This book, Vol. 6 in the series Topics in Bone Biology, deals with bone develop ment from growth to mineralization. Understanding tissue dev- opment involves combining embryological and histological information with the increasing knowledge from molecular and genetic studies. In each developmental stage, some genes are expressed and others silenced. Disease, especially disease progression, also is characterized by changes in gene expression that then are transmitted to daughter cells. In both situations, the choreography of gene expression and partial or complete silencing often are the result of the interaction between the genome and the epi- nome, i.e., between a very stable set of structures and rapidly changing environmental factors. Chapter 1, by O Connor, Farach-Carson, and Schanen, is an overview of the feld and of topics discussed in greater detail in subsequent chapters. After discussing bone development in terms of intramembranous and en- chondral ossifcation, the chapter describes gene expression in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, bone cell coupling, and the regulatory effects of steroid h- mones. Primary genetic defects that lead to various bone diseases Marfan s syndrome, Paget s disease, and juvenile osteoporosis, among others are analyzed. The chapter ends with a section on the epigenetic regulation of bone development, including methylation, histone modifcations, and imprinting. This chapter, like all others, has an extensive bibliography and fgures to illustrate principal points.
This volume, the sixth in the series Topics in Bone Biology, presents the current knowledge of bone development, from growth to mineralization.
Like previous volumes in this series, it embraces the important interaction between medical science and practice. Insights stemming from molecular and cellular events are applied to the clinical setting, providing a deeper understanding of bone development complications for the practicing clinician, whilst informing bone scientists of the advancements in their field and the wider applications of their research.
Covering a diverse and current range of topics, including the genetic and epigenetic aspects of bone development, cell signaling in growth plate and bone development, evolution of bone proteins and the interrelationship between bone and other tissues, this volume provides a thorough look at bone development biology.
The contributing authors to this volume are acknowledged authorities intheir fields. In addition, the extensive lists of references point the reader to further information on any of the topics covered. Clinicians and researchers involved in child development and therapy will find this book a valuable addition to their libraries.
