This book, Vol. 6 in the series Topics in Bone Biology, deals with bone develop ment from growth to mineralization. Understanding tissue dev- opment involves combining embryological and histological information with the increasing knowledge from molecular and genetic studies. In each developmental stage, some genes are expressed and others silenced. Disease, especially disease progression, also is characterized by changes in gene expression that then are transmitted to daughter cells. In both situations, the choreography of gene expression and partial or complete silencing often are the...

The crucial role played by calcium as a cellular messenger has become increasingly evident, as has the recognition that cells spend much energy in maintaining the cytosolic concentration of this cation both constant and low. It is thought they do this to avoid precipitating phosphate, needed as a source of bond energy and to modulate protein structure. Moreover, since calcium that does enter the cell must be disposed with, processes that utilize calcium have evolved, e.g. secretion, contraction, signaling, to name just some. New knowledge concerning the processes of cellular calcium entry,...

Epigenetic Aspects of Chronic Diseases assembles in comprehensive form what is known about the role of epigenetics in chronic disease development. This book provides new insights into treatment, including modulation of epigenetic regulation. Each chapter gives an outline of a respective disease, explains why epigenetics may be involved in the disease process and then presents the evidence of how changes in epigenetic status contribute to initiation and progress of the disease. The final chapters look towards future therapeutic treatment, based on manipulation of epigenetic aspects. Written by...