This detailed volume collects updates on the technical advances in hematopoietic stem cell research and incorporates new techniques focused on the molecular/genetic, cellular, and whole organism levels. Exploring methods that apply stress to hematopoiesis, the book also contains chapters focused on better understanding the role of hematopoietic niches and their cellular components, as well as in vivo models that test and quantitate stem cell function and are key to further development of therapeutic applications. 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 and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Hematopoietic Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols serves as a valued addition to laboratories focused on understanding hematopoietic stem cell biology and the therapeutic advances that can be derived from it.

This book presents a comprehensive discussion on the heterogeneity existing between different types of stem cells within the same tissue. As the functions of these stem cells vary, this is very important for the application of stem cells in cell therapy. This book describes the many recent developments that have revealed completely different roles of distinct stem cells within the same organ. Stem Cells Heterogeneity in Different Organs provides a timely update on the current information on stem cells heterogeneity in various tissues. It also provides a solid foundation of the history of stem cells from specific tissues and the current applications of this knowledge in regenerative medicine. Taken with its companion volumes, Stem Cells Heterogeneity: Novel Concepts and Stem Cells Heterogeneity in Cancer, this book is essential reading for advanced cell biology students as well as researchers and clinicians working with stem cells.

This book will expound the latest information on the current state of persimmon genomics and transcriptomics, with a particular focus on the latest findings and analysis in relation to the most important agronomic traits. The genus Diospyros contains about 400 species distributed all continents of the globe. Most of Diospyros species are distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, while cultivated persimmon or simply kaki (Diospyros kaki) originates in East Asia and has been grown in China, Japan and Korea for many years. World production of persimmon has been increasing continuously since 1990s, with China being the most producer. Outside Asia, kaki production has been rapidly increasing in Spain in recent years. Because kaki is mostly hexaploid (2n = 6x =90) and its genome size is quite large with the flow cytometric analysis estimation of about 900 Mb, genetic and molecular studies in persimmon are quite complicated. Diploid close relatives of kaki, D. lotus and D. oleifera have been recently used as model species of kaki. Utilizing these species, molecular basis of several economically molecular basis of important traits such as sexuality and astringency has been studied, giving important information for kaki breeding.

Species are not functionally independent. From a long-term perspective, only ecosystem with a fully integrated nutrient cycle is alive. The lack of trophic autonomy should be considered one of the key factors that ensure and maintain biodiversity. The variability of abiotic conditions, both in space and in time, also creates a huge diversity of niches and subniches for genotypes and species. In addition, life maintains its essential variables (biomass and productivity) as stable as possible due to the diversity of structures (genes, macromolecules, metabolic pathways, genotypes, species, etc.): the structures that reach optima are multiplied and thus activated, while the functioning of those which lost their optima is suppressed. The facts and concepts presented in this monograph thus support the conclusions that (a) genotype and species diversity is supported by trophic specialisation (b) biodiversity helps to stabilise the functions (essential variables) of individuals, populations, and ecological communities (c) in evolution, the emergence of biodiversity is determined by heritable variation and the advantage of specialised (more effective) structures over non-specialised ones (d) biodiversity is characterised by its ability to increase itself and to organise itself into relatively consistent structures, which we call production pyramids and nutrient cycles. This book therefore provides an answer to the question "why the diversity of life is of such and such a nature".

This book provides detailed information on the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies for breast cancer. The first section of the book presents epidemiology, risk factors, histopathological, immunohistochemistry, and molecular subtypes of breast cancer based on the receptor status. It also discusses the association of breast cancer with other hormone-sensitive cancers. The second section of the book covers cover BRCA1 and BRCA2-associated breast carcinogenesis, early-stage progression of breast cancer, and noninvasive biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer. It also discusses the role of epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis and explores these as the biomarkers and therapeutic targets for breast cancer therapy. Further, it discusses the role of fibrinolytic mechanisms and circulating tumor cells in breast cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. The book also provides an update on oral poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors to treat breast cancer. Finally, it offers potential new options for personalized therapies for breast cancer patients, including optimizing drug dosage and identifying genetic changes associated with cancer symptom occurrence and severity.

