Although much is known with respect to blood cell formation and function, many new concepts in the areas of the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell commitment and the subsequent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of progenitors have been elucidated in the last five years. Our understanding of the microenvironment where stem cells reside and commit to distinct blood types (the niche) has grown significantly in recent years. Furthermore, blood cells have been used as the key model system to study microRNA function and the role of microRNAs in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. The current volume Molecular Basis of Hematopoiesis, edited by Amittha Wickrema & Barbara Kee, provides the most recent developments in the area in addition to a chapter on the utilization of basic science knowledge for the treatment of blood diseases. Each chapter in this book has been written and edited by faculty in major academic and research institutions around the world, who are pushing the frontiers of research in this important area.

The roles of mouse Y chromosome genes in spermatogenesis -- Male meiotic sex chromosome inactivation and meiotic silencing -- Insights into SRY action from sex reversal mutations -- The TSPY gene family -- Structure and function of AZFa locus in human spermatogenesis -- RBMY and DAZ in spermatogenesis -- Neurotrophic factors in the development of the postnatal male germ line -- Dickkopf-like 1-a protein unique to mammals that is associated both with formation of trophoblast stem cells and with spermatogenesis -- Antisense transcription in developing male germ cells -- The spermatogonial stem cell model -- Transplantation of germ cells and testis tissue -- Orthodox and unorthodox ways to initiate fertilization and development in mammals -- Pathogenesis of testicular germ cell tumors -- Origin of testicular germ cell neoplasia: the role of sex chromosomes.

Thanks to animal models, our knowledge of biology and medicine has increased enormously over the past decades, leading to significant breakthroughs that have had a direct impact on the prevention, management and treatment of a wide array of diseases.This book presents a comprehensive reference that reflects the latest scientific research being done in a variety of medical and biological fields utilizing animal models. Chapters on Drosophila, rat, pig, rabbit, and other animal models reflect frontier research in neurology, psychiatry, cardiology, musculoskeletal disorders, reproduction, chronic diseases, epidemiology, and pain and inflammation management. Animal Models in Medicine and Biology offers scientists, clinicians, researchers and students invaluable insights into a wide range of issues at the forefront of medical and biological progress.

This book brings together genetics, reproductive biology and medicine for an integrative view of the emerging specialism of reproductive genetics.

Advances in cytogenetics continue to crop up in wonderful ways, and we know exponentially more about chromosomes now than mere decades ago. Likewise, the necessary skills in offering genetic counseling continue to evolve. This new edition of Chromosome Abnormalities in Genetic Counseling offers a practical, up-to-date guide for the genetic counselor to marshal cytogenetic data and analysis clearly and effectively to families.