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

Cell Polarity in Development and Disease, Volume 154 in the Methods in Cell Biology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Cell polarity in the protist-to-animal transition, Polarized actin networks in development: Case studies from Drosophila, Protein clustering and cell polarization, Polarity in the Drosophila female germline, Context Matters: Mechanisms governing epithelial polarization in C. elegans, Epithelial polarity in the fly: Principles and diversity, Polarizing epithelial expulsion and expulsion driven by mispolarization, The Role of Apical-Basal Polarization in the Mammalian First Cell Fate Decision, and much 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 on Cell Polarity in Development and Disease

Cellular polarization is key to all cellular functions. Our perceptions, which are derived from our senses, depend on the proper cellular polarization of our sense organs, such as the eyes or ears. Much of this book examines the different aspects in cellular polarization and its researched role in the Drosophila, where the first planar cellular polarity (PCP) gene was discovered over 20 years ago. Topics also include: From flies to man: how we are polarized, Marking an embryo work, Cellular polarization at its functional best, Hearing and seeing your environment, and From a cell to an organ. This series represents timely issues in developmental biology. It provides annual reviews of selected topics, written from the perspectives of leading investigators in the field of development. * Presents many various organisms such as flies, fish, frogs and mice * Offers over 40 exceptional illustrations * First of its kind to include new data and detailed models on cell planar polarization

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.