This volume guides researchers on how to characterize, image rare, and hitherto unknown taxa and their interactions, to identify new functions and biomolecules and to understand how environmental changes condition the activity and the response of the organisms living with us and in our environment. Chapters cover different organism types (i.e., archaea, bacteria, fungi, protest, microfauna and microeukaryotes) and propose detailed protocols to produce high quality DNA, to analyse active microbial communities directly involved in complex interactions or processes through stable isotope probing, to identify and characterize of new functional genes, to image in situ interactions and to apply bioinformatics analysis tools to complex metagenomic or RNAseq sequence data. 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 cutting-edge, Microbial Environmental Genomics (MEG): Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to serve as a primary research reference for researchers in microbiology working to in the expanding field of molecular ecology and environmental genomics.

From Thanksgiving to fast food to anorexia nervosa, Food in the USA brings together essential reading on these topics and is the only substantial collection of essays on food and culture in America. The broad range of essay topics include: the corporate food industry, soup kitchens, meateating, fast food, waitressing, Coca-Cola, Aunt Jemima, the Passover Seder, soul food, diabetes and nutrition. Together, the collection provides a fascinating look at how and why we are what we eat.

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, and this new edition is particularly enhanced by the complete revision of the material on the molecular genetics of chromosomes and chromosomal defects.

The Flax Genome is a comprehensive compilation of most recent studies focused on reference genome, genetic resources and molecular diversity, breeding, QTL mapping, gene editing tools, functional genomics and metabolomics, molecular breeding via genomic selection, and genomic resources. The flax genome reference sequences and the new genome assemblies are presented. A list of flax QTL and candidate genes associated with more than 35 traits, including yield and agronomic, seed quality and fatty acid composition, fibre quality and yield, abiotic stress, and disease resistance traits, are summarized. A QTL- based genomic selection strategy and genome-editing tools are systematically introduced. In addition, huge amounts of flax genomic resources generated in the last decade are summarized. The book contains 13 chapters with about 390 pages authored by globally reputed researchers in the relevant fields to this crop The book is intended to be useful to students, teachers, and researchers interested in traditional and molecular breeding, pathology, molecular genetics and breeding, bioinformatics and computational biology, and functional genomics

Computers have become an essential component of modern biology. They help to manage the vast and increasing amount of biological data and continue to play an integral role in the discovery of new biological relationships. This in silico approach to biology has helped to reshape the modern biological sciences. With the biological revolution now among us, it is imperative that each scientist develop and hone today's bioinformatics skills, if only at a rudimentary level. Bioinformatics Methods and Protocols was conceived as part of the Methods in Molecular Biology series to meet this challenge and to provide the experienced user with useful tips and an up-to-date overview of current developments. It builds upon the foundation that was provided in the two-volume set published in 1994 entitled Computer Analysis of Sequence Data. We divided Bioinformatics Methods and Protocols into five parts, including a thorough survey of the basic sequence analysis software packages that are available at most institutions, as well as the design and implemen- tion of an essential introductory Bioinformatics course. In addition, we included sections describing specialized noncommercial software, databases, and other resources available as part of the World Wide Web and a stimul- ing discussion of some of the computational challenges biologists now face and likely future solutions.

This volume details state-of-the-art computational methods designed to manage, analyze, and generally leverage epigenomic and epitranscriptomic data. Chapters guide readers through fine-mapping and quantification of modifications, visual analytics, imputation methods, supervised analysis, and integrative approaches for single-cell data. 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 thorough, Computational Epigenomics and Epitranscriptomics aims to provide an overview of epiomic protocols, making it easier for researchers to extract impactful biological insight from their data.

