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

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.

Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways.

Tissue Barriers in Disease, Injury and Regeneration focuses on the molecular and cellular fundamentals of homeostatic and defense responses of tissue barriers, covering the damaging impacts and exposure to pathogens and engineered nanomaterials. Sections emphasize the role of mesenchymal stoma, vascular, epithelial, telocyte, myofibroblast, lymphoid and reticuloendothelial cells, along with reactions that bridge the effects of ambient factors, medical treatments, drag delivery systems with alterations in barrier integrity, tissue/organ functions, and metabolic status. Other sections cover the role of progenitor cells of different origins in the remodeling and regeneration of tissue stroma, vasculature of blood-tissue barriers, and more. - Includes special emphasis on the role of mesenchymal stoma, vascular, epithelial, telocyte, myofibroblast, lymphoid and reticuloendothelial cells in the development of reactions that bridge the effects of ambient factors, medical treatments, drag delivery systems with alterations in barrier integrity, tissue/organ functions, and in metabolic status - Examines the role of progenitor cells of different origins in the remodeling and regeneration of tissue stroma, the vasculature of blood-tissue barriers, and mucosa and external epithelium

Extracellular matrix proteins are serious, common human diseases that are caused by mutations in genes that encode these proteins. This has spurred a great number of researchers to study the extracellular matrix, sometimes by choice and sometimes by necessity. Much progress has been made in the last decade towards understanding what matrix proteins do and how cells interact with and respond to them. Volume 15 is a compilation of reviews by experts in their respective fields. The chapters in this book address the biology of a broad spectrum of extracellular matrix molecules and their functions in development and disease. This book has been designed to focus on a diverse subset of matrix proteins that have been shown to be important for development, function, and disease. The book therefore both presents a broad view of the field and provides crucial details about some of the best-studied matrix molecules. * Written by leaders in the field * Discusses the potential of matrix components to be used as therapeutic tools for the treatment and prevention of cancer * Offers a section on integrin signaling and the development of the central nervous system, detailing the migration of neurons and the glia * Covers a diverse array of molecules such as laminins, collagens, heparan sulfate proteoglycans, integrins, and more

Aimed at postgraduate students in a variety of biology-related disciplines, this volume presents a collection of mathematical and computational single-cell-based models and their application. The main sections cover four general model groupings: hybrid cellular automata, cellular potts, lattice-free cells, and viscoelastic cells. Each section is introduced by a discussion of the applicability of the particular modelling approach and its advantages and disadvantages, which will make the book suitable for students starting research in mathematical biology as well as scientists modelling multicellular processes.

This book is a bench manual that provides in one volume all theimportant and unique technologies necessary to studies of mammarygland biology and breast cancer. The chapters are written by expertsin each area with an emphasis on nitty-gritty details that are keypoints for the successful use of a method. Sections include "in""vivo" model systems, special techniques for "in vivo"studies, "in vitro" model systems, and molecular analysis and genetransfer techniques.