Books in the Perspectives Cshl series

Written and edited by experts in the field, this volume covers many aspects of bioelectronic medicine, examining the neuronal pathways that are being targeted for manipulation, the electronic neuromodulation devices that are under development, and how all of this work is leading to new diagnostics and treatment options for patients. The contributors discuss how the stimulation of specific nerves has been successfully used to treat certain conditions and how similar strategies are being investigated as therapeutics for a multitude of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal disorders.

This collection reviews our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in establishing and maintaining cell polarity, as well as their relevance for human disorders. Contributors discuss how cells coordinate signaling pathways, membrane trafficking, and cytoskeletal remodeling to ensure proper spatial arrangement of cellular components. Processes such as transcytosis, exocyst-mediated vesicle trafficking, and endosomal sorting are covered in detail. Throughout, the focus is on epithelial cells and how polarity mechanisms facilitate the development of their apical and basolateral surfaces, tube formation, exchange of waste and nutrients, and the generation and maintenance of specialized structures at the cell surface.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology reviews the arsenal of memory T-cell subtypes in the body and how they function as key components of the adaptive immune system. The contributors examine the heterogeneity and diversity of memory T-cell subtypes, how they are classified and named, and their biological characteristics--their transcriptional and metabolic features, migration patterns, life spans, and surveillance activities. The differentiation of T cells from a naive state, how they establish and maintain a primed memory state, and factors that contribute to their decline are all covered.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection provides a comprehensive update on our understanding of the biological basis of and treatment strategies for addiction to psychoactive drugs, with an emphasis on opioids. Contributors examine the molecular targets of alcohol, cannabinoids, nicotine, stimulants, and opioids, the resulting changes to the neurocircuitry, and various genetic, environmental, developmental, and behavioral factors that influence the progression from abuse to addiction and susceptibility to relapse.

Influenza is a serious disease that affects millions worldwide every year. This book discusses cutting edge research on the viruses that cause the disease, its effects on the host, and current vaccine design strategies.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology describes recent progress in our understanding of early heart development and the various cell lineages involved, as well as mechanisms and models of congenital heart disease. The contributors discuss early cardiac morphogenesis and anatomy, the origins of contractile activity, the control of cardiac growth and size, and the signaling pathways and transcription programs that underpin these processes. Specific chapters are devoted to various muscle and non-muscle cell lineages involved in heart development, including those of the neural crest, endo- and epicardium, fibroblasts, coronary vessels, and cardiac conduction and lymphatic systems.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection covers our current understanding of the molecular underpinnings of leukemia and lymphoma, as well as recent progress in development of therapies that target them. The contributors review the normal functions of hematopoietic stem cells--the precursors to white blood cells--and then examine the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular mechanisms that drive malignant transformation. The roles of clonal hematopoiesis, RNA-binding proteins, and alterations in metabolism and cell signaling (e.g., MAP kinase pathways) are among the topics covered in depth, along with the parts they play in specific types of leukemia and lymphoma.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection examines all aspects of the biology of HCV, the pathological consequences of infection, the current standard of hepatitis C treatment, and ongoing efforts to control the disease. Contributors discuss the structural and biochemical properties of HCV, the molecular details of its life cycle, and how it promotes liver disease by perturbing host cell signaling pathways. They likewise examine the innate and adaptive immune responses elicited by HCV and why those responses often fail to clear the infection.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection examines recent progress in our understanding of stem cell biology and how the properties of stem cells can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes, emphasizing the roles that cutting-edge technologies and interdisciplinary approaches have played in this work. The contributors describe how the first cell lineages arise in the mammalian embryo, stem cell dynamics during the development and homeostasis of specific tissues, and what happens when stem cell integrity is compromised. They also explore specialized niches in which stem cells reside and how the extracellular cues in those microenvironments regulate stem cell behavior.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine provides a comprehensive review of the complex molecular machinery that is responsible for cochlear function and describes recent advances in understanding and treating various forms of hearing loss. The contributors focus on the highly specialized cells that are critical for auditory transduction--the hair cells--and their unique molecular and biomechanical characteristics. They also consider the properties of other cochlear components, including the tectorial membrane, synaptic connections, and resident macrophages, as well as the development and evolution of the cochlea as a whole. Topics such as hair cell regeneration, otoacoustic emissions, and ototoxicity are also discussed.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection covers recent insights into how auxin levels are regulated and, in turn, drive various developmental processes in plants. The contributors discuss the biosynthesis, conjugation, and degradation of auxin, the various transporters, receptors, and transcription factors involved in auxin signaling, the interactions of auxin with other plant hormones, and how these are spatiotemporally coordinated. The roles of auxin in specific organs and tissuesDLthe shoot apical meristem, roots, vasculature, and flowersDLare described in detail. The evolutionary history of auxin signaling and its roles in environmental responses (e.g., plantâ€"pathogen interactions) are also reviewed.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine covers the recent progress that has been made in understanding Ras biology, how Ras activation leads to tumorigenesis, and ways in which oncogenic Ras signaling may be targeted therapeutically. The contributors review the biochemical characteristics of the different Ras isoforms (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS), their main effectors and signaling pathways, and the mutations that lead to their constitutive activation. Recent work showing that some Ras oncoproteins may be effectively inhibited by small molecules is covered, as is work on alternative targets (e.g., enzymes that catalyze posttranslational modifications of Ras) and inhibitors (e.g., nucleic acids).

Bone plays far more than just a structural role in our bodies. It actively communicates with our brains and other organs, releasing and responding to signaling molecules that regulate numerous biological processes. This book reviews the classical functions of bone as well as exciting new work that has revealed novel aspects of its biology.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine covers the recent progress that has been made in understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of prostate cancer. The contributors review the normal development, anatomy, and histology of the prostate; the genetic, lifestyle, and dietary factors associated with prostate cancer risk; and the alterations in the genome, epigenetic landscape, transcriptional networks, and metabolic and signaling pathways that drive oncogenesis. The role of the tumor microenvironment in prostate cancer pathogenesis is covered, as are the molecular mechanisms of metastasis. The authors also discuss how mouse models and patient-derived tissues can be used to study aspects of the disease and accelerate the development of appropriate therapies.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology reviews our understanding of the organization, regulation, and dynamics of cell-cell junctions and the roles they play in morphogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and disease. The contributors examine the assembly and structure of different cell-cell adhesion systems, the plasticity of cell-cell junctions (e.g., during cell migration), and how the junctions act as hubs to sense and transduce various mechanical and chemical signals.

Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology focuses on the critical questions currently debated in the field of immune memory and vaccination. Topics include the plasticity of memory CD4 T cells, the formation of germinal centers by memory B cells, the contributions of natural killer cells to immune memory, and the influence of commensal microbiota on immune responses. Several contributors respond to each question, providing a variety of fresh, concise perspectives on each topic.

The ability to grow new tissue and organs is an important goal of regenerative medicine. This book discusses new research in which cells are grown on artificial scaffolds to build replacement tissue that could be used to treat a variety of conditions and produce more organs desperately needed for transplants.

Prions are infectious proteins responsible for diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and "mad cow" disease. They are misfolded versions of normal proteins that replicate by converting their normal cellular counterparts into abnormal prion proteins that disrupt cell function and can be transmitted to other cells and individuals. This book examines our under-standing of their structure, biochemistry, and pathophysiology.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The immune system attacks the myelin sheaths that surround and insulate nerve cells, producing a variety of neurological symptoms. This book examines the molecular basis of the condition, the nature of the autoimmune response, and current treatment and vaccine strategies.