Embryonic stem cells have the ability to develop into virtually any cell in the body, and may have the potential to treat medical conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. In August 2001, President Bush announced that for the first time federal funds would be used to support research on human embryonic stem cells, but funding would be limited to 'existing stem cell lines'. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has established the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry which lists stem cell lines that are eligible for use in federally funded research. Although 78 cell lines are listed, 21 embryonic stem cell lines are currently available. Scientists are concerned about the quality, longevity, and availability of the eligible stem cell lines. For a variety of reasons, many believe research advancement requires new embryonic stem cell lines, and for certain applications, stem cells derived from cloned embryos may offer the best hope for progress in understanding and treating disease. A significant cohort of pro-life advocates support stem cell research; those opposed are concerned that the isolation of stem cells requires the destruction of embryos. Letters from Congress, one signed by 206 Members of the House and a second signed by 58 Senators, have been sent urging President Bush to expand the current federal policy concerning embryonic stem cell research. Some have argued that stem cell research be limited to adult stem cells obtained from tissues such as bone marrow. They argue that adult stem cells should be pursued instead of embryonic stem cells because they believe the derivation of stem cells from either embryos or aborted foetuses is ethically unacceptable. Other scientists believe adult stem cells should not be the sole target of research because of important scientific and technical limitations. Groups make ethical distinctions in the debate on how to proceed with stem cell research based upon embryo protection, relief of suffering, viability, the purpose and timing of embryo creation and destruction, donor consent, scientific alternatives, federal funding, and cloning. Other countries are moving fast with active research programs. This book presents the current confused situation along with a selective bibliography.

Mitochondrial diseases are often hard to diagnose. From the time they were first researched without animal models, patients of mitochondrial diseases were of equal interest to both clinical and basic scientists. With the new research done, this book includes updates on the normal structure, function, and molecular biology of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, information on traditional diagnostical methodologies, and an overview of the diagnostic promise of new technologies. The hypermetabolism of Luft disease, although only seen twice, is also studied. There are critical reviews of symptoms and signs associated with syndromes, as well as updates on the genetic defects of either the mitochondrial or the nuclear genome responsible for many disorders.

A thoroughly revised and updated collection readily reproducible techniques for culturing human cells. This new edition includes a wide range of human cell types relevant to human disease and new chapters on fibroblasts, Schwann cells, gastric and colonic epithelial cells, and parathyroid cells. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine (TM) series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

This volume is volume entirely dedicated to microfabricated cell-based systems. It will provide readers with a quick introduction to the field as well as with a variety of specific examples of such Lab-on-Chip systems for cellomics applications. It will give investigators inspiration for innovative research topics, whereas end users will be surprised about the wide variety of new and exciting applications.

References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Subject Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 1 Introduction The developmental steps which lead to the formation of the human perineum seem firmly established (Arey 1965; Hamilton and Mossman1972; Moore and Persaud 1998; Wartenberg 1993; Sadler 1995; Larsen 1997). They form the base for the evaluation of the pathogenesis of a great variety of complicated and often serious malformations which occur in this region. This concept has, however, been challenged by the results of an investigation into the n- mal and abnormal development of the anorectum in pig (van der Putte and Neeteson 1983, 1984; van der Putte 1986). Observations revealed that at least in pig, a major element in current ideas about the early development of the perineum, namely the process by which the original simple cloaca is sub- vided into a urogenital and anal part is incorrect, while additional obser- tions strongly suggested that the same may be true for ideas about female and male sexual transformation. A preliminary investigation in human - bryos gave similar indications (van der Putte 1986). The data supported e- lier critical findings (Politzer 1931, 1932; Wijnen 1964; Ludwig 1965) which have apparently been ignored, possibly because they seemed to hinder the understanding of the pathogenesis of congenital malformations such as - perforate anus and hypospadias.

This book is the proceedings of the Falk Symposium No. 138 on "State of the Art of Hepatology: Molecular and Cell Biology" (part of the XII International Falk Liver Week 2003 in honour of Hans Poppera (TM)s 100th birthday, held on October 20--11, 2003), and reflects the tremendous advances in the science of hepatology both at the molecular as well as the cellular level.