Create improved crops with these techniques for plant cell culture This comprehensive book presents the basic concepts and applied techniques of plant cell and tissue culture. More and more, commercial plant breeding and development employs these methods to protect crops from weather, pests, and disease. Covering the history of in vitro breeding as well as emerging research trends, In Vitro Plant Breeding offers specific techniques for crop improvement and breeding. Designed as a text for undergraduate students, In Vitro Plant Breeding presents the theory of tissue culture as well as practical techniques. Its step-by-step instructions and clear illustrations facilitate learning and laboratory work. In Vitro Plant Breeding gives in-depth information and the latest research on the vital concepts and techniques of in vitro breeding, including: applications of plant tissue culture morphogenesis and organogenesis micropropagation producing haploid plants in vitro in vitro pollination and fertilization problems of embryo culture somatic hybridization protoplast technology selection of desirable traits cryopreservation and plant breeding micrograftingThis helpful book is plentifully illustrated with examples, schematic descriptions, and tables to make the concepts clear and easy to learn. In Vitro Plant Breeding is an essential resource.

An accurate description of current scientific developments in the field of bioinformatics and computational implementation is presented by research of the BioSapiens Network of Excellence. Bioinformatics is essential for annotating the structure and function of genes, proteins and the analysis of complete genomes and to molecular biology and biochemistry.

Included is an overview of bioinformatics, the full spectrum of genome annotation approaches including; genome analysis and gene prediction, gene regulation analysis and expression, genome variation and QTL analysis, large scale protein annotation of function and structure, annotation and prediction of protein interactions, and the organization and annotation of molecular networks and biochemical pathways. Also covered is a technical framework to organize and represent genome data using the DAS technology and work in the annotation of two large genomic sets: HIV/HCV viral genomes and splicing alternatives potentially encoded in 1% of the human genome.

Over the last few decades, various techniques have been developed to alter the properties of plants and animals. While the targeted transfer of recombinant DNA into crop plants remains a valuable tool to achieve a desirable breeding outcome, integration of transgenes into the host genome has been random, which in part, leads to reduced acceptance of GMOs by the general population in some parts of the world. Likewise, methods of induced mutagenesis, such as TILLING, have the disadvantage that many mutations are induced per plant, which has to be removed again by expensive backcrossing. Advances in genome sequencing have provided more and more information on differences between susceptible and resistant varieties, which can now be directly targeted and modified using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. By selecting specific gRNAs occurrence of off-target modifications are comparatively low. ZFNs and TALENs- based approaches required re-engineering a new set of assembled polypeptides for every new target site for each experiment. The difficulty in cloning and protein engineering prevented these tools from being broadly adopted by the scientific community. Compared to these technologies, designing the CRISPR toolbox is much simpler and more flexible. CRISPR/Cas9 is versatile, less expensive and highly efficient. It has become the most widely used technology for genome editing in many organisms. Since its inception as a powerful genome-editing tool in late 2012, this breakthrough technology has completely changed how science is performed. The first few chapters in this book introduce the basic concept, design and implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 for different plant systems. They are followed by in-depth discussions on the legal and bio-safety issues accompanying commercialization and patenting of this emerging technology. Lastly, this book covers emerging areas of new tools and potential applications. We believe readers, novice and expert alike, will benefit from this all-in-one resource on genome editing for crop improvement. Chapter 17 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

The book discusses the importance of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) as a crop, highlighting the potential for eggplant to serve as a model for understanding several evolutionary and taxonomic questions. It also explores the genomic make-up, in particular in comparison to other Solanaceous crops, and examines the parallels between eggplant and tomato domestication as well as between the most common eggplant species and two related eggplants native to Africa (Ethiopian eggplant [Solanum aethiopicum L.] and African eggplant [Solanum macrocarpon L.]). The eggplant genome was first sequenced in 2014, and an improved version was due to be released in 2017. Further investigations have revealed the relationships between wild species, domesticated eggplant, and feral weedy eggplant (derived from the domesticate), as well as targets of selection during domestication. Parallels between eggplant and tomato domestication loci are well known and the molecular basis is currently being investigated. Eggplant is a source of nutrition for millions of people worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia where it is a staple food source. Domesticated in the old world, in contrast to its congeners tomato and potato, the eggplant is morphologically and nutritionally diverse. The spread of wild eggplants from Africa is particularly interesting from a cultural point of view. This book brings together diverse fields of research, from bioinformatics to taxonomy to nutrition to allow readers to fully understand eggplant's importance and potential.

