This book focuses on the nutrients and nutraceuticals that promote active and healthy ageing - recently defined by the WHO as the process of development and maintenance of functional capacity that allows well-being at an advanced stage of life. There has been a rapid rise in the use of nutritional interventions as well as specific nutraceuticals in the management of multifactorial aspects of clinical health outcomes. Written by leading experts this book comprehensively discusses the various ageing phenotypes and age-related diseases. It also assesses the nutritional status of the elderly and the various epidemiological factors that influence it. It reviews the role of dietary fiber in disease-free and fully functional ageing. Further, the book explores the benefits of polyphenols, which are secondary plant metabolites, in protecting against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and various neurodegenerative diseases.

This book cover all types of microbe based polymers and their application in diverse sectors with special emphasis on agriculture. It collates latest research, methods, opinion, perspectives, and reviews dissecting the microbial origins of polymers, their production, design, and processing at industrial level, as well as improvements for specific industrial applications. Book also discusses recent advances in biopolymer production and their modification for amplifying the value. In addition, understanding of the microbial physiology and optimal conditions for polymer production are also explained. This compilation of scientific chapters on principles and practices of microbial polymers fosters the knowledge transfer among scientific communities, industries, and microbiologist and serves students, academicians, researchers for a better understanding of the nature of microbial polymers and application procedure for sustainable ecosystem

This book explores how nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy may be used for spatial structural elucidation of novel compounds from fungal and synthetic sources. Readers will discover the exciting world of NOE (nuclear Overhauser effect), RDC (residual dipolar coupling) and J-coupling constants, both short- and long range. With emphasis on obtaining structural knowledge from these NMR observables, focus is moved from solving a static 3D structure to solving the structural space inhabited by small organic molecules. The book outlines the development and implementation of two Heteronuclear Multiple Bond Correlation-type NMR experiments, and the 3D structural elucidation of multiple known and novel compounds. In addition, a new method of back-calculating RDCs (allowing for more flexible structures to be investigated), and the synthesis and evaluation of novel chiral alignment media for ab initio determination of absolute stereochemistry of small molecules using RDCs are also included. Challenges that 3D structural generation of small compounds face are also covered in this work.

This is the third 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.

The present volume is the first attempt to bring together, in a comprehensive and comparative manner, the vast knowledge accumulated on the mycoplasma cell membranes. The state-of-the-art coverage includes physical studies of lipid organization and dynamics in mycoplasma membranes, the role of cholesterol in mycoplasma membranes, spiralins, and eight other subjects.

Protein Structures: The Cooperative Substructure of Protein Molecules; Y. Bai, S.W. Englander. Protein Folding: Approaches to the Determination of More Accurate Crossrelaxation Rates and the Effects of Improved Distance Constraints on Protein Solution Structures; G.C. Hoogstraten, J.L. Markley. Protein Interactions: How Conventional Antigens and Superantigens Interact with the Human MHC Class II Molecule HLADR1; T. Jardetzky. Nucleic Acids and Nucleic Acid-Protein Interactions: Stimulating the Dynamics of the DNA Double Helix in Solution; M. Hirshberg, M. Levitt. Membranes: Applications of Multidimensional Solidstate NMR Spectroscopy to Membrane Proteins; A. Ramamoorthy, et al. Carbohydrate Structure: Conformation, Mobility, and Function of the N-linked Glycan in the Adhesion Domain of Human CD2; G. Wagner, et al. Abstracts from Course: Protein Structures Abstracts: Solution Structure of the ETS-domain from Murine Ets1: A Winged-helix-turn-helix Motif; L.W. Donaldson. Protein Interactions Abstracts: Designing Mutant Hemoglobins; M. Madrid, et al. Nucleic Acids and Nucleic Acid-Protein Interactions Abstracts: A Study on the Dynamics of a DNA Binding Protein; L.M. Horstink, et al. Poster Abstracts. 55 additional articles. Index.

