Basement Membranes: Cell and Molecular Biology

This book brings together the molecular biology of cellular membranes. It describes the studies that it is in the ultrastructural organization, the functions of embryonic development and differentiation, and in the mature state. A major portion of the book is a description of the macromolecules.

* IV collagen
* Presents the diversity of basement membrane morphology
* Discusses gene structure

Section I. Biology of Basement Membranes.
1. Early Years of Basement Membrane Research.
2. Morphology and Ultrastructutre of Basement Membranes.
3. Basement Membranes in Development.
4. Functions of Basement Membranes.
Section II. Chemistry and Metabolism of Basement Membranes.
5. Structural Macromolecules: Type IV Collagen.
6. Structural Macromolecules: Laminins, Entactin / Nidogen, Proteoglycans (Perlecan, Agrin)
7. Minor Proteins of Basement Membranes. Minor Collagens of the basement Membrane Zone.
8. Biosynthesis of Basement Membrane Macromolecules.
9. Internal Organization of Basement Membranes.
10. Contacts of Basement Membrane Molecules with Cell Membranes.
Section III. Alterations of Basement Membranes in Pathologic and Physiologic States.
11. Immune-Mediated Diseases Involving Basement Membranes.
12. Genetically Mediated and Acquired Basement Membrane Disorders.
13. Biological Properties of Peptides Arising from Type IV. Collagen and other Basement. Membrane Proteins.