Muscle contraction has been the focus of scientific investigation for more than two centuries, and major discoveries have changed the field over the years. Early in the twentieth century, Fenn (1924, 1923) showed that the total energy liberated during a contraction (heat + work) was increased when the muscle was allowed to shorten and perform work. The result implied that chemical reactions during contractions were load-dependent. The observation underlying the "Fenn effect" was taken to a greater extent when Hill (1938) published a pivotal study showing in details the relation between heat production and the amount of muscle shortening, providing investigators with the force-velocity relation for skeletal muscles. Subsequently, two papers paved the way for the current paradigm in the field of muscle contraction. Huxley and Niedergerke (1954), and Huxley and Hanson (1954) showed that the width of the A-bands did not change during muscle stretch or activation. Contraction, previously believed to be caused by shortening of muscle filaments, was associated with sliding of the thick and thin filaments. These studies were followed by the classic paper by Huxley (1957), in which he conceptualized for the first time the cross-bridge theory; filament sliding was driven by the cyclical interactions of myosin heads (cross-bridges) with actin. The original cross-bridge theory has been revised over the years but the basic features have remained mostly intact. It now influences studies performed with molecular motors responsible for tasks as diverse as muscle contraction, cell division and vesicle transport.

In mammals, a robust physiologic system acts to maintain relative constancy of weight. A key element of this system is leptin. The nature of this "brain-somatic" cross talk is as yet poorly understood, but it is likely to have important implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.  

Electroporation is the forefront in tumor ablation. This book presents the basic principles and clinical applications of electroporation, including the latest research results and patient data. A comprehensive approach to the basic science behind the development of this ground-breaking technique and its introduction into clinical practice, the book discusses the entire spectrum of currently available reversible treatments, the emerging irreversible applications, and their impact on patient care. Clinical Aspects of Electroporation is the first book intended for clinicians on this extremely important and rapidly developing field.

In nature, biological organisms produce mineralized tissues such as bone, teeth, diatoms, and shells. Biomineralization is the sophisticated process of production of these inorganic minerals by living organisms. Construction of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with controlled mineralization analogous to those produced by nature has recently received much attention because it can aid in understanding the mechanisms of the biomineralization process and development of biomimetic materials processing. The biomineralization ? processes use aqueous solutions at temperatures below 100 C and no toxic intermediates are produced in these systems. From a serious global en- ronmental problem point of view, the development of processes inspired by biomineralization would offer valuable insights into material science and en- neering to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. One of the most challenging scienti?c problems is to gain greater insight into the mol- ular interactions occurring at the interface between the inorganic mineral and the macromolecular organic matrix. Model systems are often regarded as a straight-forward experimental approach toward biomimetic crystallization. Hierarchical architectures consisting of small building blocks of inorganic cr- tals are often found in biominerals. Studies of nanocrystal self-organization in solution systems would also be helpful for understanding biomineralization. In these volumes, we focus on construction of organic-inorganic hybrid - terials with controlled mineralization inspired by natural biomineralization. In the?rst volume, thereader will ?nd contributionsproviding abasic scopeof the mineralization process in aqueous solution.

The past two decades have seen an explosion in the number of research articles relating to both the physiological and pathological responses evoked by nitric oxide generation. Despite this, accurate quantification of nitric oxide in either in vitro or in vivo models remains challenging, due to the relatively unstable nature of the molecule. In Nitric Oxide: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field provide a detailed reference manual packed with step-by-step approaches to reproduce various complex protocols within your own laboratory. Divided into two parts, the volume first covers various disparate protocols relating to the direct detection and quantification of nitric oxide, including techniques which detail how to image real time in vivo generation of nitric oxide, quantify nitric oxide production in the rat brain, and the detect ultralow levels of nitric oxide in the pM range, and the book then continues with a section on techniques designed to either inhibit or enhance nitric oxide, with an aim to achieve therapeutic gain, featuring the inhibition of the nitric oxide synthase enzymes using viral, shRNA delivery systems to prevent cardiovascular dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, and graft rejection. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easy to use, Nitric Oxide: Methods and Protocols examines numerous complex methodologies detailed in each chapter and proves to be an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in nitric oxide research.