This book discusses the latest developments in plant-mediated fabrication of metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, and their characterization by using a variety of modern techniques. It explores in detail the application of nanoparticles in drug delivery, cancer treatment, catalysis, and as antimicrobial agent, antioxidant and the promoter of plant production and protection. Application of these nanoparticles in plant systems has started only recently and information is still scanty about their possible effects on plant growth and development. Accumulation and translocation of nanoparticles in plants, and the consequent growth response and stress modulation are not well understood. Plants exposed to these particles exhibit both positive and negative effects, depending on the concentration, size, and shape of the nanoparticles. The impact on plant growth and yield is often positive at lower concentrations and negative at higher ones. Exposure to some nanoparticles may improve the free-radical scavenging potential and antioxidant enzymatic activities in plants and alter the micro-RNAs expression that regulate the different morphological, physiological and metabolic processes in plant system, leading to improved plant growth and yields. The nanoparticles also carry out genetic reforms by efficient transfer of DNA or complete plastid genome into the respective plant genome due to their miniscule size and improved site-specific penetration. Moreover, controlled application of nanomaterials in the form of nanofertilizer offers a more synchronized nutrient fluidity with the uptake by the plant exposed, ensuring an increased nutrient availability. This book addresses these issues and many more. It covers fabrication of different/specific nanomaterials and their wide-range application in agriculture sector, encompassing the controlled release of nutrients, nutrient-use efficiency, genetic exchange, production of secondary metabolites, defense mechanisms, and the growth and productivity of plants exposed to different manufactured nanomaterials. The role of nanofertilizers and nano-biosensors for improving plant production and protection and the possible toxicities caused by certain nanomaterials, the aspects that are little explored by now, have also been generously elucidated.

This fully revised and updated new edition provides a comprehensive look at nitrite and nitrate and their effect on human health and disease. The first section describes the biochemical analysis of nitrite and nitrate and its role in human physiology. The book then shifts to sources of human exposure of nitrite and nitrate, including environmental and dietary. Finally, the last section discusses nitric oxide-based therapeutics and how nitrite and nitrate biochemistry can be safely harnessed to improve human health. Each chapter provides a balanced, evidence-based view and heavily cites the most recent published literature. They follow a strict chapter format which includes keywords, key points, a conclusion highlighting major findings, and extensive references. The second edition contains new chapters on nitrite and nitrate in age medicine, nitrite and nitrate as a treatment for hypertension, and nitrite and nitrate in exercise performance. Additionally, the editors have expanded the biochemistry section to include chapters on nitrate reducing oral bacteria, nitrite mediated S-Nitrosation, epigenetics and the regulation of nitric oxide, and nitrite control of mitochondrial function. Nitrate and Nitrite in Human Health and Disease, 2e, will be of interest to health professionals, nutritionists, dieticians, biomedical scientists, and food scientists.

This detailed volume explores numerous histochemical techniques through a series of lab-tested protocols for the detection of specific molecules or metabolic processes, both at light and electron microscopy. More in detail, the book is divided into six sections covering a variety of chemical targets. It begins with a section on vital histochemistry and continues with chapters on histochemistry as it relates to lectins, proteins, lipids, DNA and RNA, as well as plants. The volume also contains four overview chapters on vital histochemistry, lectin histochemistry, and DNA fluorochromes. Written for the highly successful 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, Histochemistry of Single Molecules: Methods and Protocols aims to effectively help scientists in very different research fields to elucidate biological issues though a unique approach to molecular biology in situ.

This book will provide current understandings about two ubiquitously expressed metabotropic GPCRs, G-coupled purinoreceptor type 2 (P2Y) and Takeda G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 5 (TGR5). G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of proteins implicated in majority of cellular responses. The two receptor sub-families play a central role in many physiological functions as well as in many pathological conditions. This book offers up-to-date information on the physiological functions, signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms of P2Y and TGR5 receptors. In addition, this book provides a comprehensive overview about the abnormalities of P2Y/TGR5 receptors and their contribution in the development and progression of pathological conditions. It also covers the currently available natural, chemical and pharmacological agents targeting these two receptor families and their therapeutic implications in P2Y and TGR5 associated disorders. This book is a valuable source for beginners and researchers to follow the rapidly progressing field of these two GPCR subfamily members.

Introductory Paper: Fungal Dimorphism (D. Kerridge). Molecular Genetics of Morphogenic Processes: Molecular Control of Conidiogenesis in Aspergillus nidulans (W.E. Timberlake). Physics and Genetic Mapping of Candida albicans (B.B. Magee et al.). Cell Biology and Biochemsitry: Morphological Aspects of Fungal Dimorphism (M. Borgers). Nature and Control of Cell Wall Biosynthesis (M.G. Shepperd, P.K. Gopal). Dimorphism and Pathogenesis: Pathogenicity of Wangiella Dermatitidis (A. Polak, D.M. Dixon). Do Dimorphic Fungi More Easily Escape Host Defences and Treatment? (D.A. Stevens). Diagnosis and Treatment of Mycoses: Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis (J. Wheat). Morphological Aspects of Antifungal Agents (H. Yamaguchi et al.). 28 additional articles. Index.

