image: The cover of Cell-Cell Junctions features a triple-color fluorescence micrograph showing a monolayer cell culture of human keratinocytes that are connected to each other by cell-to-cell bridges containing desmosomes. These desmosomes, visualized by antibodies to the protein desmoplakin (red), provide anchorage to the cytoplasmic bundles of intermediate filaments of the keratin type (green). The chromatin of the nuclei of these cells is stained with a specific blue dye reagent. view more
Credit: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
COLD SPRING HARBOR, N.Y. (May 11, 2010) -- Cell-cell junctions are multi-molecular complexes that link neighboring cells. They help maintain tissue integrity, act as barriers to permeability, and allow intercellular transport.
Cell-Cell Junctions, a new book from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, surveys current research on cell junctions. It was edited by Elaine Fuchs (The Rockefeller University) and W. James Nelson (Stanford University), both leaders in the field.
In 21 chapters, the volume covers each of the main junction types—tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes—as well as the more specialized junctions of neuronal and immune cells. The contributors examine the assembly and structure of different cell junctions, their roles in cellular signal transduction, and their importance during development and normal tissue homeostasis.
"[T]hese Chapters provide examples of the remarkable structural and functional diversity of cell-cell junctions, and glimpses into future directions for research into this extraordinarily broad and exciting field," write the editors in the preface to the book. Also, an introductory chapter describes how each of the cell-cell junctions was discovered.
The book will serve as a vital reference for cell and developmental biologists wishing to know how cells interact in multicellular organisms.
About the book: Cell-Cell Junctions (ISBN 978-087969884-3; © 2010 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press) was edited by W. James Nelson (Stanford University) and Elaine Fuchs (The Rockefeller University). It is hardcover and is 443 pp. in length (7" × 10"; illus., index). For more information, see http://www.cshlpress.com/link/cellcelljunc.htm.
About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is an internationally renowned publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located on Long Island, New York. Since 1933, it has furthered the advance and spread of scientific knowledge in all areas of genetics and molecular biology, including cancer biology, plant science, bioinformatics, and neurobiology. It is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an innovator in life science research and the education of scientists, students, and the public. For more information, visit www.cshlpress.com.