone acetylation status, and interaction with the extracellular matrix contribute to changes in macrophage phenotype and function in health and disease. Additionally, it examines the interactions between macrophages and cancer cells, bacteria, helminth parasites, and their role in the colonization and spread of HIV. For ease of reference, the volume is divided into three sections: Part I Nonimmunologic and immunologic functions of monocytes/macrophages Part II Tissue/organ specific functions of macrophages Part III Macrophage functions and dysfunction in diseases This book will be of interest to researchers working in the fields of developmental biology, immunology, cancer research, and therapeutic applications. It is written to inform and inspire experts and newcomers to the field of macrophages.

Epigenetics encompasses all changes in gene expression that occur without alterations to the DNA sequence. These modifications involve DNA methylation, histone modifications, and ncRNA pathways. Plants have evolved remarkable resilience to environmental challenges mediated by epigenetic modifications rather than genetic variation. Epigenetic variation provides a means for designing crop varieties with enhanced resilience to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures. By understanding how epigenetic information systems interact among them and with other canonical genetic pathways, we can develop crops better equipped to withstand the challenges of climate change, ultimately contributing to global food security. Epigenetics in Crop Improvement: Safeguarding Food Security in an Ever-Changing Climate is primarily a comprehensive guide that explores the role of epigenetics in plant growth, development, and adaptation. This book also offers a valuable resource for anyone looking to investigate and develop innovative strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity in the face of climate change.

Sex shapes who we are as individuals and as a species. Where in the mists of time did something so important—and eye-catching—originate, and what does this history tell us about ourselves? Why do we have sex, and sexes, at all?In The Other Big Bang, the evolutionary and developmental biologist Eric S. Haag explores the two-billion-year history of sex, from the first organisms on Earth to contemporary humans. He delves into the deep history of sexual reproduction, from its origins as a fix for a mutational crisis to an essential feature of all complex life. Haag traces sexual differentiation from its earliest forms in microbes to its elaboration in animals, showing why sex differences in cells and organisms help species adapt, persist, and evolve. Humanity's clear sexual kinship with yeast and clams exists even as we evolved differences that distinguish us from other mammals, and even other apes.Bringing the story up to the present, Haag argues that the evolutionary history of human sexuality helps us better understand contemporary society. Our ancient male-female sexual system remains an important fact of life, even as we see increasingly diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions, and parenthood choices. Witty and inviting, The Other Big Bang offers a clear view of the evolutionary roots of human sexuality and their significance today.

This book renders a comprehensive understanding of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from their embryonic development through adult maintenance to aging, in the studies conducted in zebrafish and mammals. Hematopoiesis provides a paradigm for understanding the development, maintenance, regeneration, aging and malignant transformation of mammalian organs. Sitting at the apex of the hematopoiesis hierarchy tree, HSCs orchestrate their proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation to produce all the blood cell lineages throughout life, which represents the best example for somatic stem cell studies. In this book, key regulatory mechanisms for HSC self-renewal and differentiation are overviewed in an array of fields including epigenetics, metabolism and microenvironment regulation. It also highlights the HSC heterogeneity and clonal dynamics from the recent advanced single-cell technologies. This book elaborates on the research history of HSC studies and reveals how the insights from HSC studies shed light on their clinic application. It presents great value from the bench to the clinic.

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.

The book discusses ideas concerning the order and balance of nature (or'economy of nature') from the late 17th century to the early 20th century. The perspective taken is broad, longue durée and interdisciplinary, and reveals the interplay of scientific, philosophical, moral and social ideas. The story begins with natural theology (dating roughly to the onset of the so-called Newtonian Revolution) and ends with the First World War. The cut-off date has been chosen for the following reasons: the war changed the state of things, affecting man's way of looking at, and relating to, nature both directly and indirectly; indeed, it put an end to most applications of Darwinism to society and history, including interpretations of war as a form of the struggle for existence. The author presents an overview of the different images of nature that were involved in these debates, especially in the late 19th century, when a largepart of the scientific community paid lip service to ‘Darwinism', while practically each expert felt free to interpret it in his own distinct way. The book also touches on the so-called ‘social Darwinism', which was neither a real theory, nor a common body of ideas, and its various views of society and nature's economy. Part of this book deals with the persistence of moralizing images of nature in the work of many authors. One of the main features of the book is its wealth of (detailed) quotations. In this way the author gives the reader the opportunity to see the original statements on which the author bases his discussion. The author privileges the analysis of different positions over a historiography offering a merely linear narrative based on general implications of ideas and theories. To revisit the concept of the so-called'Darwinian Revolution', we need to examine the various perspectives ofscientists and others, their language and, so to speak, the lenses they used when reading'facts'and theories. The book ends with some general reflections on Darwin and Darwinisms (the plural is important) as a case study on the relationship between intellectual history, the history of science and contextual history.Written by a historian, this book really gives new, multidisciplinary perspectives on the'Darwinian Revolution.'

