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."

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.

Many questions related to stem cell properties and neural stem cell lineage and differentiation still linger. This second edition revises and expands upon the successful first edition in order to provide the most current, cutting-edge methods of today for the scientists working to answer these questions. The use of these step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols will allow investigators to produce pure populations that can serve as a means of understanding the biology of neural stem cells and adapting them for transplantation into disease models. This is an excellent source of information and inspiration.

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.

Prostate Cancer provides an up-to-date review of the biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetic changes in prostate cells that are the driving forces in the initiation and progression of cancer. It includes an overview by experts in the field of cell-cell interactions, including stem cells, reactive Stromal cells and membrane lipid rafts that are instrumental in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer.

The field of clinical proteomics has rapidly evolved during the past few years and is continuously growing as new methodologies and technologies emerge. In Clinical Proteomics, a select group of leading researchers has contributed their state-of-the-art methodologies on protein profiling and identification of disease biomarkers in tissues, microdissected cells and body fluids. Experimental approaches involving the application of two-dimensional electrophoresis, multi-dimensional liquid chromatography, SELDI/MALDI mass spectrometry and protein arrays, as well as the bioinformatic and statistical tools pertinent to the analysis of proteomics data, are thoroughly detailed in these readily reproducible methods and protocols, explained through the step-by-step instructional format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series.

Reflecting over three decades of advances, "Epidermal Cells: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition" underscores these advances in our understanding of epidermal biology with updated and entirely new protocols that compliment and extend the earlier edition. The inclusion of protocols useful for both in vitro and in vivo studies reflects many useful developments in the field. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, 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.

Dependable and easy to follow, "Epidermal Cells: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition" serves researchers working to accelerate the work in this vital field of study.

Vast therapeutic applications of the following specific stem cells in disease and tissue injury are discussed: embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, human hair follicle stem cells, bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, periodontal/progenitor cells, cancer stem cells, and breast cancer stem cells. Because human embryonic stem cells possess the potential to produce unlimited quantities of any human cell type, considerable focus is placed on this type of stem cells in this volume. The role of cancer stem cells, specifically in breast cancer is explained. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells to aid the injured brain is included. Immune recovery after stem cells transplantation in severe combined immunodeficiency patients is described. The role of mesenchymal stem cells in enhancing the growth and metastasis of colon cancer is discussed. Clinical application of human follicle stem cells is presented. Treatment of malignant gliomas using genetically-modified neural stem cells as a marker is discussed. The impact of cancer stem cell hypothesis on designing new cancer therapies is explained. In the field of regenerative medicine, the use of stem cells in the repair of the central nervous system, tendon injury, and as a cardiac regenerative medicine is described. The role of DNA methylation in maintaining stemness induced pluripotent stem cells from human extraembryonic amnion cells is discussed. Insights on the understanding of molecular pathways involved in tumor biology are explained, which lead to the development of effective drugs. Information on pathways, such as hedgehog, facilitates targeted therapies in cancer.

This volume provides readers with a wide collection of the latest and readily reproducible technical protocols available in the field of non-viral gene delivery vectors. The chapters in this book are organized into three major parts: Part I is a section on conventional bolus gene delivery vectors that introduces typical transfection approaches relying on the addition of transfectants to the cell culture medium where the cells are grown in; Part II covers stimuli-responsive bolus transfectants and topics on gene delivery complexes made of smart polymers or stimuli-responsive polymers that change according to the environment they are in and delivered by dripping into cells; Part III discusses examples of substrate-mediated gene delivery-also termed reverse transfection-and the immobilization of a gene delivery vector onto a surface as opposed to more typical bolus delivery from the medium. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Cutting-edge and practical, Non-Viral Gene Delivery Vectors: Methods and Protocols is written for experimentalists, and is an essential part of many laboratory bookshelves. This book will help novice and professionals alike succeed in their research in this field.

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.

Oral Cytology: A Concise Guide provides a state-of-the-art review of the major issues specific to the field of oral cytology. The sections of the book have been structured to review the complexities of sample collection, manual/automated analysis, pitfalls, gray zones and controversies in diagnosis, as well as, issues not covered by other available materials. Recent advancements in ancillary techniques like DNA ploidy, image analysis and molecular biology are discussed in detail. This useful text is extensively illustrated with patient and microscopic pictures, which will further highlight the clinical application. Throughout the text, simultaneous inclusion of both cytologic and histologic images will allow cyto-histological correlation. Readers will find descriptions of techniques offering greater simplicity, speed, patient comfort and cost effectiveness, as well as improved diagnostic precision. This bench-side reference is a unique and valuable resource in the field of oral cytology, both for those currently in training and clinicians dealing with the diagnosis of oral lesions.

