Nucleic acids are the fundamental building blocks of DNA and RNA and are found in virtually every living cell. Molecular biology is a branch of science that studies the physicochemical properties of molecules in a cell, including nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. Increased understanding of nucleic acids and their role in molecular biology will further many of the biological sciences including genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. Progress in Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology is intended to bring to light the most recent advances in these overlapping disciplines with a timely compilation of reviews comprising each volume.
* Provides a forum for discussion of new discoveries, approaches and ideas in molecular biology
* Includes contributions from the leaders in the field
* Has abundant references

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. More than 270 volumes have been published (all of them still in print) and much of the material is relevant even today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
Key Features
* This volume and its companion Volumes 279, 280, and 281 provide
* A collation of the most recent and useful methods for the identification, preparation, and quantification of vitamins and coenzymes
* Details on physical, chemical, and biological properties of vitamins and coenzymes
* Chemical and biological syntheses of vitamins, coenzymes, and their analogs
* Aspects of transport and metabolism of vitamins and coenzymes

This work provides rapid access to focused information on topics of Immunotoxicology not only for scientists and those dealing with laboratory aspects but also for lecturers and advanced students. Over 200 contributing authors - including many of the world's top specialists - have contributed full essays on all relevant topics, supplemented by keyword definitions of related terms. Full essays are structured uniformly to provide reader-friendly information on all aspects of Immunotoxicology, including methods of testing and analysis, characteristics of substances, the regulatory environment and the relevance of these to humans.

The book focuses on the current research of the relation between protein phosphorylation and meat quality, reviews the influence mechanism of protein phosphorylation on meat quality, and summarizes the improvement of meat quality by regulating protein phosphorylation. It could help to clarify some dilemmas and encourage further research in this field, aiming for effective application of protein phosphorylation in meat quality in the near future. The book is written for researchers and graduate students in the field of meat science, food chemistry and molecular biology etc.

Small molecule microarrays (SMM) were introduced in 1999 and within just a short span of time, have established themselves as a vibrant next generation platform for high-throughput screening. Small Molecule Microarrays: Methods and Protocols consolidates a significant collection of examples, which serve to guide researchers toward ways in which SMM technology may be effectively deployed for multiplexed screening, drug discovery and ligand identification. The volume is organized into three sections covering microarray fabrication, imaging modes, and discovery approaches. The chapters cover a range of small molecule library types, ranging from synthetic combinatorial libraries to peptide and carbohydrate libraries, with lessons and techniques that can be widely applied. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, format, chapters include introductions of their respective topics, lists of the requisite materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols as well as vital tips on troubleshooting and advice on avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Small Molecule Microarrays: Methods and Protocols provides meticulous insights into the successful applications of SMM, by experts in the field. Building on this collection of knowledge, the volume seeks to inspire a future generation of microarray practitioners to propel this significant technology to even greater heights

Exto-ATPase: Characterization and Localization. Ecto-ATPases of the Nervous System; A.K. Nagy. Evidence for Ectonucleotidases in the Guinea-Pig Cochlea: In Vivo and in Vitro Biochemical Studies; S.M. Vlajkovic, et al. Ecto-ATPase: Purification and Sequencing. Purification, Characterization, and Molecular Cloning of the Chicken Gizzard Smooth Muscle Ecto-ATPase; T.L. Kirley, J.G. Stout. A Strategy for Monoclonal Antibody Production to Ecto-ATPases; R.S. Strobel, M.D. Rosenberg. Ecto-ATPases: Function and Pathology. Immunochemical Expression of Ecto-ATP-Diphosphohydrolase in Experimental and Clinical Disease; W.W. Bakker, et al. Control of Platelet Reactivity by an cto-ADPase on Human Edonthelial Cells; A.J. Marcus, et al. Interrelationship of Ecto-ATPase and Purinoceptor Function. P2 Nucleotide Receptor Structure and Function; G.A. Weisman, et al. Ectonucleotidases and Purinoceptors in the Cochlea and Their Putative Role in Hearing; P.R. Thorne, et al. Other Relevant Cell Surface Proteins. Ubiquitous Expression of the beta-Subunit of H+-Transporting ATP Synthase on the Surface of Tumor Cells: Possible Roles in Tumorigenesis and Immune Surveillance; B. Das, et al. 26 Additional Articles. Index.

