CCN Proteins: Methods and Protocols

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with updated methodologies and practical tips to overcome obstacles associated with experimentation pertaining to chemistry, biology, physiology, pathology, medical and dental sciences, and pharmacology of CCN proteins. The chapters in this book cover topics such as CCN4 immunofluorescence for tissue microarray; utilizing public molecular biological databases for CCN family research; the effects of CCN4 on pancreatic beta cell proliferation; gene expression analysis of CCNs; novel cell biological assays for measuring bone remodeling activities of CCN proteins; and the function of CCN2 in tubular epithelium cells with a focus on renal fibrogenesis. 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 troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.