The only monograph on cytogenetics for the pathologist, this up-to-the-minute reference/text contains the most up-to-date research findings on many important topics in medical genetics-notably FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridation)-based molecular cytogenetic technologies and spectral karyotyping. An excellent resource for cytogeneticists preparing for the certifying examination in Clinical Cytogenetics offered by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG). Written by nearly 30 distinguished international contributors, Medical Cytogenetics -covers the history of the field, tissue culturing and staining techniques, and clinical applications of FISH, as well as other methods for genetic studies and chromosomal analysis -supplies numerous examples and case reports -examines reproductive dysfunctions such as in-utero abnormalities, male infertility, and failure to conceive -investigates chromosomal abnormalities associated with myeloid hematopoietic disorders, lymphoid neoplasms, and solid tumors such as those associated with breast cancer -reviews means of obtaining accreditation or licenses, use of external peer reviews and voluntary inspections, proficiency testing, and regulatory oversight -and more! Thoroughly referenced with over 1800 bibliographic citations, and supplemented with a useful glossary, a large number of practice questions, and over 40 color photographs, Medical Cytogenetics is a pragmatic, hands-on reference for pathologists, geneticists, cytogenetic technologists, molecular and cell biologists, clinical and medical oncologists, hematologists, neurologists, pediatricians, endocrinologists, obstetricians, gynecologists, and primary care physicians, and an exceptionaltext for upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical students in these disciplines.

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."

Concentrating on proven data and adopting a structure-function approach, this text provides grounding for an intricate understanding of the molecular biology, physiological mechanisms, and routine clinical use in disease settings of colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). This edition includes eight additional chapters, with updates of recently-discovered and established CSFs, each indexed individually.

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.

T-Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols presents a broad selection of cutting edge protocols that will enable the reader to capture the unique features of TH cells with tools developed for the isolation of TH cells from various tissues and subsequent analysis of their functional properties in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Chapters cover methods of isolating T cells from various tissues in mice, protocols for the analysis of T cell function and phenotype using various cutting edge technologies, methods allowing for the manipulation of T cell function in vitro and in vivo, and in vivo models of diseases in which T cells play a central role in the pathogenesis. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, T-Helper Cells: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further the study of this amazingly versatile and potent cell type.

In the post human-genome project era, cancer specific genomic maps are redesigning tumor taxonomy by evolving from histopathology to molecular pathology. The success of a cancer drug today is fundamentally based on the success in identifying target genes that control beneficial pathways. The overwhelming power of genomics and proteomics has enlightened researchers about the fact that the PI3K-mTOR pathway is the most commonly up-regulated signal transduction pathway in various cancers, either by virtue of its activation downstream of many cell surface growth factor receptors or by virtue of its collateral and compensatory circuitry with RAS-MAPK pathway. Oncogenic signaling in the majority of solid tumors is sustained via the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Because of its prominent role in many cancer types, the PI3K-mTOR pathway has become a major therapeutic target. The volume includes two complementary parts which address the problem of etiology and disease progression and is intended to portray the very basic mechanisms of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway's involvement in various facets of the cancer, including stem cell renewal, cell metabolism, angiogenesis, genetic instability, and drug resistance. Significant progress has been made in recent years elucidating the molecular mechanism of cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and drug-resistance in relation to the PI3K-mTOR pathway and this volume provides an in-depth overview of recent developments made in this area.

Phosphoinositides play a major role in cellular signaling and membrane organization. During the last three decades we have learned that enzymes turning over phosphoinositides control vital physiological processes and are involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic disease and more. In two volumes, this book elucidates the crucial mechanisms that control the dynamics of phosphoinositide conversion. Starting out from phosphatidylinositol, a chain of lipid kinases collaborates to generate the oncogenic lipid phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)-trisphosphate. For every phosphate group added, there are specific lipid kinases - and phosphatases to remove it. Additionally, phospholipases can cleave off the inositol head group and generate poly-phosphoinositols, which act as soluble signals in the cytosol. Volume II extends into the role of phosphoinositides in membrane organization and vesicular traffic. Endocytosis and exocytosis are modulated by phosphoinositides, which determine the fate and activity of integral membrane proteins. Phosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate is a prominent flag in the plasma membrane, while phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate decorates early endosomes. The Golgi apparatus is rich in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate, stressed cells increase phosphatidylinositol(3,5)-bisphosphate, and the nucleus has a phosphoinositide metabolism of its own. Phosphoinositide-dependent signaling cascades and the spatial organization of distinct phosphoinositide species are required in organelle function, fission and fusion, membrane channel regulation, cytoskeletal rearrangements, adhesion processes, and thus orchestrate complex cellular responses including growth, proliferation, differentiation, cell motility, and cell polarization.

