D A McCarthy and M G Macey (eds), Cambridge University Press, 2001, p 416, hardback ISBN: 0-521-66029-7
Now that the human genome has more or less been sequenced and the technologies developed to analyze numerous genes and gene products simultaneously (array technologies), the focus of scientific query will switch from simply identifying the gene/protein to investigating the function(s) and inter-relationships between specific gene products and specific cellular activities. No technology is more well suited to the investigation and simultaneous analysis of the relationships between specific target molecules, cell functions and cell sub-populations than cytometry and ‘Cytometric analysis of cell phenotype and function’ provides a very comprehensive overview of this ever-broadening field. The book contains not only an extensive presentation of cytometry-related technology and applications but is replete with discussions of basic cell biology and the role that cytometry has and will play in increasing our general understanding of cellular physiology in health and disease. Very few if any individuals are knowledgeable and experienced in all of the scientific and technical fields which encompass ‘cytometry’. Although the knowledge and experience of the editors, Mason and McCarthy (who wrote or co-wrote nine of the 18 chapters), and their colleagues from the UK (who wrote six of the chapters) is clearly manifested, the breadth and timeliness of some of the areas covered would have been enhanced by enlisting additional authors. The inclusion of several protocols will apprise the reader of the basic ingredients and steps involved in the various procedures, however, the lack of detail will limit their practical utility. Of all of the cytometry technologies, flow cytometry receives the vast majority of attention with the exception of a chapter devoted to laser scanning cytometry and an excellent concluding chapter on emerging new cytometric technologies. The organization for the most part is acceptable and fluent, the many figures and tables will be useful, and the extensive discussions of basic science will appeal to readers with all levels of ‘cytometry’ experience coming from a variety of disciplines.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution