Cell-cell adhesion is fundamental for the development and homeostasis of animal tissues and organs. Adherens junctions (AJs) are the best understood cell-cell adhesion complexes. In this volume, internationally recognized experts review AJ biology over a wide range of organization; from atoms to molecules, to protein complexes, molecular networks, cells, tissues, and overall animal development. AJs have also been an integral part of animal evolution, and play central roles in cancer development, pathogen infection and other diseases. This book addresses major questions encompassing AJ biology. - How did AJs evolve? - How do cadherins and catenins interact to assemble AJs and mediate adhesion? - How do AJs interface with other cellular machinery to couple adhesion with the whole cell? - How do AJs affect cell behaviour and multicellular development? - How can abnormal AJ activity lead to disease? Valuable for both newcomers and experts in the field, this book offers a comprehensive resource for the research laboratory and a teaching tool for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in cell and developmental biology.

The combination of faster, more advanced computers and more quantitatively oriented biomedical researchers has recently yielded new and more precise methods for the analysis of biomedical data. These better analyses have enhanced the conclusions that can be drawn from biomedical data, and they have changed the way that experiments are designed and performed. This volume, along with the 2 previous "Computer Methods" volumes for the "Methods in Enzymology" serial, aims to inform biomedical researchers about recent applications of modern data analysis and simulation methods as applied to biomedical research.

* Presents step-by-step computer methods and discusses the techniques in detail to enable their implementation in solving a wide range of problems * Informs biomedical researchers of the modern data analysis methods that have developed alongside computer hardware *Presents methods at the "nuts and bolts" level to identify and resolve a problem and analyze what the results mean

For some 50 years, Professor Asakawa and his group have focused their research on the chemical constituents of bryophytes and have found that these plants contain large numbers of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, acetogenins, and aromatic compounds representative of many new skeletons, which exhibit interesting biological activities. Individual terpenoids, when found as constituents of both a bryophyte and a higher plant, tend to occur in different enantiomeric forms. Professor Asakawa has covered the literature on bryophytes in two earlier volumes of "Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products," namely, Volumes 42 (1982) and 65 (1995). Since the publication of the latter volume, a great deal of new information has appeared on bryophytes. One example is that known sex pheromones of algae have been discovered in two liverworts, indicating that some members of the latter taxonomic group might originate from brown algae. From information provided in this volume, it is suggested that two orders of the Marchantiophyta should be combined.

"

State-of-the-art update on methods and protocols dealing with the detection, isolation and characterization of macromolecules and their hosting organisms that facilitate nitrification and related processes in the nitrogen cycle as well as the challenges of doing so in very diverse environments.

Provides state-of-the-art update on methods and protocols Deals with the detection, isolation and characterization of macromolecules and their hosting organisms deals with the challenges of very diverse environments.

New and rapid advances in technology have equipped us with a variety of tools and platforms to ask fundamental questions of telomere regulation and have allowed investigators to carry out experiments using diverse model systems. For example, proteomic, genomic, and molecular approaches have afforded us unprecedented insight into the complex protein interaction networks at work on the telomere chromatin and the detailed information regarding telomere dynamics in response to stress or stimuli. "Telomeres and Telomerase: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition" builds upon the telomerase assays featured in the popular first edition to encompass many different assays that allow investigators to query the function of telomere proteins and the responses of the telomere DNA, including detailed examinations of biochemical, molecular, and proteomic approaches. 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 expert tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, "Telomeres and Telomerase: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition" serves as an ideal, up-to-date guide for investigators further pursing this vital field of study."

In the past decade, researchers have made tremendous progress in the field of enzyme stabilization, opening up new opportunities for enzymes in molecular biology and for industrial applications. In Enzyme Stabilization and Immobilization: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the latest developments through detailed laboratory protocols, which address many different theories and techniques in enzyme stabilization. Chapters outline protocols for enzyme stabilization in solutions, including: liposome formation, micelle introduction, crosslinking, and additives. Secondly, the book contain protocols for enzyme stabilization via enzyme immobilization, such as sol-gel encapsulation, polymer encapsulation, and single enzyme nanoparticle formation. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and current, Enzyme Stabilization and Immobilization: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for all molecular biologists, biochemists, and biomedical and biochemical engineers.

This second edition expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed developments in the field and brings together a multi-disciplinary team of leading researchers to provide their latest protocols for clinical proteomics analysis. 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. Authoritative and Practical, Clinical Proteomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition presents approaches that will serve as a reliable guide to researchers, including clinicians, chemists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians and computational, biologists, and investigators working on biomarker development.

