Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provides developmental clocks and positional information. This volume discusses how the extracellular matrix influences fundamental developmental processes and how model systems can be used to elucidate ECM function. The topics addressed range from how ECM influences early development as well as repair processes in the adult that recapitulate developmental pathways.

Branching morphogenesis, the creation of branched structures in the body, is a key feature of animal and plant development. This book brings together, for the first time, expert researchers working on a variety of branching systems to present a state-of-the-art view of the mechanisms that control branching morphogenesis. Systems considered range from single cells, to blood vessel and drainage duct systems to entire body plans, and approaches range from observation through experiment to detailed biophysical modelling. The result is an integrated overview of branching.

Reviews recent experimental findings and current thinking on epithelial appendage morphogenesis. Contains sections on overview, morphogenesis of epithelial appendages on the body surface and within the body, molecular mechanisms, models, and approaches. Specific subjects include early molecular events in feather morphogenesis, evolutionarily conserved gene interactions, and molecular biology of anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. Many chapters contain summary diagrams of the formative process of organs, with cellular and molecular explanations. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Acne vulgaris is an extraordinarily common, worldwide dis ease. Some see the disorder as merely cosmetic. Nonetheless, few skin diseases cause as much physical and psychological misery as this scourge of adolescence. Dermatologists of course have more than a passing familiar ity with acne vulgaris. Recognition is easy but there is still an extraordinary amount of controversy concerning causa tive factors and the best modes of treatment. Recent studies have brought forth some important findings about which practicing physicians know too little. This volume" ACNE: MORPHOGENESIS AND TREAT MENT" is a surprising book. What features make it so unique? This is the first complete account of the great diver sity of clinical manifestations. Moreover, gross morphology is coordinated with a thorough microscopic analysis of evolu tion of the disease. The material is presented in a readable and stimulating way. References are limited because they have been carefully selected. The authors emphasize that this richly illustrated work is intended for physicians who care for acne patients. Accord ingly, this is above all a practical treatise to assist doctors to diagnose and treat acne, and not only acne vulgaris but all the species of acne. This work is an overview of the entire acne problem with contributions from bacteriology, endocrinology, physiology, anatomy, immunology, cellular kinetics, and experimental acne. Above all it concludes with an optimistic presentation of therapeutic strategies which make it possible for the in formed physician to control the abominable effects of this distressing disorder.

"Keratinocytes, as the main cellular component of the organism/environment interface, perform a vast range of functions in protection, secretion, sensation and self-repair by virtue of their great plasticity in form and development. Indeed recent medical advances in laboratory culture of these cells for use as skin grafts in cases of severe burns or ulceration owe much of their success to this very plasticity. Drawing upon a wide range of international expertise the various interconnected aspects of cell structure, composition and function are laid out in this volume, providing a comprehensive dossier of the keratinocyte and its biological significance."--Pub. desc.

The book provides a comprehensive detailed summary of current status on skin microbiome research in health and disease as well as key regulatory and legal aspects. In the past decade, interest and technology have greatly advanced to unravel the nature and effect of skin microbiome on our health. Diseases such as atopic dermatitis and acne are at the forefront of this research, but also other conditions such as skin cancer are under investigation. In addition, mapping of the skin microbiome has gone from basic to more detailed with attempts to correlate it to various ages, ethnicities and genders. In parallel to mapping it, a great deal of research is dedicated to understanding its functionality and communication (and hence effect) on human cells. The Skin Microbiome Handbook is a summary of current status of knowledge, research tools and approaches in skin microbiome, in health and disease. It contains the following categories: healthy skin microbiome and oral-skin interaction; skin microbiome observational research; skin microbiome in disequilibrium and disease; skin's innate immunity; testing and study design; regulatory and legal aspects for skin microbiome related products. The 18 chapters of the book are written by carefully selected leaders in the academia and industry exhibiting extensive experience and understanding in the areas of interest.

The Second Edition of Connective Tissue and Its Heritable Disorders: Molecular, Genetic, and Medical Aspects is the definitive reference text in its field, with over 40% more pages on the nature, diagnosis, and treatment of disease than its predecessor. Collecting new research on disorders detailed in the first edition as well as on those previously excluded, editors Peter Royce and Beat Steinmann provide the most up-to-date clinical and scientific information for medical specialists treating affected individuals. Features of this revised and updated volume include detailed reviews of the clinical diagnosis, mode of inheritance, risk of recurrence, and prenatal diagnosis of each inherited connective tissue disorder; a thorough description of the morphology of connective tissues; a completely updated and revised section on the biology of the extracellular matrix; and the addition of syndromes such as craniosyntosis, and disorders of sulfate metabolism.

The skin, the body’s largest organ, is strategically located at the interface with the external environment where it detects, integrates and responds to a diverse range of stressors, including solar radiation. It has already been established that the skin is an important peripheral neuroendocrine-immune organ that is closely networked with central regulatory systems. These capabilities contribute to the maintenance of peripheral homeostasis. Specifically, epidermal and dermal cells produce and respond to classical stress neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and hormones, production which is stimulated by ultraviolet radiation (UVR), biological factors (infectious and non-infectious) and other physical and chemical agents. Examples of local biologically active products are cytokines, biogenic amines (catecholamines, histamine, serotonin and N-acetyl-serotonin), melatonin, acetylocholine, neuropeptides including pituitary (proopiomelanocortin-derived ACTH, b-endorphin or MSH peptides, thyroid stimulating hormone) and hypothalamic (corticotropin-releasing factor and related urocortins, thyroid-releasing hormone) hormones, as well as enkephalins and dynorphins, thyroid hormones, steroids (glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, 7-δ steroids), secosteroids, opioids and endocannabinoids. The production of these molecules is hierarchical, organized along the algorithms of classical neuroendocrine axes such as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPA), hypothalamic-thyroid axis (HPT), serotoninergic, melatoninergic, catecholaminergic, cholinergic, steroid/secosteroidogenic, opioid and endocannabinoid systems. Disruptions of these axes or of communication between them may lead to skin and/or systemic diseases. These local neuroendocrine networks also serve to limit the effect of noxious environmental agents to preserve local and consequently global homeostasis. Moreover, the skin-derived factors/systems can also activate cutaneous nerve endings to alert the brain to changes in the epidermal or dermal environments, or alternatively to activate other coordinating centers by direct (spinal cord) neurotransmission without brain involvement. Furthermore, rapid and reciprocal communications between epidermal and dermal and adnexal compartments are also mediated by neurotransmission including antidromic modes of conduction. Lastly, skin cells and the skin as an organ coordinate and/or regulate not only peripheral but also global homeostasis.

"A subject collection from Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology."