BookMary Ann Asson-Batres, Cécile Rochette-Egly, editors.
Summary: This book covers subjects that have major impacts on society, such as the mechanism of maternal-fetal transfer of vitamin A, and the effects of alcohol on retinoic acid signaling and mammalian embryonic development. There has been an awareness of the importance of consuming vitamins throughout human history, but empirical studies of their physiological role and mode of action only began about 150 years ago. Since then, the biochemical nature of vitamin A and its active derivative, retinoic acid, have been identified and researchers around the globe have investigated retinoic acid's physiological function in growth processes and in maintaining life Written by leading experts, this book discusses the latest findings and advances in retinoic acid research. It addresses topics such as the role of retinoic acid signaling in a multitude of processes, including limb, heart and respiratory system development, as well as its role in maintaining postnatal organ systems. This book is a valuable resource for scientists involved in vitamin A/retinoic acid research and readers interested in developmental biology.
Contents:
Intro
Preface
Contents
1 How Dietary Deficiency Studies Have Illuminated the Many Roles of Vitamin A During Development and Postnatal Life
Introduction
History
In Pursuit of an Unknown Factor
First Impressions of Effects on Postnatal Animals
Effects of Vitamin A on the Postnatal Nervous System
Effects of Vitamin A on Reproduction and Embryonic Development
Development of the Field
Search for a Mechanism of Action
Current State of the Field
Post 1987
Vitamin A Deficiency in Postnatal Animals
Custom Diets Maternal VA Status and Fetal Retinoid Concentrations
Placental VA Levels Versus Fetal Retinoid Concentrations
Development of the Field
Maternal-Fetal Transfer of VA: Is There a Role for the RBP-Retinol Complex?
Maternal-Fetal Transfer of VA: The Role for Other Placental Proteins
Maternal-Fetal Transfer of Other Retinoids
Maternal-Fetal Transfer of VA-Unanswered Questions
Current State of the Field
The Retinol-RBP Pathway Is the Primary Contributor to Embryonic Development
Mechanisms of Maternal-Fetal Transfer of VA-Containing Lipoprotein Other NGS-Based Technologies to Detect Regions Containing RAR Binding Sites
Integrative Approaches
Relevance
Future Directions
References
4 RA Signaling in Limb Development and Regeneration in Different Species
Introduction
History
Development of the Field
Zebrafish Fin Development
Amphibian Limb Development
Amphibian Limb Regeneration
Chick Limb Development
Mouse Limb Development
Current State of the Field
Complexities of Limb Formation
Relevance
The Future
References
5 Retinoic Acid Signaling and Heart Development
Introduction Vitamin A Deficiency Effects on the Rodent Olfactory System
The Hippocampus-Synaptic Plasticity
The Cardiovascular System
Effects of Vitamin A Deficiency on Other Postnatal Systems
Relevance
Future Directions
How Much Vitamin A Do Animals Need for Optimal Health and Longevity?
Have All Actions of Vitamin A Been Described?
References
2 Maternal-Fetal Transfer of Vitamin A and Its Impact on Mammalian Embryonic Development
Introduction
History
Early Discoveries: VA and Infertility
Maternal Dietary VA Intake and Fetal Retinoid Concentrations