Genetic information determines the composition of molecules comprising cytoskeletal elements, membranes and receptors. The supramolecular arrangement of these components represents a self-assembly process controlled by physicochemical and mechanical interactions. This general hypothesis demarcates the aim of studying cellular mechanics. Description and evaluation of mechanical properties of cells and their organelles, as well as of the forces exerted by them, is the scope of this book on Cytomechanics. Emphasis is laid on the role of mechanical properties in the generation of shape and cytoplasmic motion, and on the basic principles and components determining mechanical properties.

This book presents an overview of the entire field of cadherin research and provides the current basic concept of cadherins. Cadherins have been widely accepted as key regulators of animal development and physiological functions, and it also has become clear that they play essential roles in various human diseases. With contributions by leading scientists, the book covers various aspects of the cadherin superfamily including the history of cadherin research, basic properties of classical cadherins as well as non-classical cadherins, cadherin-associated proteins, and the roles of cadherins in health and diseases. In addition, the book presents some contradictory results and important unanswered questions, and the authors propose their working hypotheses or future directions, to inspire future studies. This volume enables graduate students and young researchers to learn the basics and gain a comprehensive image of the cadherin superfamily, and experts in the field will easily find various topics of interest in relevant areas of study. Additionally, a list of cadherin-related diseases is included for quick reference to cadherins in human diseases.

Presents a model for biological clocks, and covers topics in ecology and evolutionary genetics.

This comprehensive encyclopedic reference provides rapid access to focused information on topics of cancer research for clinicians, research scientists and advanced students. Given the overwhelming success of the first edition, which appeared in 2001, and fast development in the different fields of cancer research, it has been decided to publish a second fully revised and expanded edition. With an A-Z format of over 7,000 entries, more than 1,000 contributing authors provide a complete reference to cancer. The merging of different basic and clinical scientific disciplines towards the common goal of fighting cancer makes such a comprehensive reference source all the more timely.

Outstanding scientific advances over the last decades unceasingly reveal real complexity of wound-healing process, astonishing in its staged progression, as life is unfolding itself. This natural course of tissue repair seems to bear thousands of overlapping molecular and macroscopic processes that nowadays only start to unfold to our knowledge. The present volume collecting recent scientific references proposes to readers a two-folded audacious goal. First, an updated design of intimate cellular mechanisms is entailed in tissue regeneration that emanates from the first section of the book. Next, a multidisciplinary therapeutic perspective that focuses on macroscopic healing throughout the second part of this work adds clinically integrated observation. Practical diagnostic and treatment information is appended in each chapter that may equally help experienced clinicians or dedicated students and researchers in broadening essential breaking points of their work. It is the wish of all multidisciplinary experts who gather prominent author's panel of this volume to incorporate latest medical reports and compel limits of current understanding for better tissue regeneration, limb salvage, and improved quality of life of our patients.

Sertoli cells assist in the production of sperm in the male reproductive system. This book provides a state-of-the-art update on the topic of sertoli cells and male reproduction. It addresses such highly topical areas as stem cells, genomics, and molecular genetics, as well as provides historical information on the discovery of this type of cell, and the pathophysiology of male infertility. * Presents the state-of-the-art research on topics such as stem cell research, transplantation and genomics* Includes contributions from leaders in the field, including several members of the National Academy of Science