Bone Research Protocols

This fourth edition volume expands on the previous editions with new chapters and updated discussions on the latest advancements in the fields of musculoskeletal research and cancer induced bone disease (CIBD). The chapters in this book are organized into six parts and cover a wide range of established and new research procedures. Part One looks at methods for isolation, generation and analysis of osteoclasts, stem cells, circulating tumor cells, and bone marrow adipocytes. Part Two explores biochemical and molecular analysis procedures for isolation, purification, and quantification or mRNA and DNA in bone cells. Part Three focuses on ex vivo models of tissues, organs, and co-culture systems for bone and cancer cells, and Part Four presents various cancer related in vivo models of primary bone and secondary cancers in the skeleton. Part 5 discusses the frequently used bone microscopical and imaging analytical techniques, such as bone histomorphometry, immunostaining, and MicroCT scanning of bone. Finally, Part Six talks about applications of GWAS, EWAS, systematic review, and meta-analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on trouble shooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Bone Research Protocols, Fourth Edition is a valuable resource for all researchers, scientists, and clinicians who are interested in learning more about this important and developing field.