New book surveys research on molecules that help determine cell fate during embryogenesis
05/06/2010
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. (May 6, 2010) – Signaling by diffusible morphogens, such as Hedgehog, Wingless, TGF-�, and various growth factors, is essential during embryogenesis. The establishment of concentration gradients of these morphogens is vital for developmental patterning, ensuring that distinct differentiated cell types appear in the right place and at the right time in forming tissues. A new book from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Generation and Interpretation of Morphogen Gradients, reviews the latest research on how morphogen gradients are formed, and how cells read and respond to them. It was edited by James Briscoe, Peter A. Lawrence, and Jean-Paul Vincent, all leaders in the field. The volume is a vital reference for developmental biologists and cell biologists wishing to know how cell fate is determined during embryogenesis. In 19 chapters, the contributors examine the regulation of morphogen synthesis, trafficking, and diffusion, as well as the complex webs of signaling mechanisms and transcriptional responses in recipient cells – whose fates are dictated by these morphogens. These chapters include discussions of the roles of morphogen gradients in various tissues in organisms from yeast to humans. "We hope these will provide a reader new to the subject a sense of the field's diversity and also offer fresh inspiration to the seasoned morphogen researcher," write the editors in the book's preface. # # # About the book: Generation and Interpretation of Morphogen Gradients (ISBN 978-087969881-2; � 2010 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press) was edited by James Briscoe (MRC National Institute for Medical Research), Peter A. Lawrence (University of Cambridge, and MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology), and Jean-Paul Vincent (MRC National Institute for Medical Research). It is hardcover and is 308 pp. in length (7" x 10"; illus., index). For more information, see www.cshlpress.com/link/genintermorph.htm. About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is an internationally renowned publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located on Long Island, New York. Since 1933, it has furthered the advance and spread of scientific knowledge in all areas of genetics and molecular biology, including cancer biology, plant science, bioinformatics, and neurobiology. It is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an innovator in life science research and the education of scientists, students, and the public. For more information, visit www.cshlpress.com. Contact: Ingrid Benirschke, Book Marketing Manager [email protected] ; 619-275-6021
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