The book comprises four major sections. In Section I, the basic aspects of liver cell biology are covered, including RNA metabolism, regeneration, transport and metabolic functions, as well as fibrogenesis and malignant transformation. In Section II, the novel field of stem cell plasticity and cell therapy for liver diseases is discussed in detail, including stem cell biology, hepatocyte transdifferentiation from extrahepatic stem cells and their therapeutic use for liver cell repopulation, as well as hepatocyte transplantation. In Section III, novel therapeutic strategies for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are presented, including the reversal of liver fibrosis, oncolytic biotherapy and different concepts of gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. In Section IV, novel aspects of gene therapy and prevention of liver diseases are addressed, including small interfering RNAs, ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides, as well as DNA vaccination.

An international faculty of outstanding scientists from different research areas presents the state of the art on these most important aspects of hepatology and their perspectives for future developments. Molecular and cell biology are at the very centre of research developments in modern hepatology and are of interest and importance to both basic scientists aswell as clinicians involved in patient care.

How the Human Genome Works covers the essential principles of genetics in a readable, accessible format using real-life examples of the way genes affect human behavior, health and illness, development, and evolution. Simple two-color graphics and color highlighting illustrate important concepts throughout, and the book also entails a glossary of molecular genetic terms. The text is intended for all readers who need an introduction to, or refresher on human genetics, and includes science, health, medicine, and nursing students, as well as professionals in related fields.

Dr. Howard House, founder of the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic often uses the analogy of planting a seed when referring to establishing the House Ear Institute in 1946. Two grateful patients of Dr. House put forth the idea that his knowledge and innovative skills could be used to expand the understanding of hearing impairment and its treatment. Those two early patients provided the "seed money" to begin the Institute. Since that time, the growth has been phenomenal from a one-man laboratory to a multidisciplinary facility boasting over 175 scien tists, physicians, and support staff, all dedicated to the advancement of otologic research and education. Six years ago after a half-century of remarkable success with prosthetic and device research, the Institute began cultivating a new field of endeavor-cell and molecular biology. Don Nielsen, then the Institute's Executive Vice President for Research and Scientific Director, began exploring the potential for hair cell regen eration and presented his ideas to the Board of Trustees. For a period of six months, we did a lot of fact finding to assess what role the Institute might take in this excit ing new field."

The fourth edition of this well-known text provides students, researchers and technicians in the area of medicine, genetics and cell biology with a concise, understandable introduction to the structure and behavior of human chromosomes. It covers both basic and up-to-date material on normal and defective chromosomes. This new edition is particularly strengthened by the complete revision of the material on the molecular genetics of chromosomes and chromosomal defects. The mapping and molecular analysis of chromosomes is one of the most exciting and active areas of modern biomedical research, and this book will be invaluable to scientists, students, technicians and physicians with an interest in the function and dysfunction of chromosomes.

From the reviews of the third edition
"Each word "tells" in this concise gem of a human cytogenetics text...Superb organization makes this an excellent text...for any cytogenetics course."
- American Journal of Human Genetics"

...the leading textbook in English on human cytogenetics."
- Cell

Chromosomes Today, Volume 13 includes the plenary lectures presented at the 13th International Chromosome Conference, covering the most recent advances in the studies on chromosomes. The contributions in this volume were presented by some of the world's leaders in cytogenetic and molecular research and outline the present status of knowledge on the composition, structure, function and evolution of chromosomes, including, among others, the advancement of the human genome project. The use of cytogenetic studies has greatly increased in the last few years, resulting in a progressive improvement in the available methods that has consequently allowed a more detailed analysis of the molecular organization of eukaryotic chromosomes and a precise in situ localisation of specific gene sequences. This volume of Chromosomes Today provides up-to-date information regarding the topics at the forefront of chromosome research: genetic regulation, imprinting, DNA duplication, meiotic pairing, and the regulation of the...

This book is concernced with the process of cell death in human cells by programmed cell death or apoptosis, and the modulation of this process by drugs. This is a new field of study and this volume represents the first comprehensive treatment of this subject matter. Its focus is on human biology and medicine. Apoptosis is a very prevalent type of cell death with importance in human diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and autoimmune disorders. The book combines the expertise of leading scientists and writers from fields as diverse as neurosciences, immunology, pathology and cancer research. There is detailed analysis of the molecular and cellular aspects of apoptosis including the specific genes and molecules involved in the regulation of this special form of programmed cell death. Scientists, clinicians and researchers involved in studies of human biology and medicine will find this book an excellent resource.

