Cell Biology, Development and Morphogenesis

This book presents the key problems in morphogenesis from a cell biological perspective. Each key problem is addressed in multiple chapters with each chapter providing a balanced, interdisciplinary perspective. Topics covered include the interplay between genetics, microenvironment and physical forces in morphogenesis, mechanotransduction and feedback regulatory systems, tissue-wide systems coordinating cellular responses and molecular mechanisms modifying tissue specific morphogenesis. The book employs emerging techniques and experimental paradigms in morphogenesis and illustrates how evolution modifies or generates new morphogenetic modules.

Introduction: A brief history of morphogenesis – timeline of key discoveries. Cell behaviors that drive morphogenesis. Cell adhesion dynamics in morphogenesis. Surface phenomena and morphogenesis. Endocytosis regulates cell adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics in morphogenesis. Spatial regulation of morphogenetic behaviors. Epithelial morphogenesis. Morphogenesis in mesenchyme. Macro-scale morphogenetic mechanisms.