A superb compilation of reviews from leading experts in the field of Wnt signaling (signaling molecules that regulate cell-to-cell interactions during embryogenesis), volume 17 in the Advances in Developmental Biology series offers 7 chapters, each devoted to a separate area of research on Wnt signaling. Written by specialists in the field, these chapters cover different levels of signaling, including: ligands, receptors, cytoplasmic and nuclear components of the pathway. This book discusses a number of model systems including mice, Drosophila, Xenopus, zebrafish, C. elegans, and mammalian cells. Together, these chapters review the available knowledge and will fill gaps in our understanding of this interesting network of cell signaling processes.* Includes two parts devoted to the canonical (beta-catenin dependent) and non-canonical branches of Wnt signalling to the cytoskeleton* Offers insight to large genomic data that are now available for the analysis of Wnt gene targets* Discusses regulators of the cytoskeleton such as small GTPAses of the Rho family, jun-N-terminal kinases and other MAP kinases, and proteins involved in the generation of cell polarity

This book provides readers with an overview of the frequent occurrence of asymmetric cell division. Employing a broad range of examples, it highlights how this mode of cell division constitutes the basis of multicellular organism development and how its misregulation can lead to cancer. To underline such developmental correlations, readers will for example gain insights into stem cell fate and tumor growth. In turn, subsequent chapters include descriptions of asymmetric cell division from unicellular organisms to humans in both physiological and pathological conditions. The book also illustrates the importance of this process for evolution and our need to understand the background mechanisms, offering a valuable guide not only for students in the field of developmental biology but also for experienced researchers from neighboring fields.

Cell Polarity in Development and Disease offers insights into the basic molecular mechanisms of common diseases that arise as a result of a loss of ordered organization and intrinsic polarity. Included are diseases affecting highly polarized epithelial tissues in the lung and kidney, as well as loss and gain of cell polarity in the onset and progression of cancer. This book provides a basic resource for understanding the biology of polarity, offering a starting point for those thinking of targeting cell polarity for translational medical research. - Provides basic science understanding of cell polarity disease and development - Covers diseases affecting polarized epithelial tissues in the lung and kidney, also covering the progression of cancer - Includes historical context of cell polarity research for potential future breakthroughs

In this book, the clinical chapters are organized into sections by defined developmental pathways or gene families, and each section is preceded by a general overview. For each disorder the authors cover the disease-causing genes, the role of these genes in development as elucidated in model organisms, the human mutations that have been identified, and the developmental pathogenesis of the condition. Clinical descriptions, along with discussions of therapy and counseling, are provided. This book will be an invaluable resource for physicians, dentists, and other health professionals and for basic scientists interested in developmental processes and genetic perturbations that affect them.

Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells, Development and Regeneration, Volume 153, delves into the biology of Wnt signaling in a wide variety of model organisms. Since their first identification in 1982, Wnt proteins and their downstream effectors have captivated the attention of many researchers in a variety of fields, including developmental biology, cell signaling, structural biology, stem and cancer cell biology and regeneration. Wnt signaling, along with a small number of highly conserved signaling modules including the Hedgehog, FGF, BMP, RA and Notch pathways, orchestrates morphogenesis across all metazoans. Readers will find information on recent discoveries in the Wnt field, including interactions between Wnt and other signaling pathways, and tools and technologies to interrogate the complexity of Wnt signaling. Other chapters cover Wnt signaling in Xenopus neural development, Wnt signaling in hematopoietic stem cell development, Wnt signaling and the maintenance and regeneration of the gut epithelium, Wnt signaling in the skeleton as a basis for Wnt-based regenerative medicine, and Non-canonical Wnt5a-Ror signaling: Insights from human congenital disorders and cancer. - Presents newest findings on the role of Wnt signaling in a variety of tissues and organisms - Illustrates the diverse actions of Wnt signaling in development and disease - Highlight tools and technologies to interrogate Wnt signaling in any biological system

Wnt signaling in Development and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Functions reviews the core topics in Wnt signaling, from molecular pathway mechanisms to its role in embryogenesis, adult tissue homeostasis, and chronic disease. Written by a team of expert reviewers, the book provides clear and concise coverage of the core foundations of Wnt signaling before advancing to discussion of cutting-edge scientific research. Focused on the biological insights and current scientific questions of Wnt signaling, this book will be a comprehensive and definitive resource for a wide range of researchers and students in cell signaling, cell physiology, developmental biology, and biomedical engineering, as well as anyone interested in learning more about this important and complex protein network. • A definitive source of information on Wnt signaling and its role in development and disease, written by leaders in the field. • Explores the role of Wnt signaling in chronic disease such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, dementia, and psychiatric diseases • Reviews the complex processes of signal integration and regulation • Features broad discussion of Wnt signaling biology as well as detailed discussion of the pathway’s role in diseases and potential clinical applications.