This book reflects practical approaches to answering a variety of biological and medical questions using DNA fingerprinting and genetic profiling in a broad sense that also includes statistical evaluation of the data. It has been written for biology, biochemistry and medical students, graduates, postdoctoral fellows, academic teachers and for all researchers in the theoretical and applied sciences wherever genetic identification and relationship analysis are required.

This useful work presents a current overview of key genes involved in the control of apoptosis research together with thoughts on future prospects and clinical applications. While there are several books written on apoptosis, this one deals specifically with its regulation.

The study of inflammation has captured the interest of scholars since the earliest recorded history. Symbols identifying the cardinal signs of inflammation were uncovered in both Sanskrit and hieroglyphics (1). Since complete apprecia tion of the inflammatory process is underscored by the need for knowledge at both the cellular and molecular levels, academic inquiry in the area of inflammation has led, in many respects, the foray of current biomedical research. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation represents research from the cutting edge in the broad view of inflammation. The chapters are written by experts with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of inflammatory and cellular processes, and thus include contributions form the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and pathobiology. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation was first conceived during a mini symposium sponsored by the American Society for Investigative Pathology held at FASEB in 1995 entitled "The Role of Reactive Lipids, Oxygen and Nitro gen Metabolites in Inflammation," at which several of the contributing authors delivered lectures. This present, much-extended volume includes leading-front descriptions of both protein and lipid mediators. The chapter devoted to the comple ment cascade by Ward and colleagues, as well as Chapters 3-7 and 13, provide up to-date descriptions of the biosynthesis, molecular biology, chemistry, and actions of both protein and lipid mediators.

PCR Quantification and Technical Aspects: Multiple Competitors for Single-Tube Quantification of HIV1 DNA; T. Vener, et al. Quantitation of p53 Tumor Suppressor Gene Copy Number in Tumor DNA Samples by Competitive PCR in an ELISA-Format; M. Hahn, et al. Standardisation of Messenger RNA Quantification Using an RTPCR Method Involving Coamplification with a Multi-Specific Internal Control; D. Shire, et al. Quantitative Analysis of Human DNA Sequences by Solid-Phase Minisequencing; A.C. Syvanen. Bioimage Analysers: Application for Ribozyme Kinetics; C.S. Voertler, K. Birikh. First Approaches to Quantitate MDR1Messenger RNA by in cell PCR; D. Lassner, et al. Application of in situ-PCR for Detection of Intracellular mRNAs; V. Uhlmann, et al. Psoralen Biotin: A Novel Reagent for Non-Enzymatic and Specific Labeling of Nucleic Acid Probes and Oligonucleotides; R.L. Burghoff, et al. The Effect of Quantitative Ratio between Primer Pairs on PCR Products in Multi-Target Amplification; D. Bercovich, et al. PCR Quantification of Infectious Agents: Quantitation of Rubella Virus Genome by QPCR and Its Application to Resolution for Mechanism of Congenital Rubella Syndrome; S. Katow, S. Arai. Significance of the Detection of Rubella Virus RNA by Nested PCR in Prenatal Diagnostics of Viral Infections; B. Pustowoit. Quantitative Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus DNA in Cerebrospinal Fluid by Polymerase Chain Reaction; J.U. Vogel, B. Weber. Quality Control and External Quality Assessment Schemes for the Diagnostic Use of PCR in Microbiological Laboratories-European Trials on Hepatitis B Virus and Cytomegalovirus; J. Schirm. Suppliers of Specialist Items. Index.

Cytopathologic, Physiologic, Diagnostic and Clinical Aspects of Retinal Degeneration: Histochemical Comparison of Ocular Drusen in Bruch's Membrane and Drusen in Eyes from Normal and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Donors; M. Kamei, et al. Animal Models of Retinal Degeneration: Development of a Model for Macular Degeneration; P.E. Rakoczy, et al. Subretinal Iodoacetate: A Model of Retinal Degeneration in Cats; J.C. Huang, et al. Mechanisms of Retinal Degeneration and Cell Death: Nitric Oxide-Induced Increases in Retinal cGMP: A Role in Photoreceptor Degenerations; I. Morgan, J.W. Wellard. Candidate Genes, Cloning Mapping and Other Molecular Genetics of Retinal Degeneration: Isolation of Candidate Genes for Retinal Degenerations; G. Inana, et al. Transplantation, Gene Therapy and Cell Rescue: bFGF Transfected Iris Pigment Epithelial Cells Rescue Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration in RCS Rats; M. Tamai, et al. Structural, Physiologic and Ageing Correlates of Retinal Degeneration. Further Studies on the Phagocytosis of Photoreceptor Outer Segments by Rat Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells; M.O. Hall. 36 Additional Articles. Index.