This volume of Methods in Enzymology is concerned with the rapidly developing field of selenoprotein synthesis and its related molecular genetics. Progressive information on the topics of proteins as redox sensors, selenoproteins, and the thioredoxin system is studied using methods such as bioinformatics, DNA chip technology, cell biology, molecular genetics, and enzymology. The information on novel selenoproteins identified from genomic sequence data, as well as current knowledge on glutathione peroxidases, selenoprotein P, iodothyronine deiodinases, and thioredoxin reductases, is presented in a method-based approach.

This volume presents the latest developments of the main pillars of protein analysis, such as sample preparation, separation and characterization. The book begins by describing basic but important sample preparation protocols. It then goes on to describe more sophisticated procedures on enriching specific protein classes and concludes with detailed descriptions of integrated work-flows for comprehensive protein analysis and characterization. The authors of the individual chapters are renowned protein biochemists who have all set value to provide a detailed representation of their lab work. Throughout the chapters, these authors share important tips and tricks for a successful and reproducible employment of their protocols in other laboratories. 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 cutting-edge, Proteomic Profiling: Methods and Protocols is the perfect guide for students of Biochemistry, Biomedicine, Biology, and Genomics and will be an invaluable source for the experienced, practicing scientists.

This volume in the prestigious Methods in Enzymology series discusses methods currently used in preclinical and clinical gene therapy. Subjects covered in this book, such as the use of adeno-associated virus delivery for treatment of Parkinson's disease, are topical and are presented in the methods-oriented style popularized by this series.
This volume in the prestigious Methods in Enzymology series discusses methods currently used in preclinical and clinical gene therapy. Subjects covered in this book, such as the use of adeno-associated virus delivery for treatment of Parkinson's disease, are topical and are presented in the methods-oriented style popularized by this series.

This book presents an in-depth overview on the topic of protein synthesis, covering all areas of protein science, including protein targeting, secretion, folding, assembly, structure, localization, quality control, degradation, and antigen presentation. Chapters also include sections on the history of the field as well as summary panels for quick reference. Numerous color illustrations complement the presentation of material. This book is an essential reference for anyone in biochemistry and protein science, as well as an excellent textbook for advanced students in these and related fields.
Key Features
* Basic principles and techniques
* Targeting adn sorting sequences
* Protein export in bacteria
* Membrane protein integration into ER and bacterial membranes
* Protein translocation across the ER
* Disulfide bond formation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes
* Quality control in the export pathway
* Import of proteins into organelles
* The secretory pathway
* Vesicular transport
* Spectacular color throughout

The 11th International Symposium on Insect-Plant Relationships (SIP11), held on August 4-10, 2001, in Helsingor, Denmark, followed the tradition of previous SIP meetings and covered topics of different levels from chemistry, physiology, and ethology to ecology, genetics, and evolution of insect-plant relationships. The present volume includes a representative selection of fully refereed papers as well as a complete list of all the contributions which were presented at the meeting. Reviews of selected topics as well as original experimental data are included. The book provides valuable information for students and research workers interested in chemical and biological aspects of interactions between individuals and populations of different organisms. "

This volume documents this unique family of cell surface proteins. Despite masquerading as intractable and difficult to clone and characterize, ENOX proteins have and continue to offer remarkable opportunities for research, commercial development and outside confirmation of therapeutic, diagnostic and new paradigms to help explain complex biological processes.

The aim of the book is to discuss the application of molecular pathology in cancer research, and its contribution in the classification of different tumors and identification of potential molecular targets, as well as how this knowledge may be translated into clinical practice, and the huge impact this field is likely to have in the next 5 to 10 years.

Over the past thirty years, many elegant genetic and biochemical approaches have been combined in order to advance the study of protein secretion and the necessary navigation through cell membranes, yet, despite this progress, less than two hundred membrane protein structures are known, nowhere near the complete inventory that the discovered protein export systems suggest. In Protein Secretion: Methods and Protocols, leading experts in the field provide robust, well-established protocols to elucidate the multiplicity of tools that have been developed to study protein sorting, membrane targeting, transmembrane crossing, and secretion across multiple membranes. With examples involving both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, the volume covers subjects ranging from bioinformatics and proteomics to fundamental enzymology and genetics to cell biology, structural analyses, and biophysics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the key materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and detailed notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and dependable, Protein Secretion: Methods and Protocols focuses on well-characterized paradigms so that scientists studying a vast array of subjects from biochemistry and genetics to biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals can benefit and expand upon their vital research.

