BOOKS

Biology and Evolution of the Mexican Cavefish features contributions by leading researchers in a comprehensive, unique work that examines a number of distinct areas of biology―evolution, development, ecology, and behavior―using the Mexican cavefish as a powerful model system to further understanding of basic biological processes such as eye degeneration, hearing, craniofacial development, sleep, and metabolic function.

These fish are currently being used to better understand a number of issues related to human health, including age-related blindness, sleep, obesity, mood-related disorders, and aging. The recent sequencing of the cavefish genome broadens the interest of this system to groups working with diverse biological systems, and has helped researchers identify genes that regulate sleep, eye degeneration, and metabolic function.

Mexican cavefish are particularly powerful for the study of biological processes because these fish evolved independently in twenty-nine caves in the Sierra de el Abra Region of Northeast Mexico. These fish have dramatic adaptations to the cave environment, and this can be used to identify genes involved in disease-related traits.

This scholarly text will be of interest to researchers and students throughout diverse areas of biology and ecology. It includes photographs of animals and behavior in laboratory and natural settings that will also increase interest and accessibility to non-experts.

  • Includes a mixture of images and illustrations such as the geographical distribution of cave pools and the developmental biology of the nervous system.

  • Features a companion site with geographical maps.

  • Fills a notable gap in the literature on a topic of broad interest to the scientific community.

  • Presents the recent sequencing of the cavefish genome as a groundbreaking development for researchers working with diverse biological systems.

Edited by:

Alex C. Keene (FAU)

Masato Yoshizawa (U. Hawai'i)

Suzanne E. McGaugh (U. Minnesota)

Edited by:

Alex C. Keene

Philip Gehrman

Struan F. Grant

This book focuses on the latest research on the genetic basis of the regulation of sleep and wakefulness and of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders, which has been expanding rapidly due to advances in genetics. The book reviews the latest genetic discoveries in animals and humans and explores their implications for getting a good night's sleep. Philp Gehrman, Alex Keene, Struan Grant, and a cadre of top sleep researchers and clinicians explore the genetics of sleep and sleep disorders in depth. The book should appeal to sleep medicine specialists, psychiatrists, geneticists, and neuroscientists.

Edited by:

Alex C. Keene

Bing Zhang

Ellie S. Heckscher

Scott Waddell,

Research on the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has played an important role in uncovering principles of nervous system structure and function. Fundamental insights include the first molecular descriptions of nervous system differentiation, the identification and elucidation of axon guidance cues, the first cloning of ion channels, the first demonstration that SNARE proteins are required for chemical neurotransmission, and the identification of single genes that regulate complex behavior. Early Drosophila neuroscience experiments used random mutagenesis to evaluate the genetic basis of complex traits. More recently, a rapidly expanding and more sophisticated genetic toolkit is readily available for precise genome modifications, and these approaches are complemented by protocols for studying neural function and behavior. Together, these methodologies have enabled and continue to drive significant progress in the field, from work investigating the earliest stages of nervous system development to the study of complex behaviors, including drug addiction and decision-making.

This second edition of the laboratory manual covers a comprehensive collection of review articles and protocols in Drosophila neuroscience. The articles are divided into three sections: neural development, neurophysiology, and behavior. The chapters discuss classic approaches as well as newer genetic techniques and behavioral paradigms. The contents of this manual are largely derived from those taught at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory “Drosophila Neurobiology” course, and the protocols are designed to be highly accessible for researchers at all levels and with diverse expertise and backgrounds. The breadth of the manual makes it not only an invaluable reference for researchers that currently work with these organisms, but also an essential start-up guide for those seeking to use Drosophila in their research for the first time.