Humans face the challenge of producing enough food to meet the demands imposed by economic, biological and agricultural factors: rising population; rising income; and an expectation of higher quality food and a more diverse diet; decreasing amount of land available for food production; lowering environmental impact of agricultural practices and preserving biodiversity.
Biotechnology is one of the most exciting and dynamic industries of our day. It offers us the possibility of reducing our dependence on intensive farming. Plant biotechnology is central to the search for effective, environmentally safe and economically sound alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides and the exhaustion of natural resources. Today, applied plant science has four overall goals: increased crop yield, improved crop quality, reducing production costs and reducing negative environmental impact. Biotechnology is proving its value in meeting these goals. It offers farmers higher yielding crops with lower costs of production and new outlets such as nutraceuticals and crop-based bio-factories. It offers the European economy the potential of high quality, knowledge based job creation and the European consumer better quality, tastier and more nutritious food. Though there is public concern of genetic engineering, those who are close to the science understand that this is the next big frontier to be crossed. The potential and opportunities offered by plant biotechnology must not be missed. We must go forward on that basis rather than turning our backs on the science.
"Phytosfere'99" provides a comprehensive overview for plant biotechnology. It combines specific scientific articles, review articles and comments from outside people on it, which is unique in European Literature.

Physiological Systems in Insects, Fourth Edition explores why insects have become the dominant animals on the planet. Sections describe the historical investigations that have led us to our current understanding of insect systems. Integrated within a basic physiological framework are modern molecular approaches that provide a glimpse of the genetic and evolutionary frameworks that testify to the unity of life on earth. This updated edition describes advances that have occurred in our understanding of hormone action, metamorphosis, and reproduction, along with new sections on the role of microbiomes, insecticide action and its metabolism, and a chapter on genetics, genomics and epigenetic systems. The book represents a collaborative effort by two internationally known insect physiologists who have instructed graduate courses in insect physiology. As such, it is the ideal resource for entomologists and those in other fields who may require knowledge of insect systems.

As the title suggests, Isotope Effects in the Chemical, Geological and Bio Sciences deals with differences in the properties of isotopically substituted molecules, such as differences in the chemical and physical properties of water and the heavy waters. Since the various fields in which isotope effects are applied do not only share fundamental principles but also experimental techniques, this book includes a discussion of experimental apparatus and experimental techniques.

Isotope Effects in the Chemical, Geological and Bio Sciences is an educational monograph addressed to graduate students and others undertaking isotope effect research. The fundamental principles needed to understand isotope effects are presented in appropriate detail. While it is true that these principles are more familiar to students of physical chemistry and some background in physical chemistry is recommended, the text provides enough detail to make the book an asset to students in organic and biochemistry, and geochemistry.

Knoevenagel Reaction of Unprotected Sugars, By M.-C. Scherrmann; Carbohydrate-Based Lactones: Synthesis and Applications, By N. M. Xavier, A. P. Rauter, and Y. Queneau; Heterogeneously-Catalyzed Conversion of Carbohydrates, By K. De Oliveira Vigier and F. Jerome; Palladium-Catalyzed Telomerization of Butadiene with Polyols: From Mono to Polysaccharides, By S. Bouquillon, J. Muzart, C. Pinel, and F. Rataboul; Monosaccharides, By J.A. Galbis and M.G. Garcia-Martin; Natural Sources, By L. Weignerova and V. K en; Synthesis and Applications of Ionic Liquids Derived from Natural Sugars; By C. Chiappe, A. Marra, and A. Mele"

All three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) subtypes share a high degree of structural homology but differ in function, tissue distribution and ligand specificity. PPARs play critical roles as regulators of numerous physiological as well as pathophysiological pathways, and efforts are currently underway to fully characterize their functioning and to develop safer and more effective PPAR modulators to treat a myriad of diseases and conditions. In Peroxisome proliferator-Activated Receptors: Methods and Protocols, renowned experts in the PPAR arena provide detailed protocols for investigating these receptors. Chapters contain methods ranging from the cloning of receptors to their knockdown, to protocols exploring posttranslational modifications of PPARs and coactivators, as well as receptor subcellular localization. Also assembled are methods to evaluate the involvement of these receptors in behavior functions, an emerging facet in PPAR research. 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. With its well-honed methodologies, Peroxisome proliferator-Activated Receptors: Methods and Protocols, will be a useful resource for all seeking to advance their knowledge of this 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.

