Syncytia: Origin, Structure, and Functions

Kloc, Malgorzata; Uosef, Ahmed

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.

Details

Published by: Springer

Publication Date: 2023-11-24

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9783031379352

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9

Dimensions: 235.0cm x155.0cm

Pages: 485.0