This volume expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed protocols for investigating membranes and their component lipids in artificial membranes, cells, and in silico. Chapters focus on properties of the component lipids, membranes and their biophysical properties, fluorescent probes for studying membranes, sample preparation, physical techniques to study membrane composition, properties , and function, behavior of cholesterol within a bilayer and examination of cholesterol-dependent phase separation. 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, Methods in Membrane Lipids, Second Edition seeks to aid scientist in further study into membrane lipids.

This volume covers topics such as the structure and identification of functional domains of G proteins, and activation of G proteins by receptors or other regulators. The text takes an integrated approach to studying common experimental questions at many different levels related to G proteins. Methods related to G proteins using molecular modeling, systems biology, protein engineering, protein biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology are all accessible in the same volume.
The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

This book offers an overview of the diverse fields application of proteases (also termed proteolytic enzymes or proteinases), including food science and technology, pharmaceutical industries, and detergent manufacturing, reviewing the advances in the biotechnological application plant proteolytic enzymes over the last decade. In recent years, they have been the focus of renewed attention from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, not only because of their activity on a wide variety of proteins but also because they are active over a range of temperatures and pHs. The main audience of this book are researchers working with plant proteases but also professionals from several industry segments such as food production and pharmaceutical companies.

This book provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the Antiphospholipid syndrome. One of the most important advances in rheumatology and connective tissue diseases of the last decade. It provides an explanation for many previously undefined conditions with no clear pathogenesis encompassing all subspeculations in internal medicine as well as obstetrics. Clotting problems leading to strokes and myocardial infarctions (in younger people) as well as a large variety of other syndromes such as chorea, hyproadrenalism, pulmonary problems are now being understood.

Volume 14 in the series "Comprehensive Toxicology" extends and complements the previously published 13-volume set. This volume will be available separately.

Toxicology is the study of the nature and actions of chemicals on biological systems. In more primitive times, it really was the study of poisons. However, in the early 1500s, it was apparent to Paracelsus that "the dose differentiates a poison and a remedy." Clearly, the two most important tenets of toxicology were established during that time. The level of exposure (dose) and the duration of exposure (time) will determine the degree and nature of a toxicological response.

Since that time the discipline of toxicology has made major advances in identifying and characterizing toxicants. The growth of toxicology as a scientific discipline has been driven to a large extent by the use of extremely powerful molecular and cell biology techniques. The overall aim of this volume is to demonstrate how these advances are being used to elucidate causal pathways (or linkages) for potential adverse health consequences of human exposure to environmental chemicals or radiation.

A unique feature of this volume is its illustration of how carefully-designed studies of the molecular mechanisms of chemical action provide not only understanding of the potential toxicity of the chemical under investigation, but also new insights into the functioning of the biological system used as an experimental model. Each chapter contains a listing of major peer-reviewed articles and reviews and useful web-sites. In addition, each chapter contains a broad introductory section that outlines the subsequent sections. These Introductory and Overview sections are designed to be stand alone chapters, and may be packaged as a textbook in graduate level courses.

Exemplifying and illustrating recent exciting advances in PNA chemistry, the second edition of Peptide Nucleic Acids: Methods and Protocols serves as a vital complement to the first edition of the book. Since the discovery of peptide nucleic acids, many interesting new derivatives and analogues in terms of nucleic acid recognition specificity and affinity have emerged. Also, as this detailed volume presents, great ingenuity in exploiting the unique properties of PNAs for a wide variety of applications within drug discovery, medical diagnostics, chemical biology and nanotechnology has unfolded. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Peptide Nucleic Acids: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as a source of useful specific methods and protocols as well as a source of inspiration for future developments.

