Advances in Developmental Biology was launched as a series by JAI Press in 1992 with the appearance of Volume 1. This series is inextricably linked to the companion series, Advances in Developmental Biochemistry, that was launched at the same time. As stated in the Preface to Volume 1: "Together the two series will provide annual reviews of research topics in developmental biology/biochemistry, written from the perspectives of leading investigators in these fields. It is intended that each review draw heavily form the author's own research contributions and perspective. Thus, the presentations are not necessarily encyclopedic in coverage, nor do they necessarily reflect all opposing views of the subject." Volume 2 of the series follows these same guidelines.