This volume covers the latest technological advances in the characterization of the biosynthesis and functions of Rab GTPases and their regulation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). The book consists of 28 chapters and starts with an overview of the Rab GTPase family. The next few chapters describe systematic approaches to the identification and classification of Rabs and Rab GAPs, as well as the detection of Rab isoprenylation and membrane distribution. The last few chapters examine the biochemical and functional properties of individual Rabs in the order of exocytic, recycling and endocytic Rabs. Written in the highly successful Methods of 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Instructive and practical, Rab GTPases: Methods and Protocols approaches each topic with great detail and is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the field of Rab GTPases.

Structural genomics is the systematic determination of 3-D structures of proteins representative of the range of protein structure and function found in nature. The goal is to build a body of structural information that will predict the structure and potential function for almost any protein from knowledge of its coding sequence. This is essential information for understanding the functioning of the human proteome, the ensemble of tens of thousands of proteins specified by the human genome.
While most structural biologists pursue structures of individual proteins or protein groups, specialists in structural genomics pursue structures of proteins on a genome wide scale. This implies large-scale cloning, expression and purification. One main advantage of this approach is economy of scale.
Key Features
*Examines the three dimensional structure of all proteins of a given organism, by experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy
* Looks at structural genomics as a foundation of drug discovery as discovering new medicines is becoming more challenging and the pharmaceutical industry is looking to new technologies to help in this mission

This book describes the rational design, development and application of nucleic acid amplification strategies for biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine. It consists of fifteen chapters demonstrating the use of these strategies in various areas, including fluorescence techniques, Chemiluminescence biosensors, electrochemiluminescence biosensors, colorimetric assays, surface plasmon resonance technologies, electrochemical DNA sensors, photoelectrochemical biosensor, nanopore sensors, quartz crystal microbalance, fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, in vitro and in vivo metal ions detection, theranostics and microdroplet chips. Offering a collection of reviews illustrating the latest advances in biochemical analysis and therapeutics, the book shares valuable insights into current challenges and future prospects, making it a valuable resource for a wide readership in the various fields of biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine.

r ed Algae in Genome Age book most people reading this book have childhood memories about being enthralled at the beach with those rare and mysterious living forms we knew as seaweeds. We were fascinated at that time by their range of red hues and textures, and most of all, their exotic beauty. t o a scientist, red algae represent much more than apparent features. t heir complex forms have attracted morphologists for centuries; their intricate life cycles have brought more than one surprise to plant biologists familiar only with ferns and fowering plants; their unusual tastes have been appreciated for mill- nia, and their valuable chemical constituents have been exploited for nearly as long, most recently by biotech companies; their diversity in marine, freshwater, and t- restrial environments has offered centuries of engaging entertainment for botanists eager to arrange them in orderly classifcation systems; still, the red algae continue to teach us how many more challenges need to be overcome in order to understand their biodiversity, biological functions, and evolutionary histories.

This collection discusses the variety of specific molecular reactions by means of which plants respond to physiological and toxic stress conditions. It focuses on the characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the induction of toxicity and the triggered responses and resistances. The nine chapters, all written by prominent researchers, examine heavy metal toxicity, aluminum toxicity, arsenic toxicity, salt toxicity, drought stress, light stress, temperature stress, flood stress and UV-B stress. In addition, information on the fundamentals of stress responses and resistance mechanisms is provided. The book addresses researchers and students working in the fields of plant physiology and biochemistry.

"Morphology Genetic Materials Templated from Nature Species" provides a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of research on bio-inspired functional materials including materials science and engineering aspects of the fabrication, properties, and applications. The book discusses bio-inspired strategies integrating biotemplate, biomineralization, and biomimesis in nature, which are adopted to fabricate functional materials with hierarchical bio-architectures and interrelated outstanding performances, as well as valuable applications in photoelectricity, photonics, photocatalysis, chemical detection, bio-imaging, and photoelectron transfer components/devices.

The book is intended for researchers and graduate students in the fields of materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, semiconductor, biotechnology, environmental engineering, etc.

Prof. Dr. Di Zhang is currently a professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the director of the State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, China.

"

Protein modifications and changes made to them, as well as the quantities of expressed proteins, can define the various functional stages of the cell. Accordingly, perturbations can lead to various diseases and disorders. As a result, it has become paramount to be able to detect and monitor post-translational modifications and to measure the abundance of proteins within the cell with extreme sensitivity. While protein identification is an almost routine requirement nowadays, reliable techniques for quantifying unmodified proteins (including those that escape detection under standard conditions, such as protein isoforms and membrane proteins) is not routine. Quantitative Methods in Proteomics gives a detailed survey of topics and methods on the principles underlying modern protein analysis, from statistical issues when planning proteomics experiments, to gel-based and mass spectrometry-based applications. The quantification of post-translational modifications is also addressed, followed by the "hot" topics of software and data analysis, as well as various overview chapters which provide a comprehensive overview of existing methods in quantitative proteomics. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Quantitative Methods in Proteomics serves as a comprehensive and competent overview of the important and still growing field of quantitative proteomics.

