Cell fusions are important to fertilization, placentation, development of skeletal muscle and bone, calcium homeostasis and the immune defence system. Additionally, cell fusions participate in tissue repair and may be important to cancer development and progression. A large number of factors appear to regulate cell fusions, including receptors and ligands, membrane domain organizing proteins, proteases, signaling molecules and fusogenic proteins forming alpha-helical bundles that bring membranes close together. The purpose of the planned volume is to sum up current knowledge about mechanisms regulating and controlling cell fusions. The field has expanded vastly within the past few years and leaders in the field will be invited to contribute with current overviews of their specific areas of knowledge. Attention will be paid both to true fusogens like proteins encoded by the viral (e.g. HIV), caenorhabdidtis (EFF) mammalian and human (e.g. syncytins and Pb-1) genomes as well as to mechanisms regulating the activities of the fusogens. The commitment of cells to fuse represents an irreversible step. It stands to reason that a number of factors controlling and safe-guarding these mechanisms must exist. It seems equally reasonable to assume that many of these mechanisms are redundant in different systems. By bringing together experts working in each their system there is a fair chance that a consensus concerning the mechanistics of cell fusions may develop.

A complete and balanced overview of all aspects of immunocytochemistry is presented providing a clear understanding of their impact on experiment. All available techniques and many diagnostic and research applications are included, as well as practical step-by-step instructions for carrying out recommended methods. Intended for the novice as well as the experienced researchers.

Cell fusions are important to fertilization, placentation, development of skeletal muscle and bone, calcium homeostasis and the immune defence system. Additionally, cell fusions participate in tissue repair and may be important to cancer development, progression and therapy. A large number of factors regulate cell fusions, including receptors and ligands, membrane domain organizing proteins, proteases, signaling molecules and fusogenic proteins that bring membranes close together. In the present volume, we interrogate what mechanisms that may be important to cell fusions in mammals and what mechanisms that may be shared with lower organisms and viruses. Additionally, the importance of cell fusions to the pathogenesis as well as treatment of diseases is addressed.