This book addresses chemical and biological aspects related to sesquiterpene lactones (STLs). Experts in different fields have been invited to contribute on this class of compound's chemistry, isolation and identification, biological activities (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitrypanosomal, antileishmanial,antiplasmodial, antiproliferative and antiinflammatory), synthesis, biosynthesis, derivatization and QSAR analysis. Taxonomic and chemotaxonomic aspects related to the Asteraceae family are also contributed. The book begins by describing the chemical characteristics of STLs, their classification in different skeleton types, synthesis, distribution in nature and their most important biological properties. An overview of the group's main representatives, based on their importance for human health, as well as an update of the most recently isolated STLs, follow. The authors also provide an overview of the most common methods described in the literature for the extraction, purification, identification and structure elucidation of STLs, while also highlighting more recently developed methods. Furthermore, experts in the field provide an in-depth discussion of the most commonly employed in vitro and in vivo antiprotozoal assays against the different stages of parasites, as well as STLs' properties as anticancer agents in numerous cancer cell lines and animal models. Lastly, the book presents examples of the in vitro and in vivo activity of STLs and their mechanism of antiprotozoal action, together with an analysis of ultrastructural alterations, observed using TEM techniques. The book is aimed at scientists working on natural products: both those investigating this particular group of compounds and those who wish to further explore its potential as new drugs for medical conditions such as protozoal diseases and cancer.

This book offers a thorough review of the scientific research that links the consumption of grapes to better health. The book starts with a basic review of grape biology, including the key families of phytochemicals found in grapes, and where they are found. An overview of the rationale for and subsequent creation of a standardized grape powder for use in basic and clinical research provides insight and understanding regarding its widespread use in grape-specific research today. The remaining chapters each thoroughly examine a key area of health, demonstrating a significant scope of impact on well-being. The book examines the role of grapes in supporting heart health under multiple angles: general cardiovascular effects, as well as specific effects directly linked to atherosclerosis and hypertension. Other emerging and important areas of health are examined, ranging from grapes and cancer, where grape consumption has been shown to protect healthy colon tissue; grapes and inflammation, where grapes have been shown to block inflammatory activity in immune cells of fat tissue; to brain health, where a grape-enriched diet has been shown to protect against neuronal damage due to loss of oxygen in the brain, as well as against oxidative stress-related anxiety and resulting memory loss; to grapes and eye health where grape consumption has been shown to protect the retina from damage.

Carbohydrate Chemistry provides review coverage of all publications relevant to the chemistry of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides in a given year. The amount of research in this field appearing in the organic chemical literature is increasing because of the enhanced importance of the subject, especially in areas of medicinal chemistry and biology. In no part of the field is this more apparent than in the synthesis of oligosaccharides required by scientists working in glycobiology. Clycomedicinal chemistry and its reliance on carbohydrate synthesis is now very well established, for example, by the preparation of specific carbohydrate- based antigens, especially cancer-specific oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Coverage of topics such as nucleosides, amino-sugars, alditols and cyclitols also covers much research of relevance to biological and medicinal chemistry. Each volume of the series brings together references to all published work in given areas of the subject and serves as a comprehensive database for the active research chemist Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage in major areas of chemical research. Compiled by teams of leading authorities in the relevant subject areas, the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, with regular, in-depth accounts of progress in particular fields of chemistry. Subject coverage within different volumes of a given title is similar and publication is on an annual or biennial basis.

This book presents a broad perspective on saponins as important natural products with a key role in plant defense. The presence of saponins has been reported in several plant species, and many types of saponins have been found to exhibit significant antifungal activities. In addition to their role in plant defense, saponins are of increasing interest for drug research, as they are active ingredients in several traditional medicines and hold potentially valuable pharmacological properties. In this book, the authors briefly introduce readers to saponin accumulation in various plant organs, with a specific focus on their structure classification and diversity. Readers will find detailed information on the saponin structure-activity relationship and saponins' vital role in sustainable agriculture as a chemical barrier to pathogen attack. The latest techniques for isolating, identifying, and quantifying saponins are also discussed. In the closing chapter, the authors outline the recent metabolic engineering strategies applied to improve saponin glycosides production and their potential applications in plant disease resistance. This book and the companion volume Bioactive Molecules in Plant Defense: Signaling in Growth and Stress offer vital resources for all researchers and students interested in plant pathology, mycology and sustainable agriculture.

This volume provides practical experimental laboratory protocols for a wide range of steroid bioconversions. The chapters in this book cover topics such as bioconversions and chemical synthesis pathways; strain characterization; bioconversion from sterols to androstenedione and androstadienedione; steroid hydroxylations; biocatalysis; and downstream processes to purify steroid intermediates. 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. Comprehensive and thorough, Microbial Steroids: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for laboratory and industrial professionals. It is also useful for graduate students studying biotechnology, microbiology, genetics, and molecular biology.