Francis BACON, in his Novum Organum, Robert BOYLE, in his Skeptical Chemist and Rene DESCARTES, in his Discourse on Method; all of these men were witnesses to the th scientific revolution, which, in the 17 century, began to awaken the western world from a long sleep. In each of these works, the author emphasizes the role of the experimental method in exploring the laws of Nature, that is to say, the way in which an experiment is designed, implemented according to tried and tested te- niques, and used as a basis for drawing conclusions that are based only on results, with their margins of error, taking into account contemporary traditions and prejudices. Two centuries later, Claude BERNARD, in his Introduction to the Study of Experimental Medicine, made a passionate plea for the application of the experimental method when studying the functions of living beings. Twenty-first century Biology, which has been fertilized by highly sophisticated techniques inherited from Physics and Chemistry, blessed with a constantly increasing expertise in the manipulation of the genome, initiated into the mysteries of information techn- ogy, and enriched with the ever-growing fund of basic knowledge, at times appears to have forgotten its roots."

Although phosphorylation of proteins on tyrosine is relatively rare compared to phosphorylation on serine or threonine residues, the past two decades of research into PTP function have led to a great appreciation of the critical role PTPs have in regulating basic cellular processes. Among these important roles is the regulation of cellular signaling pathways related to metabolism. This volume contains chapters which highlight many aspects of PTP function in the context of metabolism. Given the growing obesity and diabetes epidemics in the United States and throughout the world, the desire to identify possible therapeutic targets for treatment of these diseases is a high priority. In many ways, PTPs may be attractive drug targets since they are amenable to targeting with small molecules; however many challenges abound in making PTP inhibitors.

Personalized medicine, which simply means selection of treatment best suited for an individual, involves integration and translation of several new technologies in clinical care of patients. The scope is much broader than indicated by the term genomic medicine because many non-genomic factors are taken into consideration in developing personalized medicine. Basic technologies for personalized medicine, of which molecular diagnostics has the biggest share, are mentioned briefly and appropriate references are given for further information. Commercial aspects are discussed briefly in a chapter and detailed analysis of markets and companies involved in personalized medicine is presented in a special report on this topic.

There is increasing interest in personalized medicine. Considerable advances have taken place in molecular biology and biotechnology to make personalized medicine a viable option, but some misconceptions still exist, both in the academic and commercial sectors. There is lack of a suitable source of information that provides both the fundamentals as well as applications of personalized medicine. As the latest version of the first monograph on personalized medicine published in 1998, this volume, Textbook of Personalized Medicine, summarizes the author's efforts during the past decade, as well as reviews selected studies done during this period in a readable format for the physicians and scientists. It is hoped that physicians, pharmacists, scientists and interested lay readers with basic scientific knowledge will find this book useful.

Analytical chemists and materials scientists will find this a useful addition to their armory. The contributors have sought to highlight the present state of affairs in the validation and quality assurance of fluorescence measurements, as well as the need for future standards. Methods included range from steady-state fluorometry and microfluorometry, microscopy, and micro-array technology, to time-resolved fluorescence and fluorescence depolarization imaging techniques.

G Protein Pathways is the first of three volumes examining the nature of heterotrimeric G proteins. The text takes an integrated approach to studying common experimental questions at many different levels related to G proteins. Methods related to G proteins using molecular modeling, systems biology, protein engineering, protein biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology are all accessible in the same volume.
The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

Protein Physics is a lively presentation of the most general problems of protein structure, folding and function from the physics and chemistry perspective, based on lectures given by the authors. It deals with fibrous, membrane and, most of all, with the best studied water-soluble globular proteins, in both their native and denatured states. The major aspects of protein physics are covered systematically, physico-chemical properties of polypeptide chains; their secondary structures; tertiary structures of proteins and their classification; conformational transitions in protein molecules and their folding; intermediates of protein folding; folding nuclei; physical backgrounds of coding the protein structures by their amino acid sequences and protein functions in relation to the protein structure. The book will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate level students and researchers of biophysics, biochemistry, biology and material science.
* Designed for a wide audience of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as being a reference for researchers in academia and industry
* Covers the most general problems of protein structure, folding, and function and introduces the key concepts and theories
* Deals with fibrous, membrane and especially water-soluble globular proteins, in both their native and denatured states
* Summarizes and presents in a systematic form the results of several decades of world wide fundamental research on protein physics, structure and folding
* Examines experimental data on protein structure in the post-genome era