The Developing Brain and Its Connections describes the processes of neural development from neural induction through synaptic refinement. Each chapter explores specific mechanisms of development and describes key experiments from invertebrate and vertebrate animal models. By highlighting experimental methods and explaining how hypotheses evolve over time, readers learn essential facts while strengthening their appreciation of the scientific method. Discussions of neurodevelopmental disorders and therapeutic approaches to them bridge basic science discoveries with the clinical aspects of the field. Descriptions of recent work by student researchers and medical residents demonstrate career pathways and options for those interested in pursuing any area neural development. With this distinctive approach, easy-to-follow writing style, and clear illustrations, The Developing Brain presents an accessible approach to neural development for undergraduate students.Related TitlesLuo, L. Principles of Neurobiology, 2nd edition (ISBN 9780815346050)Simon, S. A., series ed. Frontiers in Neuroscience https://www.routledge.com/Frontiers-in-Neuroscience/book-series/CRCFRONEUSCI Feltz, A., ed. Physiology of Neurons (ISBN 978-0-8153-4600-5)

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.

Coverage of the field in Instant Notes in Developmental Biology is current and focuses largely on the principles of embryonic development. It is designed to provide a clear summary of the principles of developmental biology in a compact and easily manageable structure.

Mechanisms of Morphogenesis, Third Edition offers a bottom-up discussion of mechanisms of cell and tissue morphogenesis in a diverse array of organisms, including prokaryotes, animals, plants and fungi. Across foundational, applied and methods-based chapters, this book examines molecular nano-machines cooperation, generate cell shape, direct cell migration, and shape, form and rates of growth of various tissues in the body. Each topic is illustrated with experimental data from real systems, with particular reference to gaps in current knowledge and likely future developments, along with strategies to apply basic morphogenesis science across ever evolving applications. Newly added chapters feature case-study-driven discussions of morphogenesis in natural embryos and organoids, and illustrate how pathological morphogenesis can generate variants of body form. This edition has also been updated with analysis of large-scale and scale-invariant mechanisms, for example, morphogenesis by differential growth in mechanically connected tissues. - Includes over 200 full color figures and charts - Offers an integrated view of theoretical developmental biology and computer modeling with laboratory-based discoveries - Includes applied, case-study-driven discussion of experimental techniques - Is organized around principles and mechanisms, using them to integrate discoveries from a range of organisms and systems across new applications - Covers recent developments in morphogenesis research, including morphogenesis in organoids, other engineered tissues, and an analysis of large-scale and scale-invariant mechanisms

For the millions who remain curious about the world around them, but gained little from science at school, this book offers a way forward. Based on live discussions with adults from all walks of life, each chapter begins with an everyday experience, like swallowing a pill or watching a bee on a flower. The main scientific ideas underlying each topic are then explored, so that understanding of a set of fundamental concepts builds up gradually throughout the book. In contrast to more traditional approaches to science learning, topics range freely across the subject areas. The story of Covid, for example includes aspects of biology, chemistry, mathematics and social behaviour. Plain English is used throughout and mathematical expressions are avoided. Key points are illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs. By drawing on questions and perspectives of ordinary people, the book offers an introduction to basic ideas in science as a whole, rather than any one particular subject. For the adult wishing to make good a gap in their understanding it provides a starting point for entering the rich world of popular science.