Rapid progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cell growth and oncogenesis during the past decade. Special attention has been given to the presentation of the frequently neglected close correlation between changes in signal transduction and metabolic pathways during oncogenesis. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on the clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. The book presents recent findings on the regulation of cell growth in normal and neoplastic tissues by growth factors including hormones, and by the activation and inactivation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, respectively. It also offers a survey of the molecular and cell biochemistry of retinoids. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology and cell biology as well as clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. This book advances the knowledge of mechanisms regulating metabolism and functioning of vitamin A and offers the most recent results of research on clinical efficiency of retinoids in skin disorders and cancer. Basic researchers in biochemistry, pharmacology, cell biology, and clinicians will find this book very informative and up-to-date. The chapters, organized in six sections, are contributed by leading scientists who have been working in the retinoid field for decades. Their experience and competence is aknowledged worldwide.

This volume provides an essential update on fundamental issues, current and new applications, as well as practical protocols to explore the extensive applications of lipases and the potential application of phospholipases. After an overview, the book delves into activity screening and expression, optimization of the biocatalyst production and performances, and applications of lipases, phospholipases, and esterases. Written for the highly successful 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 accessible, Lipases and Phospholipases: Methods and Protocols, Second Editionserves as an updated reference book for the large scientific community, both seasoned and novice, working with lipases, phospholipases, and related enzymes.

Retinoids have received considerable attention in recent years and due cognizance has been given to their versatility as biological response modifiers, as evidenced by the virtually explosive growth of literature in this field in the past few years. This volume has been designed to give a current state-of-the-art picture of retinoids. The perceived potential of retinoids in the treatment of certain disease stated has initiated attempts at identifying and synthesizing new retinoid derivatives with definable and selective effects on aberrant biological phenomena. Appropriately, therefore, we begin with the chemistry of retinoids and their derivatives together with discussions of their biological activity. Major advances have been made in understanding the mechanisms by which retinoids modulate physiological and phenotypic traits of cells. The transduction of retinoid signaling by the mediation of nuclear receptors of the steroid/thyroid receptor superfamily has now been studied extensively and the cloning and defining the characteristics of these receptors has been a focus of discussion in this volume. Retinoids also markedly modulate the transduction of extracellular signals such as those imparted by growth factors and hormones, and thus actively influence and control cellular proliferative patterns. Retinoids can alter epidermal growth factor receptor expression (Kawaguchi et al., 1994), responsiveness to thyroid hormone (Esfandiari et al., 1994; Pallet et al., 1994), inhibit the proliferative responses of hematopoietic progenitor cells to granulocyte colony stimulating factor (Smeland et al., 1994), and modulate secretion on interleukins by leukaemic cells (Balitrand et al., 1994), among other things. This has obvious implications for pharmacological manipulation of deregulated growth (Dickens and Colletta, 1993; Mulshine et al., 1993). Apoptosis is another component in the regulation of growth control. Apoptotic cell death is influenced by several agents and retinoids may function by interfering with apoptotic pathways of regulation of growth control and quite legitimately, therefore, the importance of this aspect of retinoid function has been duly recognized here.

A look at the methods and algorithms used to predict protein structure

A thorough knowledge of the function and structure of proteins is critical for the advancement of biology and the life sciences as well as the development of better drugs, higher-yield crops, and even synthetic bio-fuels. To that end, this reference sheds light on the methods used for protein structure prediction and reveals the key applications of modeled structures. This indispensable book covers the applications of modeled protein structures and unravels the relationship between pure sequence information and three-dimensional structure, which continues to be one of the greatest challenges in molecular biology.

With this resource, readers will find an all-encompassing examination of the problems, methods, tools, servers, databases, and applications of protein structure prediction and they will acquire unique insight into the future applications of the modeled protein structures. The book begins with a thorough introduction to the protein structure prediction problem and is divided into four themes: a background on structure prediction, the prediction of structural elements, tertiary structure prediction, and functional insights. Within those four sections, the following topics are covered: Databases and resources that are commonly used for protein structure predictionThe structure prediction flagship assessment (CASP) and the protein structure initiative (PSI)Definitions of recurring substructures and the computational approaches used for solving sequence problemsDifficulties with contact map prediction and how sophisticated machine learning methods can solve those problemsStructure prediction methods that rely on homology modeling, threading, and fragment assemblyHybrid methods that achieve high-resolution protein structuresParts of the protein structure that may be conserved and used to interact with other biomoleculesHow the loop prediction problem can be used for refinement of the modeled structuresThe computational model that detects the differences between protein structure and its modeled mutant

Whether working in the field of bioinformatics or molecular biology research or taking courses in protein modeling, readers will find the content in this book invaluable.

This up-to-date volume includes protocols that illustrate the broad use of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and ChIP-related methods in a variety of biological research areas. The collection also includes protocols designed to improve the performance of ChIP for specific applications. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introduction to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation: Methods and Protocols features techniques, including bioinformatic analysis of ChIP data, will be of interest to a very broad research community in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, and biomedicine.