This volume delivers the most important laboratory techniques that underlie dermatological investigation, including in situ, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of skin, its appendages (hair follicles, sebaceous and sweat glands), and immune cells. Also included are unique techniques that unravel epigenetic mechanisms in skin and hair follicle cells, such as gene organization in the nucleus and gene expression regulation by the non-coding transcriptome, which are important recent developments in investigative dermatology. 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, Molecular Dermatology: Methods and Protocols serves as an essential resource for researchers working in the areas of fundamental as well as applied dermatological science.

Molecular Diagnostics in Dermatology and Dermatopathology presents the basics of molecular biology and molecular diagnostic methods most commonly used in the clinical laboratory, with an emphasis on the concepts and testing most relevant to dermatological diseases. Topics include the integration of newer diagnostic and prognostic techniques with ‘traditional’ histologic approaches, and discussions of regulatory, ethical, legal, economic issues and ‘newer’ technologies. This important diagnostic tool outlines the clinically relevant uses (i.e.; diagnostic, staging and/or prognostic) applications of these techniques in the field of dermatology. Molecular studies that investigate the pathogenesis of skin diseases will be excluded, unless they also have a direct diagnostic utility. The book will be of interest to practicing pathologists, dermatology and pathology residents, dermatologists, and dermatopathologists.

Molecular diagnostics is an exploding field, and recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of disease have provided a platform for the development of new diagnostic tests as well as tests to predict tumor behavior and potential response to targeted therapy. This textbook provides a reference and practical guide to molecular diagnostics for dermatologists and dermatopathologists. It outlines our current understanding of the molecular underpinnings of dermatologic disease, describes the appropriate use of currently available molecular tests, and explains the interpretation of these tests in the context of diagnosis and management. Tests relating to various disorders are covered, including but not confined to melanoma, genodermatoses, and infectious disease. Pitfalls are highlighted and user-friendly algorithmic approaches, presented.

This Methods in Molecular Biology volume collects reliable protocols covering a wide range of techniques and experimental models, specific molecular assays and disease models, and provides overviews of diagnostic and research topics in molecular dermatology."

This book discusses the exciting potential for dermatology to embrace developments to enhance the profession’s valuable pattern recognition, diagnostic, and treatment skills. Personalized medicine (PM) and genomics are easily accessible and enable the customization of healthcare using molecular analysis to influence medical decisions, practices, and therapies for the individual patient. The evolution of the skin, and the manner in which dermatological conditions are described and managed, reveals the need to consider many aspects on a personal level. New research data are based on the use of evolutionary medicine and genomics to highlight how we can become more successful at finding the most efficacious types of antibiotic or therapy and dosage for a particular disease or pathogen and build a competitive edge by prevention and risk management against invasive viruses, bacteria, or wrongly administered drugs. As more is understood about what grows on us and how it all interacts, along with how the introduction of new antibiotics, biologics, and other therapies affect our skin’s ecological balance, this book aims to create a heightened sense of the importance and offerings of ecological dermatology.

This valuable text represents a comprehensive survey of well over 300 distinct inherited dermatologic conditions. Each disease entry follows a consistent format, allowing the clinician to quickly scan and access key information for differential diagnosis. Each entry contains sections devoted to dermatologic features, associated clinical abnormalities, histopathology, biochemical and molecular information, treatment, mode of inheritance and recurrence risk, prenatal diagnosis, and information on differential diagnosis. In addition the author has included support group listings and detailed annotated references which will be of invaluable benefit for clinicians. The book is lavishly illustrated with color photos to illustrate the conditions and conditions are grouped into categories reflecting the primary site of the major dermatologic features to aid the clinician encountering a condition for the first time. The material is well- written and presented in a highly engaging, reader-friendly voice which makes the content interesting and accessible to the geneticist and non-geneticist alike. This invaluable resource reflects the author's extensive clinical experience and expertise in genetics and dermatology that provides a clear and critical synthesis of information on the genetics of diseases affecting the skin. Any clinician faced with a patient in whom the possibility for a genetic disorder of the skin exists will find this book a practical tool of immense interest. The new edition reflects a decade of new research advances in our understanding of the molecular basis for these conditions. Major additions have been added for over 150 of the entries, including information on treatment advances and advances in the natural history of disorders. All references have been updated as well as support group information and website resources.