Stroke Genomics

With sequencing of the human genome now complete, deciphering the role of gene function in human neurological pathophysiology is a promise that has yet to be realized. More than most diseases, stroke has been keenly studied from a genomic perspective. Studies are numerous and incorporate data on stroke inheritance, chromosomal loci of risk, preclinical models of stroke, and differential gene expression of brain injury, repair, and recovery. The problem is no longer a lack of information but one of interpretation and prioritization of what we do know. The aims of Stroke Genomics: Methods and Reviews are twofold. First, it aims to provide the reader with cutting-edge reviews of clinical and preclinical genomics, written by leading experts in the field. In particular, the authors of certain chapters relate gene expression changes to physiological end points, such as functional imaging paradigms. Thus, a more holistic approach to gene expression is described, one in which molecular biology goes hand in hand with stroke pathophysiology. Second, detailed methods for study of the molecular biology of stroke are ™ also included. Following the format of the Methods in Molecular Medicine series, these chapters will enable the reader to employ each technique without recourse to other methods texts. In its entirety, this book should provide the reader with the knowledge needed to design, execute, and interpret preclinical and clinical studies of stroke genomics.

Although numerous genomic studies of stroke have examined such factors as stroke inheritance, chromosomal loci of risk, preclinical models of stroke, and differential gene expression of brain injury, repair, and recovery, much work to determine the precise role of gene function in human neurological pathophysiology remains ahead. In Stroke Genomics: Methods and Reviews, leading experts in the field explore the pragmatic application of the tools of genomic and molecular biology research to the treatment of stroke. Providing the reader with cutting-edge reviews of clinical and preclinical genomics, the authors relate changes in gene expression to physiological end points-such as functional imaging paradigms-to produce a more holistic approach in which molecular biology goes hand in hand with stroke pathophysiology. Topics of special interest include stem cell transplantation, gene therapy, clinical gene/gene interaction studies, and cytokine drug discovery. Readily reproducible techniques are provided, along with ancillary methods (imaging, animal models, human genetic study design, and transgenic animal production) that can be effectively applied to gene discovery. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Cutting-edge and highly practical, Stroke Genomics: Methods and Reviews shows how to successfully design, execute, and interpret preclinical and clinical molecular biological studies of stroke, work that will greatly advance its understanding, as well as rapid development of the next generation of stroke therapeutics.