Gene Engineering in Endocrinology

Description

Recent advances in genetic engineering and molecular biology have made it possible to disrupt specific genes in order to determine and better understand their function and clinical significance. In Gene Engineering in Endocrinology, Margaret Shupnik and a team of leading investigators review the most recent breakthroughs, emphasizing how studies of natural mutations and gene knockouts have illuminated endocrine processes. Using both animal and human model data, these authoritative researchers examine in depth the molecular basis of development, growth, and reproductive processes, the specific mutations that explain certain genetic syndromes, the hormonal regulation of gene expression (which affects the treatment of infertility and steroid-dependent cancers), and current research directions. When possible, molecular studies are compared with naturally occurring human and animal gene mutations to establish the difference between complete elimination of, or an altered, gene function. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Gene Engineering in Endocrinology offers today's experimental and clinical endocrinologists, as well as reproductive biologists, a richly informative survey of what has already been accomplished with the genetic engineering of hormone processes and hormone-related genetic syndromes-research that promises powerful new experimental and therapeutic opportunities as this field continues it rapid development.