The Epidemiological Approach to the Study of Protease Inhibitors (Fontham, Correa). In vitro Studies of Anticarcinogenic Protease Inhibitors (Kennedy). Discovery and Background of the BowmanBirk Protease Inhibitors (Bowman). Antigenicity of Soybean Protease Inhibitors (Bandon et al.). Low Molecular Weight Protease Inhibitors of Microbial Origin (Umezawa et al.). Protease Inhibitor Synthesis by MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells (Finlay et al.). Analysis of StructurActivity Relationships of the BowmanBirk Inhibitor of Serine Proteases (Flecker). Prevention of Cancer by Vitamin B3 (Troll). Approaches to Studying the Target Enzymes of Anticarcinogenic Protease Inhibitors (Billings). Anticarcinogenic Activities of Naturally Occuring Cysteine Protease Inhibitors (Colella et al.). Cell Membrane Enzymes Containing ChymotrypsinLike Activity (Yavelow et al.). The Role of Active Oxygen Species in Biological Damage and the Effect of Some Chemopreventative Agents (Frenkel). 6 additional articles. Index.

This volume provides an overview of the biochemical characterization, structure-function studies, proteomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, transcriptomics and genomics of various spider species. The book also covers our current knowledge of venom components, toxins and their modes of action. The first section of Spider Venom includes contributions regarding the wide diversity of spider venom components and depicts some of their biological effects (antimicrobial, ion channel modulators, insecticides, this includes peptide and non-peptide toxins), and emphasizes spiders of public health importance. The second section covers transcriptomes, proteomes (and peptidomics), bioinformatics and molecular dynamics. The last section describes antimicrobial, insecticidal toxins, envenomation and the medical potential of spider venoms. Spider venoms are a great and extensive source of bioactive compounds, and as such form a boundless and bountiful area awaiting discovery. It is by virtue of dedicated scientists that new toxins are discovered and that new insights arise, leading the way towards the investigation of their pharmacological effects, and hopefully, as a consequence, arriving at the discovery of venom components as new drug candidates.

Intracellular Lipid Distribution, Transport and Sorting: A Cellbiologist's Need for Physicochemical Information; G. Van Meer, I.L. Van Genderen Biophysical Characterization of Membrane and Cytoskeletal Proteins by Sedimentation Analysis; M.B. Morris, G.B. Ralston Monomolecular Layers in the Study of Biomembranes; R.A. Demel Differential Scanning and Dynamic Calorimetric Studies of Cooperative Phase Transitions in Phospholipid Bilayer Membranes; Q. Ye, R.L. Biltonen Ektacytometry of Red Cells; R.M. Johnson Spin Label ESR Study of Molecular Dynamics of Lipid/Protein Association in Membranes; L.I. Horvath NMR Methods for Measuring Membrane Transport; P.W. Kuchel, et al. Determination of Soluble and Membrane Protein Structure by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy; E. Goormaghtigh, et al. Xray Diffraction on Biomembranes with Emphasis on Lipid Moiety; P. Laggner 2 additional articles. Index.

Structure: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Studies of ThrombinFibrinopeptide and ThrombinHirudin Complexes (F. Ni et al.). ESR and Flourescence Studies of Thrombin Active Site Conformation (L.J. Berliner). Biochemistry: Synthetic Substrates and Inhibitors of Thrombin (J.C. Powers, C.M. Kam). Regulation of Thrombin by Antithrombin and Heparin Cofactor II (S.T. Olson, I. Bjoerk). Hirudin Interactions with Thrombin (S.R. Stone, J.M. Maraganore). Physiology: Functional Domains in Thrombin Outside the Catalytic Site (R. BarShavit et al.). Post Clotting Cellular Effects of Thrombin Mediated by Interaction with HighAffinity Thrombin Receptors (D.H. Carney). Regulation of ThrombinInduced Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction and Prostaglandin Synthesis (J.G.N. Garcia et al.). 3 additional articles. Index.