Cytokines are cellular growth factors which also provide communication between cells and their milieu. This clearly is an exciting area in modern medicine that will have significant impact on various facets of transfusion. Erythropoietin therapy stimulates red cell production while thrombopoietin seems to positively affect megakaryopoiesis and can be an added armamentarium for the thrombocytopenic patient. Using haematnopoietic growth factors, stem cells could be mobilized early to the peripheral blood for collection and subsequent transplantation into haemato-oncology patients instead of bone marrow transplantation. Using a cocktail of cytokines in cell culture, stem cells could be expanded and selected for therapy. Cytokines and growth factors can even be modified, which may lead to successful gene therapy in malignancies, including solid tumour vaccines. However, the presence of cytokines in certain blood products could have biological effects following transfusion, although its clinical relevance needs to be ascertained. There is much potential for the use of cytokines in the treatment of infections. Early diagnostic methods are now available to monitor their levels and relevance. It is likely that cytokines will increasingly play a role in therapy and could develop our fundamental knowledge about the development of T-cells. An ethical dilemma remains, however, regarding the use of cytokines in healthy donors for harvesting suitable specific cells. Longer clinical observation will be necessary to gather the necessary information. Cytokines and growth factors in blood transfusion was the theme of the 21st International Symposium in Blood Transfusion, where twenty clinicians and scientists, experts in their own fields, were invited to update the above information. Their findings are presented in four sections in this volume: Fundamental aspects - cytokines in development of T-cells, growth factors in haematopoiesis, growth factor receptors and signal transduction, cytokine response in platelet and whole blood transfusions. Function, production and diagnosis &endash; laboratory diagnostics of cytokines and growth factors, cytokines in blood components, cytokines and growth factors in cell expansions, cytokines for genetic modification towards gene therapy, progenitor cells from healthy donors. Application in clinical medicine &endash; clinical relevance of cytokines in transfusion products, cytokines and growth factors in solid tumours, gene therapy in malignancies, vaccine strategies inducing T-cell immunity against tumours, cytokines in the treatment of infections, thrombopoietin and megakaryopoiesis. Future potential use in transfusion medicine &endash; erythropoietin, immunotherapy, ethical aspects of the use of cytokines and growth factors in donors, potential of cytokines and growth factors in transfusion medicine.

The rapid expansion of the area of free radical biology in the last 25 years has occurred within a framework of assumptions and preconceived notions that has at times directed the course of this movement. The most dominant of these notions has been the view that free radical production is without exception a bad thing, and that the more efficient our elimination of these toxic substances, the better off we will be. The very important observation by Bernard Babior and colleagues in 1973 that activated phagocytes produce superoxide in order to kill micro organisms, served to illustrate that constructive roles are possible for free radicals. For many in the field, however, this merely underscored the deadly nature of oxygen-derived radicals, both from the microbe's point of view and from the host's as well. (Phagocyte-produced superoxide is responsible in part for the tissue injury manifested as inflammation. See Harris and Granger, Chapter 5, and Leff, Hybertson and Repine, Chapter 6.)
Mother Nature, however, has a penchant for being able to make a silk purse from a sow's ear. If one is dealt a bad hand, one must simply make the best of it. After two decades of focusing on the destructive side of free radicals, the last few years have begun to reveal a new and finer perspective on free radical metabolism - a role in regulation of cellular function (see Schulze-Osthoff and Baeuerle, Chapter 2). Evidence from a number of sources suggests that an increase in the oxidative status of cell encourages that cell to grow and divide. Increasing the expression of mangnese superoxide dismutase can suppress the malignant phenotype of melanon cells (see Oberley and Oberley, Chapter 3). Oxidative stress beyond a certain poitosis (from the Greek, literally "to fall apart"). Is this suicide response an evolutionary fail-safe device to curtail tumorogenesis? Does oxidative stress-induced apoptosis account for the loss of immune cells in AIDS (see Flores and McCor Chapter 4)?
This volume attempts to present the spectrum of roles, both good and bad played by active oxygen species as understood at this point in the evolution of this field of free radical biology.

