Reviewer: Terry Unterman(VA Westside Medical Center)
Description: Clinical and basic research regarding the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) have progressed at a rapid pace, making it a challenge for those in the field to keep up, and a challenge for those interested in learning more to find a place to start.
Purpose: The editors have provided a timely service in putting to together a book that is both informative and accessible, and which provides both a broad perspective and in-depth reviews. The scope of the book is stated clearly in the title — to provide a survey of the field of knowledge and research regarding the IGF System, including molecular, physiological, and clinical aspects.
Audience: The editors have been prolific contributors to the IGF field, and bring to the book their own perspectives as a clinical investigator and a basic scientist, respectively. This balance is reflected in the breadth of the subjects that are covered and the excellent contributions they have enlisted from many (indeed, most) of the individuals who have been leaders in this field during the last decade and before. The breadth of subjects provides services for individuals at many clinical levels. To one in the field, it is a real pleasure to have a chance to see the work of so many outstanding investigators put together, side-by-side.
Features: This work covers many of the important areas of IGF research, from the beginnings of the field to more recent contributions on "the cutting edge." The chapter regarding the origins of the somatomedin hypothesis, together with the chapter on the metabolic effects of IGFs provide an excellent historical perspective and a sense of some of the critical physiological functions that these growth factors serve. The sections on the molecular biology of the IGF system and signaling by the IGF receptors provide a wealth of information by leaders in the field, including Peter Rotwein, John Sussenbach, Haim Werner, Derek LeRoith, Peter Nissley, and Renato Baserga. The IGF binding proteins have been an active field of research in recent years, and six separate chapters are devoted to this area, again by many of the field's leaders. In addition, the section on IGF physiology includes many fine chapters on the role of IGFs in specific physiological systems. This includes particularly strong chapters on the role of IGFs in the female reproductive system, the nervous system (peripheral and central), bone, the digestive system, and insights provided by the use of transgenic models to study the physiology of the IGF system. Finally, clinical aspects of the IGFs are addressed in a separate section. This includes contributions ranging from the clinical uses of IGF and binding protein assays and their role in the evaluation of acromegaly to their potential role in the treatment of diabetes. While there always will be something left out in any attempt to try to cover the entire range of IGF research (e.g., sections on the IGFs in the cardiovascular and renal systems, and their role in cell survival), this book provides both a balanced reference to those in the field and an accessible resource to those who would like to learn more. Also, because it covers the field at many levels, it will be of interest to readers from many backgrounds.
Assessment: In reaching the end of this book, I am reminded of one of my favorite dialogues by Plato, The Symposium. Having spent the night with friends discussing the nature of love, Socrates finally must leave, not because there is no more to say, but only because the sun has come up and it is time to return to his home and family. Clearly, this book reflects the same love of dialogue and learning that has marked what has been a remarkable period of progress in clinical and basic research in the IGF field. At the same time, it leaves us wanting more, and this is what all good books should do.
Reviewer: Terry Unterman(VA Westside Medical Center)
Description: Clinical and basic research regarding the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) have progressed at a rapid pace, making it a challenge for those in the field to keep up, and a challenge for those interested in learning more to find a place to start.
Purpose: The editors have provided a timely service in putting to together a book that is both informative and accessible, and which provides both a broad perspective and in-depth reviews. The scope of the book is stated clearly in the title — to provide a survey of the field of knowledge and research regarding the IGF System, including molecular, physiological, and clinical aspects.
Audience: The editors have been prolific contributors to the IGF field, and bring to the book their own perspectives as a clinical investigator and a basic scientist, respectively. This balance is reflected in the breadth of the subjects that are covered and the excellent contributions they have enlisted from many (indeed, most) of the individuals who have been leaders in this field during the last decade and before. The breadth of subjects provides services for individuals at many clinical levels. To one in the field, it is a real pleasure to have a chance to see the work of so many outstanding investigators put together, side-by-side.
Features: This work covers many of the important areas of IGF research, from the beginnings of the field to more recent contributions on "the cutting edge." The chapter regarding the origins of the somatomedin hypothesis, together with the chapter on the metabolic effects of IGFs provide an excellent historical perspective and a sense of some of the critical physiological functions that these growth factors serve. The sections on the molecular biology of the IGF system and signaling by the IGF receptors provide a wealth of information by leaders in the field, including Peter Rotwein, John Sussenbach, Haim Werner, Derek LeRoith, Peter Nissley, and Renato Baserga. The IGF binding proteins have been an active field of research in recent years, and six separate chapters are devoted to this area, again by many of the field's leaders. In addition, the section on IGF physiology includes many fine chapters on the role of IGFs in specific physiological systems. This includes particularly strong chapters on the role of IGFs in the female reproductive system, the nervous system (peripheral and central), bone, the digestive system, and insights provided by the use of transgenic models to study the physiology of the IGF system. Finally, clinical aspects of the IGFs are addressed in a separate section. This includes contributions ranging from the clinical uses of IGF and binding protein assays and their role in the evaluation of acromegaly to their potential role in the treatment of diabetes. While there always will be something left out in any attempt to try to cover the entire range of IGF research (e.g., sections on the IGFs in the cardiovascular and renal systems, and their role in cell survival), this book provides both a balanced reference to those in the field and an accessible resource to those who would like to learn more. Also, because it covers the field at many levels, it will be of interest to readers from many backgrounds.
