Phenotypic Expression In Pigment Cells

Control Mechanisms in the Expression of Cellular Phenotypes documents the proceedings of a symposium of the International Society for Cell Biology. In progressively widening investigations, phenotypic expression has come to a critical focus not only in the developmental biology of animal and plant cells, but also in such fields as immunology, cytogenetics, enzymatic regulation, and tumor biology. It was for this reason that the present symposium was organized as a means of bringing together investigators of widely different backgrounds. The contributions made by researchers at the symposium include studies on gene expression in allophenic mice; the regulation of uridine 5-monophosphate synthesis in human diploid cells; the melanotic expression of embryonic pigment cells; and clonal cell lines of neurons. Other papers deal with biochemical genetics studies on mammalian cells in vitro; embryos from somatic plant cells; somatic cell hybrids as tools for genetic studies in man; and utilization of somatic cells for genetic analysis.

The Anolis lizards of the Caribbean are ideally suited for the study of evolutionary ecology. Offering fascinating insights into the more than 150 species dispersed throughout the Caribbean islands, Jonathan Roughgarden details the differences between species in a wide range of behavioral and physical characteristics, including foraging behaviors, body size, and habitat use, resulting from evolutionary divergences concurrent with the plate-tectonic origins of the region. This book will be of interest to students and researchers--ecology and theoretical, tropical, and population biology.

This book comprehensively summarizes the biological mechanisms of coloration and pattern formation of animals at molecular and cellular level, offering up-to-date knowledge derived from remarkable progress in the last 10 years. The brilliant coloration, conspicuous patterns and spectacular color changes displayed by some vertebrates and invertebrates are generally their strategies of the utmost importance for survival. Consists of mainly three parts, starts with introductory chapter, such as Pigments and Pigment Organelles, Developmental Genetics of Pigment Cell Formation, Adult Pigment Patterns, and Color Changes, this book introduces new pigment compounds in addition to classically known pigments and organelles, explains how the generation of multiple types of pigment cell is genetically controlled, describes the mechanisms underlying the zebrafish stripe formation as well as other animals and also summarizes the mechanism of physiological and morphological color changes of teleost, amphibian and cephalopod. Written by experts in the field, this book will be essential reading for graduate students and researchers in biological fields who are interested in pigmentation mechanisms of animals.

UV radiation is recognized as the major risk factor for skin can cer. For the last three decades the incidence and mortality of skin cancer have been increasing steadily in almost all parts of the world. Unfortunately, there have been very few advances in the management and treatment of skin cancer. In comparison to other malignant tumors, skin cancer offers the unique opportuni ty to identify this tumor at an early stage. Thus, there is strong interest in preventing death by early diagnosis and prompt treat ment. The proceedings of the International Congress on Skin Cancer and UV Radiation which was held in Bochum Germany in October 1996, reflect the newest scientific standards in the field of skin cancer. The conference in Bochum was a platform for leading scientists from all over the world to discuss the complexity and diversity of UV radiation in its interaction with the skin. Starting with basic science like physiology, immunology, and molecular biochemistry of the skin as influenced by UV radiati on, the book presents a profound survey into the field of skin can cer by focusing on the latest scientific results in prevention, early detection, treatment, and epidemiology. The congress in Bochum in 1996 was organized to provide a starting point for coordinated European strategies against skin cancer with internationally renown scientists.

The most comprehensive and integrated book on pigmentation The Pigmentary System, Second Edition, gathers into one convenient, all-inclusive volume a wealth of information about the science of pigmentation and all the common and rare clinical disorders that affect skin color. The two parts, physiology (science) and pathophysiology (clinical disorders), are complementary and annotated so that those reading one part can easily refer to relevant sections in the other. For the clinician interested in common or rare pigment disorders or the principles of teaching about such disorders, this book provides an immediate and complete resource on the biologic bases for these disorders. For the scientist studying the biology of melanocyte function, the book provides a list of disorders that are related to basic biological functions of melanocytes. New features of this Second Edition include: Completely new section on the basic science of pigmentation – explaining the integration of melanocyte functions with other epidermal cells and with various organ systems like the immune system New chapters on pigmentary disorders related to intestinal diseases, the malignant melanocyte, benign proliferations of melanocytes (nevi) and phototherapy with narrow band UV All clinical chapters include the latest genetic findings and advances in therapy More than 400 color images of virtually all clinical disorders The book is ideal for all dermatologists and especially those interested in disorders of pigmentation. It is of particular use for pediatric dermatologists and medical geneticists caring for patients with congenital and genetic pigmentary disorders. This authoritative volume will fill the gap for dermatology training programs that do not have local experts on pigmentation. Basic and cosmetic scientists studying pigmentation and melanocytes will find the science and clinical correlations very useful in showing human significance and relevance to the results of their studies.

This volume covers all aspects of melanin pigmentation, providing a concise, comprehensive picture of new knowledge gained at the frontiers of research. It draws heavily on the author's 30-year activity in the field and his continuing work with specialists of widely diverse disciplines. The core of the volume deals with the structure, physicochemical properties, and biosynthesis of the major classes of melanin pigments, including neuromelanins. Further discussions include the biology of the various types of pigment-producing cells, the structure and mode of action of tyrosinase, and the chemistry of urinary melanogens and their biomedical applications as metabolic markers of melanocyte activity, especially for the follow-up of malignant melanoma. Finally, the volume considers progress in the photobiology and photochemistry of melanins, with special emphasis on the controversial role of these pigments in skin photoprotection. Melanins and Melanogenesis is ideally suited as a basic guide for newcomers, and a handy source of specific information for practitioners in academic, medical, and industrial settings.