Cilia are tiny microtubule-based organelles projecting from the plasma membrane of practically all cells in the body. In the past 10 years a flurry of research has indicated a crucial role of this long-neglected organelle in the development and function of the central nervous system. A common theme of these studies is the critical dependency of signal transduction of the Sonic hedgehog, and more recently, Wnt signaling pathways upon cilia to regulate fate decisions and morphogenesis. Both primary and motile cilia also play crucial roles in the function of the nervous system, including the primary processing of sensory information, the control of body mass, and higher functions such as behavior and cognition, serving as "antennae" for neurons to sense and process their environment. In this book we describe the structure and function of cilia and the various tissues throughout the brain and spinal cord that are dependent upon cilia for their proper development and function.

In recent years, the role of cilia in the study of health, development and disease has been increasingly clear, and new discoveries have made this an exciting and important field of research. This comprehensive volume, a complement to the new three-volume treatment of cilia and flagella by King and Pazour, presents easy-to-follow protocols and detailed background information for researchers working with cilia and flagella. - Covers protocols for primary cilia across several systems and species - Both classic and state-of-the-art methods readily adaptable across model systems, and designed to last the test of time - Relevant to clinicians and scientists working in a wide range of fields

Cilia and Flagella presents protocols accessible to all individuals working with eukaryotic cilia and flagella. These recipes delineate laboratory methods and reagents, as well as critical steps and pitfalls of the procedures. The volume covers the roles of cilia and flagella in cell assembly and motility, the cell cycle, cell-cell recognition and other sensory functions, as well as human diseases and disorders. Students, researchers, professors, and clinicians should find the book's combination of "classic" and innovative techniques essential to the study of cilia and flagella.Key Features* A complete guide containing more than 80 concise technical chapters friendly to both the novice and experienced researcher* Covers protocols for cilia and flagella across systems and species from Chlamydomonas and Euglena to mammals* Both classic and state-of-the-art methods readily adaptable across model systems, and designed to last the test of time, including microscopy, electrophoresis, and PCR* Relevant to clinicians interested in respiratory disease, male infertility, and other syndromes, who need to learn biochemical, molecular, and genetic approaches to studying cilia, flagella, and related structures

Autophagy: Cancer, Other Pathologies, Inflammation, Immunity, Infection, and Aging is an eleven volume series that discusses in detail all aspects of autophagy machinery in the context of health, cancer, and other pathologies. Autophagy maintains homeostasis during starvation or stress conditions by balancing the synthesis of cellular components and their deregulation by autophagy. This series discusses the characterization of autophagosome-enriched vaccines and its efficacy in cancer immunotherapy. Autophagy serves to maintain healthy cells, tissues, and organs, but also promotes cancer survival and growth of established tumors. Impaired or deregulated autophagy can also contribute to disease pathogenesis. Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and forward-thinking, these books offer a valuable guide to cellular processes while also inciting researchers to explore their potentially important connections. - Presents the most advanced information regarding the role of the autophagic system in life and death - Examines whether autophagy acts fundamentally as a cell survivor or cell death pathway or both - Introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid in preventing detrimental inflammation - Features recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, including atherosclerosis and CNS tumors, and their development and treatment - Includes chapters authored by leaders in the field around the globe—the broadest, most expert coverage available

Illustrations by Lorie M. Gavulic, MFA Sponsored by the American Society for Neurochemistry.