Assessment: In reaching the end of this book, I am reminded of one of my favorite dialogues by Plato, The Symposium. Having spent the night with friends discussing the nature of love, Socrates finally must leave, not because there is no more to say, but only because the sun has come up and it is time to return to his home and family. Clearly, this book reflects the same love of dialogue and learning that has marked what has been a remarkable period of progress in clinical and basic research in the IGF field. At the same time, it leaves us wanting more, and this is what all good books should do.
Clinical and basic research regarding the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) have progressed at a rapid pace, making it a challenge for those in the field to keep up, and a challenge for those interested in learning more to find a place to start. The editors have provided a timely service in putting to together a book that is both informative and accessible, and which provides both a broad perspective and in-depth reviews. The scope of the book is stated clearly in the title -- to provide a survey of the field of knowledge and research regarding the IGF System, including molecular, physiological, and clinical aspects. The editors have been prolific contributors to the IGF field, and bring to the book their own perspectives as a clinical investigator and a basic scientist, respectively. This balance is reflected in the breadth of the subjects that are covered and the excellent contributions they have enlisted from many (indeed, most) of the individuals who have been leaders in this field during the last decade and before. The breadth of subjects provides services for individuals at many clinical levels. To one in the field, it is a real pleasure to have a chance to see the work of so many outstanding investigators put together, side-by-side. This work covers many of the important areas of IGF research, from the beginnings of the field to more recent contributions on "the cutting edge." The chapter regarding the origins of the somatomedin hypothesis, together with the chapter on the metabolic effects of IGFs provide an excellent historical perspective and a sense of some of the critical physiological functions that these growth factors serve. The sections on the molecular biologyof the IGF system and signaling by the IGF receptors provide a wealth of information by leaders in the field, including Peter Rotwein, John Sussenbach, Haim Werner, Derek LeRoith, Peter Nissley, and Renato Baserga. The IGF binding proteins have been an active field of research in recent years, and six separate chapters are devoted to this area, again by many of the field's leaders. In addition, the section on IGF physiology includes many fine chapters on the role of IGFs in specific physiological systems. This includes particularly strong chapters on the role of IGFs in the female reproductive system, the nervous system (peripheral and central), bone, the digestive system, and insights provided by the use of transgenic models to study the physiology of the IGF system. Finally, clinical aspects of the IGFs are addressed in a separate section. This includes contributions ranging from the clinical uses of IGF and binding protein assays and their role in the evaluation of acromegaly to their potential role in the treatment of diabetes. While there always will be something left out in any attempt to try to cover the entire range of IGF research (e.g., sections on the IGFs in the cardiovascular and renal systems, and their role in cell survival), this book provides both a balanced reference to those in the field and an accessible resource to those who would like to learn more. Also, because it covers the field at many levels, it will be of interest to readers from many backgrounds. In reaching the end of this book, I am reminded of one of my favorite dialogues by Plato, The Symposium. Having spent the night with friends discussing the nature of love, Socrates finally must leave, not because there is no more to say, but only because the sun has come up and it is time to return to his home and family. Clearly, this book reflects the same love of dialogue and learning that has marked what has been a remarkable period of progress in clinical and basic research in the IGF field. At the same time, it leaves us wanting more, and this is what all good books should do.
Physicians and researchers survey the basic and clinical aspects of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, one of the most rapidly evolving areas of endocrinology. Thirty-one chapters illuminate the interplay among ligands, receptors, and binding proteins. The molecular biology, the biological actions, and the physiology of various IGFs are examined and clinical aspects are explored. Also included is a historical perspective on the origins and development of the somatomedin hypothesis. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
"The book presented by Ron G. Rosenfeld and Charles T. Roberts and edited by Humana Press may be considered a true encyclopedia on the current status of art in this rapidly developing field. . .clinicians including endocrinologists, pediatricians, and gynecologists will find unique and valid information to enlarge the field of their diagnostic and therapeutic skills."-Endocrine Regulations
" The editors have provided a timely service in putting to together a book that is both informative and accessible, and which provides both a broad perspective and in-depth reviews. . . This work covers many of the important areas of IGF research, from the beginnings of the field to more recent contributions on "the cutting edge." . . .The sections on the molecular biology of the IGF system and signaling by the IGF receptors provide a wealth of information by leaders in the field, including Peter Rotwein, John Sussenbach, Haim Werner, Derek LeRoith, Peter Nissley, and Renato Baserga. . .this book provides both a balanced reference to those in the field and an accessible resource to those who would like to learn more."-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal
"This multi-authored text, introduced by the 'fathers' of this hormone, Daughaday and Salmon, is divided into four parts, all written by acknowledged international experts...the quality of the many illustrations is excellent and each chapter is well referenced. This book is highly recommended to pediatric endocrinologists."-Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism
"This is an impressive compilation of papers that provides an important and significant update in an area for which the increase in them amount of research has been explosive...The list of prestigious contributors to this volume is remarkable. Equally remarkable for an edited volume is the consistency of writing style and depth of coverage among the contributors...The present volume is useful for just about anyone interested in the IGF system - from students, clinicians and those with a little knowledge of the IGF system, to established researchers...The descriptive figures are particularly useful...the volume is satisfying on many levels. The present volume does justice to the amazing complexity, diversity and importance of the IGF peptides in biological systems."-TEM
