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Overview
A versatile collection of readily reproducible cell-cell interaction assays for uncovering cellular interactions at the molecular level, both in vitro and in vivo. The prools cover a diverse set of cell-cell interaction models in both normal and pathological states, are readily adaptable to nearly any cell type and organ system, and include primary data and outcome analysis. In addition, the prools follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD(Thomas Jefferson University)Description: Cell interactions via adhesion molecules and signaling systems are believed to be instrumental in building complex tissues and organs from nests of undifferentiated cells during development. Cell interactions are also essential for regulating inflammation, immunity, and tissue regeneration/repair. This book's 20 chapters provide detailed methods for studying functional aspects of cell biology in a variety of organs and species. Examples of interesting laboratory protocols include: sperm-egg membrane interactions, cell interactions maintaining the blood-brain barrier, and mechanisms of neutrophil migration during inflammation. The principal focus of each chapter is on cell biology and biochemistry.
Purpose: This book is part of the popular Methods in Molecular Medicine series, which provides detailed research methods, as well as tips and troubleshooting advice. According to the editor, the aim of this volume is to "provide a collection of diverse protocols, incorporating methods-based approaches both in vitro and in vivo." The editor has carefully selected protocols that are "readily adaptable for nearly any cell type and any organ system." The authors hope that this book will be helpful to the beginner and inspiring to the expert.
Audience: It is written for basic science and clinical researchers interested in cell/developmental biology. Graduate students, medical students, research fellows, and established investigators will enjoy reading this book to broaden their horizons and gain insights into useful approaches for studying cell interactions. Biologists will appreciate the multidisciplinary approach. The authors are experts in the field.
Features: This compact book contains color plates, but most of the illustrations are line drawings, graphs, and continuous tone illustrations. Each chapter includes a brief summary, list of key words, introduction, detailed materials and methods, and complete listing of references. Notes appended to each chapter enable the authors to provide explanations, tips, and suggestions for conducting successful experiments. Data generated from the authors' laboratories are used to illustrate key techniques and results.
Assessment: This book provides step-by-step instructions for conducting research on selected topics in cell biology. The contributions are well written and user friendly. The methods and references are up to date. The chapters provide helpful introductions, reviews of methodology, and summaries of key experimental findings. The theoretical and practical importance of this research is presented. A minor caveat is that the chapters lack cohesion. The topics are varied and many important assays for cell interactions are omitted. For example, inductive tissue interactions, gap junction communication, chemotaxis, and cell sorting are not addressed. Nonetheless, this book is an important contribution to the literature, and I recommend it for all those interested in learning more about the social lives of cells.