Mouse Molecular Embryology

In Mouse Molecular Embryology: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail many of the protocols used to study mouse embryology. These include protocols and techniques that are "close to the embryo": such as, manipulating embryonic gene expression, culturing explanted embryonic tissue and harvesting embryonic RNA. With additional chapters on fluorescence imaging, lineage tracing, and genetic ablation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Mouse Molecular Embryology: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientist in the further study of mouse embryo and its relation to other aspects of biological research.

This book represents a classic compilation of current knowledge about mouse development and its correlates to research in cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and neuroscience. Emphasis is placed on the research strategy, experimental design, and critical analysis of the data, disguishing this from other books that only focus on protocols for mouse developmental research. Selected chapters are indexed to electronic databases such as GeneBank, GenBank, Electronic Mouse Atlas, and Transgenic/Knockout, further increasing the utility of this book as a reference. *Broad-based overview of mouse development from fundamental to specialist levels*Extensive coverage of a wide range of developmental mutations of the mouse*Excellent benchmark illustrations of brain, craniofacial, gut and heart development*In-depth experiment-based assessment of concepts in mammalian development*Focus on models of specific relevance to human development*Comprehensive reference to key literature and electronic databases related to mouse development*High-quality full-color production

Most people have some interest in embryos; this probably results, in part, from their interest in understanding the biological origins of themselves and their offspring and, increasingly, concerns about how environmental change such as pollution might affect human development. Obviously, et- cal considerations preclude experimental studies of human embryos and, c- sequently, the developmental biologist has turned to other species to examine this process. Fortunately, the most significant conclusion to be drawn from the experimental embryology of the last two decades is the manner in which orthologous or closely related molecules are deployed to mediate similar - velopmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The molecular mechanisms regulating processes fundamental to most animals, such as axial patterning or axon guidance, are frequently conserved during evolution. (It is now widely believed that the differences between phyla and classes are the result of new genes, arising mostly by duplication and divergence of extant sequences, regulating the appearance of derived characters. ) Other vertebrates are obviously most likely to use the same devel- mental mechanisms as humans and, within the vertebrate subphylum, the - parent degree of conservation of developmental mechanism is considerable. It has long been recognized that particular vertebrate species offer either d- tinct advantages in investigating particular stages of development or are - pecially amenable to particular manipulations. No single animal can provide all the answers because not all types of experiments can be carried out on a single species.

Of mouse development -- Setting up a colony for the production of transgenic mice -- Recovery, culture, and transfer of embryos -- Introduction of new genetic information into the developing mouse embryo -- Iolation of pluripotential stem cell lines -- Techhniques for visualizing genes and gene products -- In vitro culture of eggs, embryos, and teratocarcinoma cels -- Chemicals, supplies, and solutions.

This 4th edition of the "Mouse Manual"-Manipulating the Mouse Embryo-appears 28 years after the first edition and once again is the definitive reference source on mouse development, transgenesis techniques, and molecular biology. Authors Richard Behringer, Marina Gertsenstein, Kristina Nagy, and Andras Nagy-pre-emininent leaders in their fields-have reorganized and updated this edition to include new information and protocols on: * assisted reproduction techniques for sperm and embryo cryopreservation * generation of induced pluripotent stem cells * isolation, generation, and transplantation of spermatogonial stem cell lines * in utero electroporation of gene constructs into post- implantation embryos * vibratome sectioning of live and fixed tissues for imaging thick tissue sections * whole-mount fluorescent staining methods for three-dimensional visualization. Techniques regarding recombinant DNA technology and mouse embryonic development from the previous editions have been updated and recast, as has the wealth of information on mouse laboratory strains, mouse housing and breeding, surgical procedures, assisted reproduction, handling of embryos, and micromanipulation setups. The first edition of Manipulating the Mouse Embryo appeared in 1986 as an outgrowth of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory courses on the molecular embryology of the mouse held in the early 1980s, and authors of the first two editions included Brigid Hogan, Rosa Beddington, Frank Costantini, and Liz Lacy. Mouse embryo manipulation techniques have developed exponentially since the first edition, but then, as now, Manipulating the Mouse Embryo remains the essential practical and theoretical guide for anyone working with mice-students, lab technicians, and investigators.

With the advent of transgenic technology, which allows the identification of specific gene activities in developing mammalian organisms, the house mouse has once again taken a very important place in experimental research as one of the genetically best understood mammals. More than ever, molecular biologists are in need of a detailed, standardized description of the anatomy of the developing mouse embryo. In this classic compendium, now brought up to date and corrected, the author presents each stage of mouse development in photographs and micrographs using hybrids of two inbred strains as a standard. Organ systems are systematically reconstructed from fertilization until after birth. Molecular biologists tracing the effects of genetic manipulations, as well as students and researchers of developmental biology, will appreciate the renewed availability of this standard reference work for its unparalleled accuracy, its attention to anatomical detail, and the extent of its documentation.

Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development: With Coronal Sections continues the stellar reputation of the original Atlas by providing updated, in-depth anatomical content and morphological views of organ systems.The publication offers written descriptions of the developmental origins of the organ systems alongside high-resolution images for needed visualization of developmental processes. Matt Kaufman himself has annotated the coronal images in the same clear, meticulous style of the original Atlas. Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development: With Coronal Sections follows the original Atlas as a continuation of the standard in the field for developmental biologists and researchers across biological and biomedical sciences studying mouse development. Provides high-resolution images for best visualization of key developmental processes and structures Offers in-depth anatomy and morphological views of organ systems Written descriptions convey developmental origins of the organ systems

The mouse is a perfect model organism to study mammalian, and thus indirectly also human, embryology. Most scientific achievements that have had an important impact on the understanding of basic mechanisms governing embryo development in humans, originated from mouse embryology. Stem cell research, which now offers the promise of regenerative medicine, began with the isolation and culture of mouse embryonic stem cells by Martin Evans (who received the Nobel Prize in medicine in 2007 for this achievement) and Matthew Kaufman. This book provides an overview of mouse development, spanning from oocytes before fertilization to the state-of-the-art description of embryonic and adult stem cells. The chapters, written by the leading specialists in the field, deal with the most recent discoveries in this extremely fast-developing area of research.

Examines the establishment of the germ layers and other cell lineages in the early embryo including details of cell movements during the beginning stages of primitive streak formation. Discusses patterns of gene expression during the development of such tissues as the limb bud, skeletal, muscle and the central nervous systems placing special emphasis on commitment to particular cell types. Although it concentrates on the mouse as an example of mammalian development--chick, amphibian and Drosophila embryogenesis are employed whenever these organisms are more applicable to the study of a particular problem.