This new edition provides a comprehensive look at the molecular genetics and biochemical basis of fungal biology, covering important model organisms such as Aspergilli while also integrating advances made with zygomycetes and basidiomycetes. This book groups a total of 15 chapters authored by expert scholars in their respective fields into four sections. Five chapters cover various aspects of gene expression regulation. These range from regulation in organismal interactions between parasitic fungi and their host plant, heavy metal stress and global control of natural product genes to conidiation and regulation through RNA interference. Two chapters are dedicated to signal transduction, highlighting MAP-kinase-dependent signaling and heterotrimeric G-proteins. Fungal carbohydrates are the subject of the third section, which addresses both polymeric cell wall carbohydrates and trehalose as an important, low molecular weight carbohydrate. The fourth section emphasizes the metabolism of major elements (carbon, nitrogen, sulfur) and critical cellular pathways for primary and secondary products.

This volume provides an up-to-date, in-depth overview of the methods that have been applied to studying the complex metalloproteins at a molecular level. Chapters cover a wide range of approaches focusing on genetic, biochemical, spectroscopic, chemical methods, and theoretical calculations. 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, Metalloproteins: Methods and Protocols aims to be useful for anyone who is interested in metalloprotein research and wants to address the unanswered mechanistic and biosynthetic questions of these fascinating enzyme systems.

This book provides a detailed overview of the current understanding of the metabolic system of starch biosynthesis and degradation in plants. The focus is on new topics regarding the functional interaction between multiple enzymes and the initiation process of starch biosynthesis, which are essential for further understanding of related metabolic features. The book also explains and discusses the distinct structures of amylopectin and amylose and the crystalline structure of starch granules. At the same time, readers will be made aware of areas where further research remains to be done, such as the regulation of starch metabolism, the fine structure of starch molecules, and the manipulation of the structure and functional properties of starch by genetic and molecular technology. Also described are aspects of the biosynthetic machinery of starch, the structure and metabolism of which have developed and been refined during the process of plant evolution. In addition, recent approaches to producing novel starches with distinct physicochemical and functional properties in gene-modified mutants and transgenic plants for industrial applications are introduced. Finally, the book elaborates on the unresolved topics, necessary approaches and future prospects to achieve a complete understanding of the regulation of starch metabolism. This volume is of great value for general scientists, students and anyone wishing to understand the specific and complicated events of starch metabolism and biotechnology. It will be especially useful for food scientists and engineers in academia and industry.

This volume covers past and present western blot techniques, such as diffusion blotting, slice blotting, blotting of high and low molecular weight proteins, single cell blotting and automated blotting. 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. Thorough and cutting-edge, Western Blotting: Methods and Protocols will serve as an invaluable reference for those interested in further study into this fascinating field.

This volume provides the most commonly used methods and protocols to study the apoptotic and non-apoptotic roles of CD95. Chapters explore molecular, biochemical, cellular methods and animal models to in order to better understand the biological functions of this cytokine. 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, CD95: Methods and Protocols aims to foster original research on CD95/CD95L couple.

This edited work presents studies that clarify the basics of producing recombinant enzymes that finally lead to commercialization. It enables researchers to see what is crucial to the commercialization process, from examining the cloning method, using analytical techniques such as calculating the total protein content and enzyme activity, through considering upstream and downstream processes, to the final product. Readers will discover the importance of the cloning method as it influences the upstream and downstream processes and determines the level of success of the recombinant enzyme commercialization processes. We see that the two main factors that are particularly sensitive during the cloning process are the vector and the host. A discussion of analytical techniques is presented followed by studies on important stages during the upstream processes including the process of optimizing the media to get results and high enzyme activity. Downstream processes such as the cell disruption technique, purification and formulation of the final product are then considered. The reader is introduced to software that helps streamline recombinant enzyme production from the upstream to downstream processes, to facilitate the process of up-scaling production. This work includes a case study as tool, to guide understanding of the commercialization process. The work is written for researchers in the field and is especially suited to those who are under pressure to embark on the tough process of commercialization.

In the current edition, Selenium: Its Molecular Biology and Role in Human Health expands extensively on the previous editions providing readers with the most significant advances in the rapidly developing selenium field. Evidence from epidemiology and veterinary science supports the essential role of selenium in (human) health, but its split personality in both preventing and supporting cancer and also in promoting insulin resistance has become more clearly defined. The pivotal role of glutathione peroxidase 4 in a new process of programmed cell death, ferroptosis, brings new impetus to the field. Recently defined mutations in selenoprotein and biosynthesis factor genes have been identified in patients, and the resulting disorders further emphasize the significance of selenoproteins in human health. The mechanism of selenoprotein biosynthesis, the functions of selenoproteins, and the roles of dietary selenium have been further elucidated, and new regulatory mechanisms involving selenoproteins discovered. The book, therefore, covers the breadth of current selenium research. With up-to-date chapters written by leaders in their fields, it serves as an invaluable resource for novices as well as specialists.