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.

The Encyclopedia of Cell Biology, Four Volume Set offers a broad overview of cell biology, offering reputable, foundational content for researchers and students across the biological and medical sciences. This important work includes 285 articles from domain experts covering every aspect of cell biology, with fully annotated figures, abundant illustrations, videos, and references for further reading. Each entry is built with a layered approach to the content, providing basic information for those new to the area and more detailed material for the more experienced researcher. With authored contributions by experts in the field, the Encyclopedia of Cell Biology provides a fully cross-referenced, one-stop resource for students, researchers, and teaching faculty across the biological and medical sciences.

Tamoxifen Tales: Suggestions for Scientific Survival presents a case study describing the academic journey of teams behind major advances in medical sciences, highlighting lessons learned that are applicable to the next generation of scientists. This book provides a manual on the successful mentoring of young scientists, including stories describing how training experience shaped careers to become leaders in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. The book documents Professor V. Craig Jordan's 50-year career in medical sciences that led to the discovery and development of Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), which became the standard of women's healthcare around the world. Additionally, it illustrates the versatility of a scientist with a commitment to serving societies. This important resource will be a useful and interesting book for established medical scientists, research mentors and advanced students wanting to chart a successful and impactful research career.

Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy highlights the most recent developments in cancer treatment using nucleic acids, nanoparticles and polymer nanoparticles for genomic nanocarriers as drug delivery, including promising opportunities for targeted and combination therapy. The development of a wide spectrum of nanoscale technologies is beginning to change the scientific landscape in terms of disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This book presents the use of nanotechnology for medical applications, focusing on its use for anticancer drug delivery. Various intelligent drug delivery systems such as inorganic nanoparticles and polymer-based drug delivery are discussed. The use of smart drug delivery systems seems to be a promising approach for developing intelligent therapeutic systems for cancer immunotherapies and is discussed in detail along with nucleic acid-targeted drug delivery combination therapy for cancer. Nucleic Acids as Gene Anticancer Drug Delivery Therapy will be a useful reference for pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacologiests, and those involved in nanotechnology and cancer research.

Reproducibility in Biomedical Research: Epistemological and Statistical Problems explores the ideas and conundrums inherent in scientific research. It explores factors of reproducibility, including logic, distinguishing productive from unproductive irreproducibility, the scientific method, and the use of statistics. In multiple examples and six detailed case studies, the book demonstrates the misuse of logic resulting in unproductive irreproducibility, allowing researchers to develop their own logic and planning abilities. Biomedical researchers, clinicians, administrators of scientific institutions and funding agencies, journal editors, philosophers of science and medicine will find the arguments and explorations a valuable addition to their libraries.

This second edition volume presents a selection of cellular and molecular techniques that can be adapted to cover a range of applications and diseases. The book is divided into three sections: saliva and oral diseases, molecular biosciences, and cell and tissues. The first section contains chapters that discuss proteomic analyses by mass spectrometry and NMR-based metabolomics that can be used to not only study saliva, but also to assess other oral fluids such as gingival crevicular fluid. The second section contains chapters that profile oral microbial communities, quantitative real-time PCR, and adhesion of yeast and bacteria to oral surfaces. The third section deals with a range of approaches that enable the behavior of cells and tissues in both health and disease to be analyzed at the molecular level. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Oral Biology: Molecular Techniques and Applications, Second Edition is a useful resource for oral biologists at all levels (students, early career researchers, and experienced veterans), and it provides a ready reference to new techniques and approaches that can be used to answer numerous specific scientific questions that may lead to a deeper understanding and treatments of oral diseases.

This volume contains collection of Natural Killer Cell methodologies relevant for both basic and translational research. These methodologies present new developments in the natural killer (NK) cell field, such as understanding the influence of NK cells metabolism on its function, identifying complexity of NK cell subsets through mass cytometry, and determining the emergence of memory NK cells in murine model of MCMV infection. Methods that study NK cell migration and cytotoxicity through endpoint analysis or live single cell imaging are also discussed. Chapters also describe methods pertaining to translational application of NK cells, such as ex vivo expansion of NK cells on K562 cell lines genetically modified to express either membrane bound IL-15 or membrane bound IL-21, large scale NK cell culture, current techniques for engineering NK cells to express chimeric antigen receptors or chemokine receptors using retroviral vectors, electroporation of mRNA, and the natural phenomenon of trogocytosis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, these 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. Cutting edge and thorough, Natural Killer Cells: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers who not only want to understand mechanisms that govern NK cell behavior and diversity, but also for those who want to understand how to systematically evaluate NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy applications.