Over the past decade, neuroproteomics has shed light on the molecular features of schizophrenia by depicting biological processes involved with its establishment, maintenance and treatment. These studies have also pointed to potential biomarkers applicable to diagnosis and medication monitoring. Edited by a leader in the field of neuroproteomics with contributions from subject experts, this new volume will address recent findings and compile evidence from difference perspectives-such as human samples, animal models, pluripotent stem cell-derived in vitro pre-clinical models-and provide findings to inform the development of innovative future treatment strategies. This volume will be useful for a broad audience of researchers and professionals, including biologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, analytical chemists, and pharmacists, among others.

Biotic stresses cause yield loss of 31-42% in crops in addition to 6-20% during post-harvest stage. Understanding interaction of crop plants to the biotic stresses caused by insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and oomycetes, etc. is important to develop resistant crop varieties. Knowledge on the advanced genetic and genomic crop improvement strategies including molecular breeding, transgenics, genomics-assisted breeding and the recently emerging genome editing for developing resistant varieties in vegetable crops is imperative for addressing FPNEE (food, health, nutrition. energy and environment) security. Whole genome sequencing of these crops followed by genotyping-by-sequencing have facilitated precise information about the genes conferring resistance useful for gene discovery, allele mining and shuttle breeding which in turn opened up the scope for 'designing' crop genomes with resistance to biotic stresses. The nine chapters each dedicated to a vegetable crop or crop-group in this volume will deliberate on different types of biotic stress agents and their effects on and interaction with crop plants; will enumerate on the available genetic diversity with regard to biotic stress resistance among available cultivars; illuminate on the potential gene pools for utilization in interspecific gene transfer; will brief on the classical genetics of stress resistance and traditional breeding for transferring them to their cultivated counterparts; will enunciate the success stories of genetic engineering for developing biotic stress resistant varieties; will discuss on molecular mapping of genes and QTLs underlying biotic stress resistance and their marker-assisted introgression into elite varieties; will enunciate on different emerging genomics-aided techniques including genomic selection, allele mining, gene discovery and gene pyramiding for developing resistant crop varieties with higher quantity and better quality; and will also elaborate some case studies on genome editing focusing on specific genes for generating disease and insect resistant crops.

This detailed volume presents a series of protocols that are representative of recent developments and improvements in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and corresponding human disease models. Reflecting the latest technology for generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and their initial characterization, the book explores techniques invaluable both for studies of disease-specific cell types and for their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Disease: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital guide that is valuable for not only experts but also novices in the stem cell field.

Cotton, the most important natural fiber crop, has been improved by conventional breeding-largely through planned hybridization of different cotton genotypes, since the discovery of Mendelian genetics. All these efforts resulted in the development of resilient high yielding cotton varieties. However, the progress through conventional breeding procedures is slow because of long lag periods for developing a variety, little control over the new genetic combinations, unwanted traits and lack of foolproof performance testing system. Genomic assays discovered over the last two decades have made it possible to understand the "language" of the genome by associating the genes with specific traits. Together with the more recently established gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, the cotton genome can be tailored much more precisely than ever before. In this regard, genetic information has been harnessed, through (i) sequencing of the progenitor and cultivated cotton species, (ii) ongoing mega pan-genome sequencing projects, (iii) genetic and physical mapping, and (iv) introgression of genes from alien sources, that resulted in the development of resilient cotton cultivars. These technologies have been deployed or are attempting to overcome the challenges of water shortage, excessive heat in most cotton growing regions, infectious diseases and infestation of insect pests, as well as rising production cost, for sustainable cotton production beyond 2030. In this book, new knowledge generated by the cotton research community and its application for developing resilient cotton are comprehensively summarized. This book contributed by well-known cotton researchers is a timely collection of the challenges and successes of precision cotton breeding in a changing environment.