This volume of Methods in Enzymology covers the current methodology for the detection and assessment of constitutively active proteins. The chapters written by expert authors who are leaders in the field, provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications.It is extensively referenced, with useful figures and tables throughout the volume.

A. Expert authors who are leaders in the field

B. Extensively referenced and useful figures and tables

C. Provides hints and tricks to facilitate reproduction of methods

This volume of Methods in Enzymology covers the current methodology for the detection and assessment of constitutively active proteins. The chapters written by expert authors who are leaders in the field, provide hints and tricks not available in primary research publications.It is extensively referenced, with useful figures and tables throughout the volume.

A. Expert authors who are leaders in the field

B. Extensively referenced and useful figures and tables

C. Provides hints and tricks to facilitate reproduction of methods

This volume of "The Enzymes" features high-caliber thematic articles on the topic of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchoring of proteins.
* Contributions from leading authorities
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Since its inception in 1945, this serial has provided critical and integrating articles written by research specialists that integrate industrial, analytical, and technological aspects of biochemistry, organic chemistry, and instrumentation methodology in the study of carbohydrates. The articles provide a definitive interpretation of the current status and future trends in carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry.
Features contributions from leading authorities and industry experts Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.

In this 3 volume collection focusing on glycomics, readers will appreciate how such discoveries were made and how such methods can be applied for readers own research efforts

Each chapter has been designed so that enough scientific background will be given in each chapter for further development of methods by readers themselves. Useful for all levels of scientists starting from the last years of colleges, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows to professors and to all levels of scientists in research institutes including industry. "

In this 3 volume collection focusing on glycomics, readers will appreciate how such discoveries were made and how such methods can be applied for readers own research efforts

Each chapter has been designed so that enough scientific background will be given in each chapter for further development of methods by readers themselves. Useful for all levels of scientists starting from the last years of colleges, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows to professors and to all levels of scientists in research institutes including industry. "

In this 3 volume collection focusing on glycomics, readers will appreciate how such discoveries were made and how such methods can be applied for readers own research efforts

Each chapter has been designed so that enough scientific background will be given in each chapter for further development of methods by readers themselves. Useful for all levels of scientists starting from the last years of colleges, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows to professors and to all levels of scientists in research institutes including industry. "

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a family of linear polysaccharides that arefound in all animal tissues. Several are used as biomaterials, including heparin, heparin sulfate, keratan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate.

This volume discusses the role of GAGs in development, health and disease.

* This series provides a forum for discussion of new discoveries, approaches, and ideas * Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts * Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields"

The book deals with various clinical aspects of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), which is a potent source for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is critical for pathogenesis of diseases and CYP2E1 is a major contributor for oxidative stress. Several clinical disorders are associated with changes in regulation of CYP2E1 and the consequent abnormalities, which include alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic pancreatitis, carcinogenesis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, hepatitis C virus infection, reproductive organ toxicity, hepatocellular and cholestatic liver cirrhosis, inhibition of bone repair, cross- tolerance in smokers and people treated with nicotine, disorders of the central nervous system, changes in metabolism of protoxicants in the circulatory system and susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. Hence, CYP2E1 emerges as a new and potent player in aggravating injury and furthering disease complications.

The discovery of stress-induced mutagenesis has changed ideas about mutation and evolution, and revealed mutagenic programs that differ from standard spontaneous mutagenesis in rapidly proliferating cells. The stress-induced mutations occur during growth-limiting stress, and can include adaptive mutations that allow growth in the otherwise growth-limiting environment. The stress responses increase mutagenesis specifically when cells are maladapted to their environments, i.e. are stressed, potentially accelerating evolution then. The mutation mechanism also includes temporary suspension of post-synthesis mismatch repair, resembling mutagenesis characteristic of some cancers. Stress-induced mutation mechanisms may provide important models for genome instability underlying some cancers and genetic diseases, resistance to chemotherapeutic and antibiotic drugs, pathogenicity of microbes, and many other important evolutionary processes. This book covers pathways of stress-induced mutagenesis in all systems. The principle focus is mammalian systems, but much of what is known of these pathways comes from non-mammalian systems.