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Alk2 BMP Receptor Domains in Developing Chicken Heart is not only a book about embryonic cardiac development but also a useful source of protocols and technical troubleshooting for immunohistochemical techniques. This book will introduce the general ideas behind BMP pathways and cover subjects such as the genetics of heart tube formation, looping and heart septation; with particular emphasis on the effects of BMP2, -4, -5, -6 and -7 and the involvement of Alk2; a BMP5, -6 and -7 receptor. Included are the findings of the Alk2 expression domains on the developing heart, a fairly unexplored territory. Having found and troubleshooted many protocol-related technical issues during the mapping of Alk2 proteins, it was not possible to finish this book without covering the basics behind this technique. Thus there is also a detailed description of my most successful protocol, possible alternatives for consideration and application, as well as an extensive discussion on protocol troubleshooting.

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Ricardo is an international student developing his education and career around his passion for Molecular Biology. He has recently completed his MS in Biological Sciences (Concentration in Molecular Biology) at SJSU, California. Before moving to the US, Ricardo completed a CLS degree in Portugal. For more information visit www.ricardoleitao.com.

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