Developmental Biology: From Fundamentals to Applications in Regenerative Medicine
Authored by Tatsuo Michiue, Shokabo (Published October 2022)
This book summarizes knowledge on animal embryology, ranging from its fundamentals to applications in regenerative medicine. It is suitable for high school students who are not satisfied with standard biology textbooks and wish to pursue independent, in-depth study, as well as for university beginners looking for an introduction to developmental biology. Of course, age is no barrier to learning, and anyone who picks up this book will undoubtedly find it thoroughly enjoyable.
When I first turned the pages of this book, my initial impression was that the content was quite ambitious. First, Chapter 3, "Basic Knowledge for Understanding Developmental Biology," explains general cell biology concepts such as the extracellular matrix and mechanisms of gene expression, while Chapter 4, "Techniques for Studying Developmental Biology," touches on topics like cloning and genetic recombination. After devoting a large number of pages to fundamental life science knowledge—each of which could normally warrant an entire textbook on its own—the book unfolds by explaining each topic of developmental biology one by one, building upon this foundational knowledge.
However, as you actually read on through the book, you will surely realize that this very structure is necessary for learning developmental biology in the modern age. Chapter 2 provides a concise explanation of the history of embryology, and early embryology truly began with the close observation of how organisms develop from an early embryo into a single individual. In contrast, modern knowledge of developmental biology has advanced our understanding from the perspective of the functions of genes involved in development. In this book, the discussion unfolds while adding explanations one by one regarding the functions of genes involved in each respective phenomenon concerning the behavior of cells related to development. It presents to the reader the insights of modern developmental biology as a fusion of both—neither mere phenomenology-based embryology nor mere molecular biological knowledge. Furthermore, through content of this kind, the book strongly makes readers aware that developmental biology and regenerative medicine are closely connected in terms of research fields as well. Looking at the book as a whole, one can perceive a consideration for enabling readers to grasp the overall picture of developmental biology while also adding explanations to individual life phenomena one by one. Upon reflection once again, this book indeed contains ambitious content.
Depending on the reader's prior knowledge, there may be variations in readability depending on the content of the chapter, or there may be parts that feel impossible to fully understand. Even so, it would be best to first make an effort to read through from the first page to the last, come what may. What is important comes after that. Please do return to the beginning and reread this book from the start. You will realize anew that the contents of each chapter are actually interrelated. With each repeated rereading, your understanding of each chapter deepens, which leads to an understanding of the contents of the book as a whole (in other words, an understanding of developmental biology as a whole). If the author wrote this book intending such a spiral-staircase-like learning effect, then happily falling right into that trap is surely the ultimate way to enjoy this book.
Noboru Sasagawa (Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering, Tokai University)
Developmental Biology: From Basics to Applications in Regenerative Medicine - Book Review (PDF file)