Ion channels allow us to see nature in all its magnificence, to hear a Bach suite, to smell the aroma of grandmother's cooking, and, in this regard, they put us in contact with the external world. These ion channels are protein molecules located in the cell membrane. In complex organisms, cells need to communicate in order to know about their metabolic status and to act in a coordinate manner. The latter is also accomplished by a class of ion channels able to pierce the lipid bilayer membranes of two adjacent cells. These intercellular channels are the functional subunits of gap junctions. Accordingly, the book is divided in two parts: the first part is dedicated to ion channels that look to the external world, and the second part is dedicated to gap junctions found at cell interfaces. This book is based on a series of symposia for a meeting on ion channels and gap junctions held in Santiago, Chile, on November 28-30, 1995. The book should be useful to graduate students taking the first steps in this field as well as a reference for the aficionado. The aim of the meeting was mainly to show the impact of various modern techniques, including cell biology, molecular biology, biophysics, and molecular genetics techniques in the study of these ubiquitous intrinsic membrane proteins. Molecular-genetics techniques paved the road to the manipulation of the channel forming molecules."

Pattern Formation in the Vertebrate CNS: Hox Gene Function and the Development of the Head; M. Mark, et al. Genetic Mechanisms Responsible for Pattern Formation in the Vertebrate Hindbrain: Regulation of Hoxb1; M. Studer, et al. Pax Genes as Pleiotropic Regulators of Embryonic Development; P. Tremblay, et al. Introduction and the Generation of Regional and Cellular Diversity in the Developing Mammalian Brain; A.S. LaMantia. Genetic Determinants of Neural Cell Fate: Potential Role of Homeobox Genes in Neural Cell Differentiation; M. Gulisano, et al. Multiple Roles for Proneural Genes in Drosophila Neurogenesis; A.P. Jarman, Y.N. Jan. Genetic Analysis of Neuronal Migration in The Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans; G. Garriga. Induction and Differentiation of Motor Neurons; S.L. Pfaff, et al. Neural Cell Differentiation: Neuronal Development in the Rat Sympathoadrenal Lineage; S.J. Birren, et al. Specification of Cell Fate in the Vertebrate Retina; C.P. Austin. Neurotrophins and Trk Receptors in Hippocampal Development; D. Collazo, R. McKay. 8 additional articles. Index.

This book will be of importance in breast cancer diagnosis where cytology has become a mandatory procedure in the large number of cases where doubt remains. The book aims to provide the reader with up-to-date information on the techniques of breast cytologic sampling and interpretation. The text is accompanied by colour and black and white illustrations and includes practical procedures and pathological findings.

In the present work, processes of cell proliferation, cell death, neurogenesis, and gliogenesis in the mouse hippocampus were studied. The mapping of distribution of hippocampal mitoses and counting of their number allowed a more precise definition of the data concerning the disposition and age reduction of proliferative sites in Ammon's horn and the dentate gyrus in the mouse. As a result, the following generalized scheme of development and age reduction of the germinal zones in the mouse hippocampus has been suggested. 1. Ammon's horn a) The ventricular zone, from the beginning of formation of the hippocampus (Ell) until E20 b) The suprafimbrial zone, from El6 until P7 2. Dentate gyrus a) The prime germinal zone ("the anlage of the dentate gyrus" of Stanfield and CowanI979b), from E15 until P3 b) The proliferative zone of the hilus, from P3 until Pl4 c) The subgranular zone, from P3 until adult age The adduced scheme needs some comments: 1. In the hippocampus (as well as in other formations of the developing brain), primary precursors of all types of cells of neuroectodermal origin are represented by cells of the ventricular zone. They give rise to cells of secondary germinal zones in the dentate gyrus and Ammon's horn and are direct precursors of the majority (if not of all) neuronal cells in Ammon's horn, the earliest originating generations of neurons in the dentate gyrus, hippocampal radial glial cells, and, evidently, of a considerable part of astroblasts and oligodendroblasts in Ammon's horn.

