In 1996, we organized a workshop, inter alia, at the National Research Co- cil in Milan under the generous sponsorship of the European Science Foun- tion. On that occasion, a small group of investigators convened from many countries and presented early evidence of the possibility of assembling basic units of mammalian chromosomes into artificial constructs (or, indeed, red- ing the relevant components to more manageable dimensions and defined c- stitution). Progress in the following years has been slow but steady. Many scientists who took part in the workshop have since been engaged in active and prod- tive research. It goes to the credit of Humana Press to have realized the need for a book on artificial chromosomes that aims to provide better tools to all scientists committed to this field who are confronted with very difficult tech- cal problems. We have strived to cover in Mammalian Artificial Chromosomes: Methods and Protocols all relevant areas of artificial chromosome research, from basic genetics to daring attempts to build new tools for genetic therapy. We are of course grateful to the authors who have accepted the task of describing the technical steps and pitfalls that can be encountered in their research. Rarely has a very delicate methodology been presented with such meticulous care. We have been helped in this enterprise by the excellent librarian of the LITA Institute in Segrate, Italy, Ms. Claudia Piergigli, whom we thank warmly. Ms.

This detailed book explores how microinjection will be used in the foreseeable future, not only for generating animal models for biomedical research but also for changing economically or ecologically important species that can broadly impact our society in general. The opening half of the book focuses on methods for generating mouse models, as they are still the most popular in genome engineering research, while the second half examines gene-editing in a variety of other species, opened up by the developments in ZFN, TALEN, and CRISPR techniques. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Microinjection: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers looking to take advantage of the breakthrough technologies in gene-editing and embryo micromanipulations.

Echinoderms, Volume 151, the latest release in the Methods in Cell Biology series, highlights advances in the field, with this update presenting chapters on Echinoderm Genome Databases, analysis of gene regulatory networks, using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq to increase resolution in GRN connectivity, multiplex cis-regulatory analysis, experimental approaches GRN/signal pathways, BACs, analysis of chromatin accessibility using ATAC-seq, analysis of sea urchin proteins /Click IT, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in sea urchins, super-resolution and in toto imaging of echinoderm embryos, and methods for analysis of intracellular ion signals in sperm, eggs and embryos. - Presents clear, concise protocols provided by experts who have established the echinoderms as a model systems - Highlights new advances in the field, with this update presenting interesting chapters on echinoderms

This reference book provides information on plant cytogenetics for students, instructors, and researchers. Topics covered by international experts include classical cytogenetics of plant genomes; plant chromosome structure; functional, molecular cytology; and genome dynamics. In addition, chapters are included on several methods in plant cytogenetics, informatics, and even laboratory exercises for aspiring or practiced instructors. The book provides a unique combination of historical and modern subject matter, revealing the central role of plant cytogenetics in plant genetics and genomics as currently practiced. This breadth of coverage, together with the inclusion of methods and instruction, is intended to convey a deep and useful appreciation for plant cytogenetics. We hope it will inform and inspire students, researchers, and teachers to continue to employ plant cytogenetics to address fundamental questions about the cytology of plant chromosomes and genomes for years to come. Hank W. Bass is a Professor in the Department of Biological Science at Florida State University. James A. Birchler is a Professor in the Division of Biological Sciences at the University of Missouri.

A comprehensive collection of readily reproducible techniques for the manipulation of recombinant plasmids using the bacterial host E. coli. The authors describe proven methods for cloning DNA into plasmid vectors, transforming plasmids into E. coli, and analyzing recombinant clones. They also include protocols for the construction and screening of libraries, as well as specific techniques for specialized cloning vehicles, such as cosmids, bacterial artificial chromosomes, l vectors, and phagemids. Common downstream applications such as mutagenesis of plasmids, recombinant protein expression, and the use of reporter genes, are also described.