Over time, it has become clear that changes in stem cells do occur during aging, not only in their number but also in their relationship to their microenvironment and their functionality as reflected in changes to their metabolome. Stem Cells and Aging: Methods and Protocols brings together chapters from expert contributors with protocols critical for exploring the biology of stem cell aging, all of which is key for understanding these age-related stem cell changes at a basic biology level and at the level of their impacts for regenerative medicine. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Concise and easy to use, Stem Cells and Aging: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference to guide investigators toward further valuable answers to the problems of our aging population.

This volume explores pericytes' roles under distinct pathological conditions, ranging from tumors, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis, muscular dystrophies and more. Together with its companion volumes Pericyte Biology in Different Organs and Pericyte Biology - Novel Concepts, Pericyte Biology in Disease presents a comprehensive update on the latest information and most novel functions attributed to pericytes. To those researchers newer to this area, it will be useful to have the background information on these cells' unique history. It will be invaluable for both advanced cell biology students as well as researchers in cell biology, stem cell biology and clinicians involved with these specific diseases.

This book presents deliberations on molecular and genomic mechanisms underlying the interactions of crop plants to the abiotic stresses caused by heat, cold, drought, flooding, submergence, salinity, acidity, etc., important to develop resistant crop varieties. Knowledge on the advanced genetic and genomic crop improvement strategies including molecular breeding, transgenics, genomic-assisted breeding, and the recently emerging genome editing for developing resistant varieties in fruit crops is imperative for addressing FHNEE (food, health, nutrition, energy, and environment) security. Whole genome sequencing in many of these crops followed by genotyping-by-sequencing has provided precise information regarding the genes conferring resistance useful for gene discovery, allele mining, and shuttle breeding which in turn opened up the scope for 'designing' crop genomes with resistance to abiotic stresses. The seven chapters each dedicated to a fruit crop and a fruit crop group in this volume elucidate different types of abiotic stresses and their effects on and interaction with the crops; enumerate the available genetic diversity with regard to abiotic stress resistance among available cultivars; illuminate the potential gene pools for utilization in interspecific gene transfer; present brief on classical genetics of stress resistance and traditional breeding for transferring them to their cultivated counterparts; depict the success stories of genetic engineering for developing abiotic stress-resistant crop varieties; discuss on molecular mapping of genes and QTLs underlying stress resistance and their marker-assisted introgression into elite varieties; enunciate different genomics-aided techniques including genomic selection, allele mining, gene discovery, and gene pyramiding for developing adaptive crop varieties with higher quantity and quality of yields, and also elaborate some case studies on genome editing focusing on specific genes for generating abiotic stress-resistant crops.

This book covers the important diseases and pests of potato which are of global significance. The pests and diseases in potato lead to huge economic losses by reducing the yield and quality of the produce. This book describes major pests and diseases in detail with particular emphasis on the latest developments with respect to their biology, ecology, and management. It highlights the importance of virus infection for seed potato production and diagnostic symptoms, along with management guidelines. The book brings forth tips for judicious use of pesticides for sustainable potato production and management of pesticide resistance. Use of novel approaches such as RNA interference, genome editing, and other genomic resources for drug designing in diseases and pest management is also emphasized in the book. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, extension workers, potato growers, and policy makers. Also, the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture and plant pathology. National and international agricultural scientists and policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

In Quantitative Trait Loci: Methods and Protocols, a panel of highly experienced statistical geneticists demonstrate in a step-by-step fashion how to successfully analyze quantitative trait data using a variety of methods and software for the detection and fine mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL). Writing for the nonmathematician, these experts guide the investigator from the design stage of a project onwards, providing detailed explanations of how best to proceed with each specific analysis, to find and use appropriate software, and to interpret results. Worked examples, citations to key papers, and variations in method ease the way to understanding and successful studies. Among the cutting-edge techniques presented are QTDT methods, variance components methods, and the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method for joint linkage and segregation analysis.