The Fifth International Lymphokine Workshop was convened in Clearwater Beach, Florida, January 11-15, 1987. The theme chosen for the meeting was 'The Molecular Basis of Lymphokine Action," which reflected the opinion of the organizers as to how far the field had moved since the first Lymphokine Workshop only eleven years ago. As was evident at the last Lymphokine Workshop held in 1985, the contribution of molecular biology, particularly in the cloning of lymphokine genes, continues to play an important role in clarifying the structure of lymphokines, providing recombinant (read "pure") proteins for biological studies, and suggesting directions for studies of the molecular basis of lymphokine activity. The most recent lymphokines to yield to molecular cloning meth odology were the B-cell growth and differentiation factors, in partic ular BSF-1 or, as it is sometimes termed, interleukin 4. One of the surprises from this research is the broad spectrum of activities that can be attributed to this molecule, aside from its effects on B-cells, thus perhaps justifying its being called an interleukin. The interleukin 2 symposium demonstrated that even in a well-established research area, controversy and excitement can continue, when evidence was presented by several investigators indicating the presence of a second "converter" protein that changes the affinity of the now classical Tac antigen from a low to a high affinity IL-2 receptor."

Fun and educational, these unique playing cards are beautifully illustrated with detailed cells and cellular structures - perfect for science lovers and cell biologists of all ages! Card faces features favorite illustrations from the textbook Cell Biology by Thomas D. Pollard et al. - from the clathrin triskelion and its three-fold symmetry on the 3 to mitotic chromosome structure on the Queen! Standard 52-card deck with illustrations of endosomes and lysosome, mother and daughter centrioles, membrane traffic, eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, three cytoskeletal polymers, and more. Jokers feature illustrations of autophagy (red joker) and ribosome, V-type ATPase, CRISPR/Cas, bacterium (black joker). Fourteen different card faces in all featuring the well-loved cellular illustrations of Graham Johnson. Includes 12 individual decks of cards.

Phagocytosis is an elegant, but complex process that cells use for the ingestion and elimination of particles larger than 5 mm in diameter. Unicellular organisms use phagocytosis to eat, while complex pluricellular animals have special phagocytic cells, which can phagocytize microbial pathogens, foreign toxic substances, and apoptotic cells. The Russian scientist Elie Metchnikoff originally described phagocytosis in the late 19th century. The scientific community of the time strongly opposed phagocytosis as part of their defense mechanisms, since the view was that only humoral elements were responsible for immunity. The importance of this cellular process has become evident with time thanks to the efforts of many dedicated researchers. Today, phagocytosis is recognized as a fundamental process not only for immunity, but also for tissue homeostasis. Because phagocytosis is a very complex process, its molecular bases are not completely known. This book represents an effort to introduce our present understanding of phagocytosis through the contribution of several brilliant scientists that actually investigate phagocytosis on a daily basis. This book describes the history of phagocytosis and then the various steps of the phagocytic process from initial cell contact to phagosome formation, where the phagocytized particle is destroyed. Each chapter deals with one of these steps and emphasizes the molecules that participate at that step. The authors begin by describing the difficult origins of phagocytosis and how the cellular theory was finally recognized to be as important as the humoral theory of immunity. Next, the chapter "Receptor Signaling During Phagocytosis" talks about the signaling pathways of the major groups of phagocytic receptors, namely receptors for antibodies and complement. Then, the chapter The Role of Phosphoinositides in the Formation and Maturation of Phagosomes describes how these different membrane phospholipds regulate the changes in membrane composition during the process of phagocytosis. The following chapters deal with the mechanics of phagosome formation and membrane traffic for phagosome maturation. So, the chapter "Phagosome Formation and Sealing: A Physical Point of View" tells us about the cytoskeleton changes that bring about the closure of the new phagosome. The chapter Vesicular Trafficking: Golgi to Plasma Membrane describes the movement of internal membranes to the plasma membrane to allow the formation of the phagosome. The chapter Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells: Super Phagocytes with a Rhythm describes an important example of how phagocytosis contributes to homeostasis. In the eye, the retinal pigment epithelium cells specifically phagocytize the photosensitive outer segment of photoreceptor cells following a diurnal rhythm. This contributes to the maintenance of a healthy retina. Finally, the chapter How Do Microbial Pathogens Escape from Phagocytosis? describes various mechanisms that some microbial pathogens have evolved to disrupt the phagocytic process and be able to survive in the host to perpetuate their infection. Each chapter can be read independently, but together all of the chapters offer a general view of phagocytosis. The book provides in this way a complete modern vision of this important biological function.