This volume describes and discusses recent advances in angiogenesis research. The chapters are organized to address all biological length scales of angiogenesis: molecular, cellular and tissue in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Specific emphasis is given to novel methodologies and biomaterials that have been developed and applied to angiogenesis research. Angiogenesis experts from diverse fields including engineering, cell and developmental biology, chemistry and physics will be invited to contribute chapters which focus on the mechanical and chemical signals which affect and promote angiogenesis.

Protein conversion from a water-soluble native conformation to the insoluble aggregates and fibrils, which can deposit in amyloid plaques, underlies more than 20 human diseases, representing a major public health problem and a scientific challenge. Such a conversion is called protein misfolding. Protein misfolding can also involve errors in the topology of the folded proteins and their assembly in lipid membranes. Lipids are found in nearly all amyloid deposits in vivo, and can critically influence protein misfolding in vitro and in vivo in many different ways. This book focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the role of lipids in modulating the misfolding of various proteins. The main emphasis is on the basic biophysical studies that address molecular basis of protein misfolding and amyloid formation, and the role of lipids in this complex process.

Heat Shock Proteins and Plants provides the most up-to-date and concise reviews and progress on the role of heat shock proteins in plant biology, structure and function and is subdivided into chapters focused on Small Plant HSPs (Part I), Larger Plant HSPs (Part II) and HSPs for Therapeutic Gain (Part III). This book is written by eminent leaders and experts from around the world and is an important reference book and a must-read for undergraduate, postgraduate students and researchers in the fields of Agriculture, Botany, Crop Research, Plant Genetics and Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Drug Development and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

History of Modern Biotechnology, devided into two volumes (69 and 70), is devoted to the developments in different countries. A.L. Demain, A. Fang: The Natural Functions of Secondary Metabolites.- T. Beppu: Development of Applied Microbiology to Modern Biotechnology in Japan.- H. Kumagai: Microbial Production of Amino Acids in Japan.- T.K. Ghose, V.S. Bisaria: Development of Biotechnology in India.- M. Roehr: History of Biotechnology in Austria.- J. Hollo, U.P. Kralovánszky: Biotechnology in Hungary.- A. Fiechter: Biotechnology in Switzerland and a Glance at Germany.

Sodium reabsorbing epithelia play a major role in whole-body sodium homeostasis. Some examples of sodium regulating tissues include kidney, colon, lung, and sweat ducts. Sodium transport across these membranes is a two-step process: entry through an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel and exit via the ouabain-sensitive sodium/potassium ATPase. The sodium entry channels are the rate-limiting determinant for transport and are regulated by several different hormones. The sodium channels also play a significant role in a number of disease states, like hypertension, edema, drug-induced hyperkalemia, and cystic fibrosis. Amiloride-Sensitive Sodium Channels: Physiology and Functional Diversity provides the first in-depth exchange of ideas concerning these sodium channels, their regulation and involvement in normal and pathophysiological situations.
Key Features
* Summarizes current state of amiloride-sensitive sodium channel field
* Analyzes structure-function of epithelial sodium channels
* Discusses immunolocalization of epithelial sodium channels
* Examines hormonal regulation of sodium channels
* Discusses sodium channels in lymphocytes, kidney, and lung
* Considers mechanosensitivity of sodium channels
* Provides ideas on sodium channels and disease

A study of mast cells and basophils, designed for the use of immunologists, biochemists and medical researchers. Detailed chapters cover all aspects of mast cell and basophil research, from cell development, proteases, histamine, cysteinyl leukotrienes, physiology and pathology to the role of these cells in health and disease. Chapters also discuss the clinical implications of histamine receptor antagonists.