Since their development a decade ago, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have revolutionized the study of human disease, given rise to regenerative medicine technologies, and provided exceptional opportunities for pharmacologic research. These cells provide an essentially unlimited supply of cell types that are difficult to obtain from patients, such as neurons or cardiomyocytes, or are difficult to maintain in primary cell culture. iPSC can be obtained from patients afflicted with a particular disease but, in combination with recently developed gene editing techniques, can also be modified to generate disease models. Moreover, the new techniques of 3 Dimensional printing and materials science facilitate the generation of organoids that can mirror organs under disease conditions. These properties make iPSC powerful tools to study how diseases develop and how they may be treated. In addition, iPSC can also be used to treat conditions in which the target cell population has beenlost and such regenerative approaches hold great promise for currently untreatable diseases, including cardiac failure or photoreceptor degenerations.

This book provides an up-to-date overview of key areas of ageing research and bridges the gap between the subcellular events and the reality of ageing as seen in clinical practice.To this end, the reader learns about the historical development and progression of clinical ageing research. All chapters address the biochemistry or cell biology of various ageing events (to the extent that the data are available) and work their way to the clinical understanding we have of ageing. The focus of this volume is on how dietary restriction, virus infection and chronic inflammation affect the ageing process. Additionally, this book discusses how phosphate metabolism and metabolic dysfunction contribute to ageing events and how various organs and tissues (e.g. tendons, ears, heart muscle, and the endocrine system) age. This book follows on from Parts I, II and III of Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Ageing within the Subcellular Biochemistry book series and aims to bring the subcellular and clinical areas into closer contact by including interesting and significant biomedical ageing topics that were not included in the earlier volumes. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, this book is a valuable resource for experienced researchers and early career scientist alike, who are interested in learning more about the fascinating and challenging question of why and how our cells age.

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of key areas of subcellular aging research in human cells. The reader is introduced to the historical development and progress in biomedical aging research and learns, for example, about the role of microRNAs, circRNAs, mitochondria and extracellular vesicles in cellular senescence. The reader will also learn more about how gap junctions, the nuclear pore complex and the proteasome are affecting the ageing processes. In addition, novel therapeutic opportunities through modulation of cellular senescence are discussed. The book follows on from Parts I and II of Biochemistry and Cell Biology of Ageing (Volumes 90 and 91 of the Subcellular Biochemistry book series) by covering interesting and significant biomedical ageing topics not included in the earlier volumes. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, this book is a valuable resource for experienced researchers and early career scientist alike, who are interested in learning more about the fascinating and challenging question of why and how our cells age.

This book reviews the cellular and non-cellular components of human breast milk and their contribution to infant growth and development. It also discusses various cellular growth factors in breast milk, including stem cells and their significance in promoting optimal growth, immunity and regeneration in neonates and in mitigating several neonatal diseases. Further, the book examines variations in the macronutrient concentrations of human milk in different lactation stages and maternal factors. It also describes the potential of antimicrobial proteins/peptides in human milk to provide innate immunity to infants. Lastly, it explores the regenerative therapeutic applications of breast milk cells in feeding infants.

This book describes the use of stem cells and cancer stem cell generation in the inflammatory microenvironment (cancer-inducing niche) using induced pluripotent stem cells. It provides step-by-step techniques and manuals for studying stem cell and cancer stem cell generation with different applications in cancer research. The development of induced pluripotent stem cells has provided a new approach to studying cancer initiation by producing cancer stem cells without introducing mutations or foreign genes. The book features the research of the authors'group, which was the first to generate cancer stem cells from stem cells in the presence of inflammatory conditions. The 20 chapters of this book cover topics such as generating pluripotent stem cells, converting normal stem cells to cancer stem cells, enriching, isolating and evaluating cancer stem cells. Methods for evaluating the characteristics of cancer stem cells and possible therapies against them are also discussed. The book provides easy-to-follow protocols that help researchers in the study of cancer stem cells. Illustrations help readers understand how the method of cancer stem cell generation can be applied as an essential method for assessing the carcinogenic potential of various non-mutagenic compounds. It will be a useful resource for graduate students, researchers, technicians, and physicians working in academic, hospital, and pharmaceutical settings.