Syncytia: Origin, Structure, and Functions

By Houston Methodist Research Institute and The Houston Methodist Hospital

This book gives a current overview on the development, origin, structure, and functions of germline and somatic cell syncytia during embryogenesis and organogenesis. It also reviews pathogen-induced syncytia and the role of syncytial cells in cancer development.

The book covers the following topics:

germline syncytia, evolution, function and structure; syncytia in embryogenesis and development; the role of somatic cell fusion in fungi, specialized somatic tissues, host defense and adaptation; syncytia induced by viruses and parasites;syncytia and circulating hybrid cells in cancer and other pathological conditions;

It also discusses how the genomic adaptations of microorganisms to extreme habitats can prompt the evolution of mononuclear and multinucleate/syncytial cells.

The book offers a fresh outlook on syncytia's role in various processes: embryogenesis, organogenesis, adaptation, host defense, and development of specialized tissues. It highlights the importance of syncytia under physiological and pathological conditions.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3031379357
• ISBN13: 9783031379352
• Release Date: November 2023
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 485 Pages