This volume provides up-to-date scientific achievements from the world's top researchers. Recombinant Proteins from Plants: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition guides readers through protocolsfor use with a variety of plant expression systems. Various aspects of production are covered including vector selection and cloning; product improvements for stability, glycosylation, and antibiotic-free selection; extraction and scale-up; and analysis of transgenic plants and their recombinant proteins. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, Recombinant Proteins from Plants: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal reference for those who are interested in plant molecular biology and molecular farming.

The volumes of this classic series, now referred to simply as "Zechmeister" after its founder, Laszlo Zechmeister, have appeared under the Springer Imprint ever since the series' inauguration in 1938. The series has featured contributions by seven Nobel laureates: D.H.R. Barton, D. Crowfoot Hodgkin, L. Pauling, K. Alder, O. Diels, P. Karrer, H. von Euler-Chelpin.
The volumes contain contributions on various topics related to the origin, distribution, chemistry, synthesis, biochemistry, function or use of various classes of naturally occurring substances ranging from small molecules to biopolymers. Each contribution is written by a recognized authority in the field and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the topic in question. Addressed to biologists, technologists, and chemists alike, the series can be used by the expert as a source of information and literature citations and by the non-expert as a means of orientation in a rapidly developing discipline.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

Animal Models of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Hyperammonemia.- Brain Metabolism in Encephalopathy Caused by Hyperammonemia.- In Vivo Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Role of the Cellular Hydration State for Cellular Function: Physiological and Pathophysiological Aspects.- Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Hyperammonemia and Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Spinal Seizures in Ammonia Intoxication.- Molecular Mechanism of Acute Ammonia Toxicity and of its Prevention by L-Carnitine.- Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy: a Disorder of Multiple Neurotransmitter Systems.- The GABA Hypothesis: State of the Art.- Neuropharmacologic Modulation of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Experimental and Clinical Data.- S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Synthetase and Methionine Metabolism Deficiencies in Cirrhosis.- Diagnosis and Therapy of Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Neomycin Reduces the Intestinal Production of Ammonia from Glutamine.- N-Acetylglutamate Synthetase (NAGS) Deficiency.- Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: A Model for Gene Therapy.- Retroviral Gene Transfer for LDL Receptor Deficiency into Primary Hepatocytes.- The Carnitine System: Recent Aspects.- Use of Hepatocyte Cultures for Liver Support Bioreactors.- Hepatitis C Viral infection after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.- Exercise-Induced Hyperammonemia: Skeletal Muscle Ammonia Metabolism and the Peripheral and Central Effects.- Possible Role of Ammonia in the Brain in Dementia of Alzheimer Type.- Contributors.

This is the second volume in a series on membrane protein transfer. Membrane protein transport underlies the topological disposition of many proteins within cells and it is this disposition that allows for the co-ordination of the central cellular processes, such as metabolism.

