During the past few decades, technical and conceptual breakthroughs have led to a virtual revolution in developmental biology. In part through cross-species compa- sons and multidisciplinary approaches (combining, for example, classical embry- ogy, genetics, molecular biology, and systems biology), major questions have often been redefined and examined from new angles and with innovative tools. Analyses using such model systems as Drosophila, Xenopus, zebrafish, chick, human, and mouse have underscored the remarkable extent to which molecular and genetic pa- ways are conserved across species...

With sequencing of the human genome now complete, deciphering the role of gene function in human neurological pathophysiology is a promise that has yet to be realized. More than most diseases, stroke has been keenly studied from a genomic perspective. Studies are numerous and incorporate data on stroke inheritance, chromosomal loci of risk, preclinical models of stroke, and differential gene expression of brain injury, repair, and recovery. The problem is no longer a lack of information but one of interpretation and prioritization of what we do know. The aims of Stroke Genomics: Methods and...

The aim of Molecular Cardiology: Methods and Protocols is to document state-of-the-art molecular and genetic techniques in the area of cardiology. These modern approaches enable researchers to readily study heart diseases at the molecular level and will promote the development of new therapeutic str- egies. Methods for genetic dissection, signal transduction, and microarray analysis are excellent tools for the study of the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular diseases. Protocols for transgenesis take advantage of recent advances in many areas of molecular and cell biology. Transgenic models...

A comprehensive collection of classic and innovative methodologies used in many laboratories for the investigation of multiple myeloma. These readily reproducible techniques range from the standard Plasma Cell Labeling Index methodology to a final chapter on making sense of microarrays, and include the full spectrum of cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic methods. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and...

A compendium of optimized methods to measure type I interferon efficacy as an antiproliferative or an antiviral agent. These cutting-edge techniques range from the simple to the highly complex and serve to illuminate the signaling cascades and the activation of enzymatic pathways prompted by interferon. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine 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...

An indispensable collection of updated classical and emerging techniques that promise to add critical knowledge to our understanding of cartilage metabolism in health and disease. Volume 1: Cellular and Molecular Tools describes proven molecular and cellular techniques for the in vitro study of normal and osteoarthritic cartilage through biochemical, biomolecular, immunological, and physical approaches, with emphasis on the genetic manipulation of cells. Volume 2: Structure and In Vivo Analysis, offers cutting-edge procedures for the study-at the tissue level-of turnover, structure, and...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, but is quickly becoming an epidemic in such well-populated countries as China, India, and other developing nations. Cardiovascular research is the key to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disease. Vigorous and cross-disciplinary approaches are required for successful card- vascular research. As the boundaries between different scientific disciplines, particularly in the life sciences, are weakening and disappearing, a successful investigator needs to be competent in many different areas,...

A state-of-the art collection of readily reproducible laboratory methods for assessing chemosensitivity in vitro and in vivo, and for assessing the parameters that modulate chemosensitivity in individual tumors. Chemosensitivity, Volume 2: In Vivo Models, Imaging, and Molecular Regulators contains cutting-edge protocols for classifying tumors into response categories and for customizing therapy to individuals. These readily reproducible techniques allow measurements of DNA damage, apoptotic cell death, and the molecular and cellular regulators of cytotoxicity, as well as in vivo animal...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries, but is quickly becoming an epidemic in such well-populated countries as China, India, and other developing nations. Cardiovascular research is the key to the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular disease. Vigorous and cross-disciplinary approaches are required for successful card- vascular research. As the boundries between different scientific disciplines, particularly in the life sciences, are weakening and disappearing, a successful investigator needs to be competent in many different areas,...