The field of steroid hormone action has continued to expand into the realm of molecular biology at a pace even faster than most of us ever imagined. techniques of molecular biology have made it possible to clone The hormone-regulated genes and to examine steroid-receptor interactions with these genes. Nucleotide sequences of these genes, which show preferential binding of steroid receptors, have been identified. These results are complemented by the identification of chromatin acceptor proteins, which also show preferential binding for steroid-receptor complexes. Thus, one can envision the day when cloned genes, purified acceptor proteins, and receptor-steroid complexes will be recombined in vitro to form a functional unit. Cellular localization of steroid receptors has undergone recent revision, and it now appears that receptors are localized primarily in the nuclear compartment. These findings, although controversial, will lead to a reassessment of many of the previous concepts of steroid-receptor interactions and regulation. The way in which these observations at the of physiology, molecular and cellular levels fit into the overall scheme development, and evolution are continuing to progress, and the future promises some very exciting syntheses of understanding at all levels of biological organization. The third Meadow Brook Conference on hormones was held in order to bring together investigators who will undoubtedly contribute heavily to this future synthesis and to permit a free exchange of ideas and concepts as they relate to the current state-of-the-art in molecular endocrinology. Spring 1986 ARUN K. Roy JAMES H. CLARK Contents Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The first of its kind, this reference gives a comprehensive but concise introduction to epigenetics before covering the many interactions between hormone regulation and epigenetics at all levels. The contents are very well structured with no overlaps between chapters, and each one features supplementary material for use in presentations. Throughout, major emphasis is placed on pathological conditions, aiming at the many physiologists and developmental biologists who are familiar with the importance and mechanisms of hormone regulation but have a limited background in epigenetics.

Over the past few years there have been considerable advances in our understanding of cellular control mechanisms, and current research is now linking areas of biology that were previously thought of as being quite separate. Molecular Aspects of Cellular Regulation is a series of occasional books on multidisciplinary topics which illustrate general principles of cellular regulation. Previous volumes described Recently Discovered Systems of Enzyme Regulation by Reversible Phosphorylation (Volumes 1 and 3), The Molecular Actions of Toxins and Viruses (Volume 2), Molecular Mechanisms of Transmembrane Signalling (Volume 4) and Calmodulin (Volume 5). This sixth volume, The Hormonal Control of Gene Transcription, has now been published to highlight recent important advances in our understanding of this topic which is linking two of the most active areas of current biochemical and molecular biological research (hormone action and gene transcription) and leading to the emergence of unifying concepts.

The motivation for us to conceive this series of volumes on regulation was mainly our belief that it would be fun, and at the same time productive, to approach the subject in a way that differs from that of other treatises. We thought it might be interesting and instructive for both author and reader-to examine a particular area of investigation in a framework of many different problems. Cutting across the traditional boundaries that have separated the subjects in past volumes on regulation is not an easy thing to do-not because it is difficult to think of what interesting topics should replace the old ones, but because it is difficult to find authors who are willing to write about areas outside those pursued in their own laboratories. Anyone who takes on the task of reviewing a broad area of interest must weave together its various parts by picking up the threads from many different laboratories, and attempt to produce a fabric with a meaningful design. Finding persons who are likely to succeed in such a task was the most difficult part of our job. In the first volume of this treatise, most of the chapters dealt with the mechanisms of The second volume involved a somewhat regulation of gene expression in microorganisms. broader area, spanning the prokaryotic-eukaryotic border. Topics ranged from phage mor phogenesis to the role of gradients in development. The last volume-Volume 3A-con cerned hormones, as does this volume-Volume 3B.

This volume provides a detailed overview of the mechanisms by which steroid hormones regulate gene activity in target cells. It should be of interest to molecular biologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists and clinicians interested in gene regulation hormones and steroid antagonists.

This updated second edition of Diagnosis and Management of Ovarian Disorders provides thorough, yet succinct insight into the ever-changing realm of ovarian disorders. It presents a novel multidisciplinary approach to the subject as described by clinicians, surgeons, pathologists, basic scientists and related medical researchers. Topics covered include reproductive technology, early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and management of menopause among others. The breadth of information provided by this book will appeal to clinicians and researchers involved in the study and treatment of ovarian disorders.KEY FEATURES* Includes updated information on early diagnosis of ovarian cancer* Reviews new diagnostic techniques for ovarian disorders* Discusses latest information on reproductive technology* Presents translational treatment linking laboratory research with clinical medicine