Lipids in Photosynthesis: Essential and Regulatory Functions, provides an essential summary of an exciting decade of research on relationships between lipids and photosynthesis. The book brings together extensively cross-referenced and peer-reviewed chapters by prominent researchers. The topics covered include the structure, molecular organization and biosynthesis of fatty acids, glycerolipids and nonglycerolipids in plants, algae, lichens, mosses, and cyanobacteria, as well as in chloroplasts and mitochondria. Several chapters deal with the manipulation of the extent of unsaturation of fatty acids and the effects of such manipulation on photosynthesis and responses to various forms of stress. The final chapters focus on lipid trafficking, signaling and advanced analytical techniques. Ten years ago, Siegenthaler and Murata edited "Lipids in Photosynthesis: Structure, Function and Genetics," which became a classic in the field. "Lipids in Photosynthesis: Essential and Regulatory Functions," belongs, with its predecessor, in every plant and microbiological researcher's bookcase.

Protein engineering is a fascinating mixture of molecular biology, protein structure analysis, computation, and biochemistry, with the goal of developing useful or valuable proteins. Protein Engineering Protocols will consider the two general, but not mutually exclusive, strategies for protein engineering. The first is known as rational design, in which the scientist uses detailed knowledge of the structure and function of the protein to make desired changes. The s- ond strategy is known as directed evolution. In this case, random mutagenesis is applied to a protein, and selection or screening is used to pick out variants that have the desired qualities. By several rounds of mutation and selection, this method mimics natural evolution. An additional technique known as DNA shuffling mixes and matches pieces of successful variants to produce better results. This process mimics recombination that occurs naturally during sexual reproduction. The first section of Protein Engineering Protocols describes rational p- tein design strategies, including computational methods, the use of non-natural amino acids to expand the biological alphabet, as well as impressive examples for the generation of proteins with novel characteristics. Although procedures for the introduction of mutations have become routine, predicting and und- standing the effects of these mutations can be very challenging and requires profound knowledge of the system as well as protein structures in general.

This book represents the first serious attempt to explain the fundamental basis of ozonetherapy and is a relevant step towards achieving further progress. Ozone is now considered a real drug and, after reacting with body fluids, releases messengers and activates several mechanisms which are able to elicit multiple biological effects. The therapeutic window has been defined and, contrary to the dogma that ozone is toxic any way you deal with it', it has been shown that ozone toxicity can be tamed and even totally avoided.

New powerful methodologies have been devised and astonishing clinical results in vascular and infectious diseases have already been achieved. An exciting novelty is the induction of an adaptive response that implies the unsuspected possibility of arresting cell degeneration due to endogenous chronic oxidative stress. However, further basic and controlled clinical studies need to be performed to fully exploit ozone's therapeutic potentials and to establish the real validity of this therapy. Authoritative scientists and clinicians should abandon their prejudice and consider the profound difference between endogenous oxidative stress and the new concept of ozonetherapeutic shock'. If this happens, we could soon have a simple and inexpensive tool to restore health in millions of patients.

This book has been written in a plain scientific language and can be read by scientists and clinicians, as well as by patients keen on regaining a state of well being.

Metabolic engineering has been developed over the past 20 years to become an important tool for the rational engineering of industrial microorganisms. This book has a particular interest in the methods and applications of metabolic engineering to improve the production and yield of a variety of different metabolites. The overall goal is to achieve a better understanding of the metabolism in different microorganisms, and provide a rational basis to reprogram microorganisms for improved biochemical production.

Molecular chaperones are involved in a wide variety of essential cellular processes in living cells. A subset of molecular chaperones have been initially described as heat shock proteins protecting cells from stress damage by keeping cellular proteins in a folding competent state and preventing them from irreversible aggregation. Later it became obvious that molecular chaperones are also expressed constitutively in the cell and are involved in complex processes such as protein synthesis, intracellular protein transport, post-translational modification and secretion of proteins as well as receptor signalling. Hence, it is not surprising that molecular chaperones are implicated in the pathogenesis of many relevant diseases and could be regarded as potential pharmacological targets. Starting with the analysis of the mode of action of chaperones at the molecular, cellular and organismic level, this book will then describe specific aspects where modulation of chaperone action could be of pharmacological and therapeutic interest.

Protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) is known to play a critical role in the control of cell growth and cell death and is thus intimately involved in the development of cancer. More specifically, CK2 has been found to be elevated in all cancers examined. While CK2 levels are known to be high in proliferating normal cells, CK2 has also been found to be a potent suppressor of apoptosis and is a link to the cancer cell phenotype, which is characterized by deregulation of both cell proliferation and cell death. Indeed, it would appear that CK2 impacts many of the hallmarks of cancer and it has now gained considerable attention as a potential target for cancer therapy. Protein Kinase CK2 and Cellular Function in Normal and Disease States increases knowledge of the role of CK2 in the development of cellular dysfunction and emphasizes that this protein may serve as a target of drug development for improved cancer therapy. In addition, it is a handy tool that provides cancer researchers, graduate students, and all scientists involved in CK2 research with one main source for the latest advances in CK2 research.

Membrane proteins, representing nearly 40% of all proteins, are key components of cells involved in many cellular processes, yet only a small number of their structures have been determined. Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols presents many detailed techniques for membrane protein structure determination used today by bringing together contributions from top experts in the field. Divided into five convenient sections, the book covers various strategies to purify membrane proteins, approaches to get three dimensional crystals and solve the structure by x-ray diffraction, possibilities to gain structural information for a membrane protein using electron microscopy observations, recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular modelling strategies that can be used either to get membrane protein structures or to move from atomic structure to a dynamic understanding of a molecular functioning mechanism. Written in the highly 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 laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and easy to use, Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference for scientists seeking to further our knowledge of these vital and versatile proteins as well as our overall understanding of the complicated world of cell biology.

This volume describes high-throughput approaches to a series of robust, established methodologies in molecular genetic studies of population samples. Such developments have been essential not only to linkage and association studies of single-gene and complex traits in humans, animals and plants, but also to the characterisation of clone banks, for example in mapping of genomes. Chapters have been written by developers or highly experienced end-users concerned with a diverse array of biological applications. The book should appeal to any researcher for whom costs and throughput in their genetics laboratory have become an issue.

This volume supplements Volumes 63, 64, 87, and 249 of Methods in Enzymology. These volumes provide a basic source for the quantitative interpretation of enzyme rate data and the analysis of enzyme catalysis. Among the major topics covered are Engergetic Coupling in Enzymatic Reactions, Intermediates and Complexes in Catalysis, Detection and Properties of Low Barrier Hydrogen Bonds, Transition State Determination, and Inhibitors.
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.

In Peptide Modifications to Increase Metabolic Stability and Activity, expert researchers in the field provide summarized methods for preparation, purification of modified peptides, and assessment of their biochemical activities. These methods and protocols include preparation of conformationally constrained peptides, modification of peptide bonds, introduction of nonproteinogenic amino acids, and alteration of peptides' physical and biological properties by modification of the amino acid side chains and/or terminal residues. With additional chapter that describes new experimental approach for the detection of exogenous peptides within living cells using peptides labeled with heavy isotopes and confocal Raman microscopy. 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, Peptide Modifications to Increase Metabolic Stability and Activity seeks to provide scientists with alternative approaches to peptide modification that many researchers may find applicable to their specific research requirements.

In an ever-increasing domain of activity Amino Acids Peptides and Proteins provides an annual compilation of the world's research effort into this important area of biological chemistry. Volume 30 provides a review of literature published during 1997. Comprising a comprehensive review of significant developments at this biology/chemistry interface each volume opens with an overview of amino acids and their applications. Work on peptides is reviewed over several chapters ranging from current trends in their synthesis and conformational and structural analysis to peptidomimetics and the discovery of peptide-related molecules in nature. The application of advanced techniques in structural elucidation is incorporated into all chapters whilst periodic chapters on metal complexes of amino acids, peptides and beta-lactams extend the scope of coverage. Efficient searching of specialist topics is facilitated by the sub-division of chapters into discrete subject areas allowing annual trends to be monitored. All researchers in the pharmaceutical and allied industries and at the biology/chemistry interface in academia will find this an indispensable reference source.