Humana The Centrosome: Cell and Molecular Mechanisms of Functions and Dysfunctions in Disease

This book surveys classic and modern aspects of centrosome research, expanding on previous topics and offering exciting new aspects of centrosome research focused on primary cilia and their dysfunctions that are implicated in numerous diseases. Review From the reviews: “This book is a perfect introduction to the field of centrosome research as well as an excellent reference for those interested in the functions of the centrosome in the cell. … The chapters are written by experts in their respective areas, which results in a high level of knowledge and detail. This is an excellent introduction for investigators entering the field of centrosome research as well as a good reference for researchers already in the field.” (Ruben Mestril, Doody’s Book Reviews, June, 2013) From the Back Cover This book features a diversity of aspects on centrosome biology focused on the role of centrosomes in reproduction, cell and molecular biology of centrosomes, centrosome abnormalities in cancer, and centrosomes in various cell systems. Each section contains a variety of different subtopics written by experts in their respective fields who have contributed significant new knowledge to decipher structure and the multiple functions of this still intriguing central organelle. The chapters include comprehensive and concise reviews of key topics in the field as well as cell and molecular details that are important for the specific subtopics. Cutting edge new information is balanced with background information that is readily understandable for the newcomer and the experienced centrosome researcher alike. In addition, several articles will raise awareness of centrosomes in areas that have not yet considered centrosomes associated with disease including aspects of misguided signal transduction and several others that may find centrosomes as new targets for therapeutic intervention. The topics addressed are selected to be of interest to scientists, students, teachers, and to all who are interested in expanding their knowledge related to centrosomes. The book is intended for a large audience as a reference book on the subject. About the Author Heide Schatten is Professor at the University of Missouri, Columbia, USA.  She is a cell biologist with research focused on cytoskeletal regulation in various cell systems and on cytoskeletal dysfunctions of the centrosome-microtubule complex that play a role in disease such as cancer and in disorders such as infertility and other reproductive disorders.  She received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Karl-Ruprecht University in Heidelberg, Germany, and performed her Ph.D. research studies at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg. She performed pre-and postdoctoral studies with Professor Daniel Mazia at the University of California, Berkeley, who introduced her to the fascinating field of centrosome biology and generated unlimited enthusiasm for centrosome research that she pursued in collaborations with Daniel Mazia and numerous colleagues in cell, molecular, and reproductive biology in the USA, Europe, China, and Latin America. She has given numerous presentations in these and other countries. Her studies also included collaborations with NASA scientists and experiments aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour to examine the effects of spaceflight on centrosome-cytoskeletal regulation during development. Her publications include cellular and molecular biology, cancer biology, reproductive biology, microbiology, space biology, and advanced imaging methods including novel imaging techniques that she employed in close collaborations with Professor Hans Ris at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to analyze cellular structures in their three-dimensional network. She is a member of the American Society for Cell Biology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Microscopy Society of America. She has received numerous awards including gra