1 Einleitung.- 1.1 Rechtliche Hygieneregelung.- 1.2 Aspekte zum Hygienekonzept.- Literatur.- 2 Begriffe zur Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.1 Lebensmittel.- 2.2 Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.3 Leichtverderbliche Lebensmittel.- 2.4 Verpackte Lebensmittel.- 2.5 Herstellen.- 2.6 Behandeln.- 2.7 In-Verkehr-bringen.- 2.8 Verzehren.- 2.9 Nachteilige Beeinflussung.- 2.10 Genusstauglichkeit/ Genusswert.- 2.11 Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum.- 2.12 Bedarfsgegenstande.- Literatur.- 3 Lebensmittelmikrobiologie.- 3.1 Einteilung von Mikroorganismen.- 3.1.1 Bakterien und Bakteriensporen.- 3.1.2 Schimmelpilze.- 3.1.3 Hefepilze.- 3.1.4 Viren.- 3.2 Groessenordnung von Mikroorganismen und Viren.- 3.3 Erkennbarmachung von Keimen.- 3.4 Vermehrungsformen von Mikroorganismen.- 3.4.1 Ungeschlechtliche Fortpflanzung.- 3.4.2 Geschlechtliche Fortpflanzung von Hefen.- 3.5 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen, Lebensmittelverderber und Nutzlinge.- 3.5.1 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen und schadliche Stoffwechselprodukte.- 3.5.2 Lebensmittelverderber.- 3.5.3 Technologisch erwunschte Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 4 Wachstumsvoraussetzungen fur Mikroorganismen - Beeinflussung der Vermehrung.- 4.1 Wachstumsfaktoren.- 4.1.1 Nahrstoffangebot.- 4.1.2 Wasseraktivitat und Feuchtigkeit.- 4.1.3 pH-Wert.- 4.1.4 Temperatur.- 4.1.5 Redoxpotential.- 4.2 Beeinflussung des Wachstums von Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 5 Mikrobielle Gefahrdung von Produkten.- 5.1 Lebensmittelverderb.- 5.1.1 Faulnis.- 5.1.2 Garung.- 5.1.3 Sauerung.- 5.1.4 Ranziditat.- 5.1.5 Schimmeln.- 5.2 Lebensmittelvergiftung.- 5.2.1 Salmonellen.- 5.2.2 Staphylococcus aureus.- 5.2.3 Clostridium perfringens.- 5.2.4 Clostridium botulinum.- 5.2.5 Bacillus cereus.- 5.2.6 Listeria monocytogenes.- 5.3 Gefahrdungen physikalischen Ursprungs.- Literatur.- 6 Schadlingsbefall und weitere Gefahrdungen.- 6.1 Insekten.- 6.2 Nager und Voegel.- 6.3 Schadlingsbekampfung als Teil der Betriebshygiene.- 6.4 Chemische Schadensquellen.- 6.5 Physikalische Schadensquellen.- 7 Raum-und Anlagenhygiene.- 7.1 Reinigung und Desinfektion.- 7.1.1 Reinigungsverfahren.- 7.1.2 Desinfektion.- 7.1.3 Reinigungsintervalle.- 7.2 Raumtemperaturen.- 7.3 Konstruktive Anlagenhygiene.- Literatur.- 8 Stichprobenplane.- 8.1 Mikrobiologische Stichprobenplane.- 8.1.1 2-Klassenplan.- 8.1.2 3-Klassenplan.- 8.2 Stichprobenplane fur die sensorische Prufung.- Literatur.- 9 Betriebseigene Massnahmen und Kontrollen - HACCP-Konzept.- 9.1 Produktbeschreibung, Ermittlung potentieller Gefahren, Identifizierung kritischer Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 1-3).- 9.2 Festlegung und Durchfuhrung des Verfahrens zur UEberwachung und Kontrolle der kritischen Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 4, 5).- 9.3 UEberprufung der Eigenkontrollsysteme, Dokumentation (HACCP-Grundsatze 6, 7).- Literatur.

This volume explores numerous techniques for the genetic, molecular, biochemical, and structural examination of BCL-2 family proteins and their interactions. The chapters in this book cover topics such as the relevance of BCL-2 proteins in health and disease; evaluating cellular dependencies to specific BCL-2 family proteins; flow-cytometry-based methods for measuring BCL-2 proteins and mitochondrial-based cell death; measuring activity and interactions of BCL-2 family proteins in the presence of mitochondria, artificial membranes or yeast; conformational activation and oligomerization of pro-apoptotic proteins BAX and BAK leading to cytochrome c release and apoptosis; structural and biophysical studies in solution and lipid vesicles using nuclear magnetic resonance, cryo-electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance. 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. Cutting-edge and thorough, BCL-2 Family Proteins: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource to inspire and encourage novice and established scientists to further their research and make new discoveries in this exciting field.

Targeted proteomics is a technology for detecting proteins of interest with high sensitivity, quantitative accuracy, and reproducibility. The analysis of a pre-defined group of proteins provides precise, quantitative, and sensitive data to scientists and clinicians and can provide information on a subset of proteins important for their biological function. In this volume, a panel of high-profile contributors provides an overview of targeted proteomics in biomedical science. The book is focused on current state-of-the-art technology and applications, and it will be a valuable source of information for everyone working in this field. The first part of the book provides detailed examples of the application of targeted proteomics in biomarker discovery and pathogenesis. The second part is focused on the various tools used in targeted proteomics, including bioinformatics approaches, while the final section is dedicated to biobanks, a vital aspect of targeted proteomics. The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in proteomics, disease pathogenesis, clinical protein science, and biomarker discovery.