Sterol Regulation of Ion Channels, Volume 80, the latest in the Current Topics in Membranes series provides outstanding content to the scientific community on relevant topics that relate to the broad field of membranes. Topics of note in this new release include Membrane structure and general mechanisms of sterol regulation of ion channels, the Regulation of ion channels by sterols as boundary lipids, the Differential effects of sterols on ion channels: specific vs. non-specific interactions, the Structural determinants of cholesterol-ion channels interactions, and the Regulation of Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels by cholesterol and bile acids via distinct channel subunits and sites, amongst other specialized chapters. The serial is targeted towards scientists and researchers in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology, providing the necessary membrane research to assist them in discovering the current state of a particular field. The authors and editors associated with the Current Topics in Membranes series are recognized as world-renowned scientists in their respective fields, making CTM one of the premier serials on membranes

This book highlights the role of the Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) in cell signaling, cell fate and the resulting connection to disease development. It begins by discussing the structure/function of TCTP, before exploring its role in different species ranging from plants to Drosophila and covering fields such as development, the cytoskeleton, cell division, DNA fragility and apoptosis. In turn, the book's final section is devoted to the role of TCTP in disease, namely asthma and diverse cancers, and ultimately as a target for the treatment of malignancies. What is the common denominator between all these processes and why is TCTP necessary in order for them to occur, even in the worst case such as cancer? The book seeks to provide meaningful answers to this and other key questions. Presenting a broad and revealing view on the topic, it offers an informative guide for scientists and students alike.

This volume is a wide-ranging tool for studying protein-carbohydrate interactions that extend from traditional biochemical methods to state-of-the-art techniques. This book focuses on four different research themes: Part I describes methods for screening and quantifying CAZyme activity; Part II contains methods for investigating the interactions between proteins and carbohydrate ligands; Part III discusses methods for the visualization of carbohydrates and protein-carbohydrate complexes; and Part IV focuses on structural and "omic" approaches for studying systems of CAZymes. 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, Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource to the glycomics research community. In this continuously advancing field, the methods in this book highlight the biology of glycomics, thus driving biotechnological innovation and solutions for human health and sustainable resources within the emerging green community.

Advances in Microbial Physiology, Volume 70 continues the long tradition of topical, important, cutting-edge reviews in microbiology with this new volume covering a variety of topics, including Bacterial Hemoprotein Sensors of NO: H-NOX and NosP, Manganese in Marine Microbiology, Nutritional Immunity and Fungal Pathogenesis: The Struggle for Micronutrients at the Host-Pathogen Interface, Metal-Based Combinations that Target Protein Synthesis by Fungi, Transition Metal Homeostasis in Streptococcus Pyogenes and Streptococcus Pneumoniae, Copper and Antibiotics: Discovery, Modes of Action, and Opportunities for Medicinal Applications, Metal Resistance and Its Association with Antibiotic Resistance, and The Role of Intermetal Competition and Mis-Metalation in Metal Toxicity.

This thesis focuses on the study of interactions between protein and peptides and their potential applications in cell imaging and nanoparticle surface modification. Drawing inspiration from naturally occurring coiled-coil binding pairs, it proposes a novel covalent peptide tag and probe system, based on the concept of "affinity guided covalent conjugation." This newly established methodology provides complementary resolution to protein labeling, imaging and trafficking. By systematically investigating the coordination interaction between protein and quantum dots using various engineered protein ligands, this thesis proposes a general rule for protein self-assembly on the surface of quantum dots and reports a revolutionized nanobelt protein in accordance with this rule. It is an extraordinary example of interdisciplinary research, providing answers to real-life biological problems from a chemistry perspective.

This book gives an overview on techniques and future perspectives of various aspects of waste biomass management. It also presents the economic and environmental evaluation, and also the monetary value-benefits and sustainability of the different processes. Recycling processes of lignocellulosic biomass from palm oil mill waste are covered, as well as from sugar industry waste and agriculture waste. It also includes thermal and non-thermal technologies for resource recovery from waste biomass. Challenges in the reuse and recycling of waste biomass are discussed, i.e., the hygienic safety in biomass management and bioremediation technologies for conversion into valuable products. The book is aiming at scientists, researchers and students alike, who are working in the research areas pertaining to waste management

A Structure-Function Toolbox for Membrane Transporter and Channels, Volume 594, a new release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. New chapters in the updated serial include Cryo-EM on membrane proteins embedded in nanodics, Solid-Supported membrane-based electrophysiology on membrane transporters and channels, Saposin-lipoprotein scaffolds for structure determination of membrane transporters and channels, Single-molecule FRET on transporters, Dynamics of channels and transporters investigated by NMR, Structure-function studies on channels and transporters, and a section on MemStar, a new GFP-based expression and purification system for transporters and channels.

In this book, renowned scientists describe the role of steroid chirality and modification of lipid membrane physical properties in the modulation of G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels. The application of commonly-used technical approaches such as mass spectrometry and nucleic magnetic resonance transfer spectroscopy for studies on cholesterol distribution and alteration of lipid bilayer characteristics is also discussed. This book offers comprehensive insights into the current understanding of cholesterol-driven modulation of protein function via mechanisms that extend beyond lipid-protein direct interactions. In the first part, the chapters introduce the reader to the use of the chemical derivatives of cholesterol as a valuable laboratory tool in the studies of cholesterol-driven modulation of protein function. In the second part, examples of cholesterol-induced changes in membrane physical characteristics are presented and discussed in light of their multifaceted contribution to the effect of cholesterol on protein function. The book will be of interest to undergraduate and graduate students as well as basic science and medical researchers with a keen interest in the biophysical properties of cholesterol and physiological consequences of cholesterol presence in biological systems.

Volume 22, entitled Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques, of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences deals with metal ions as tools in imaging. This dates back to the first half of the past century, when barium sulfate was orally given to patients undergoing X-ray examination. The use of contrast agents has since developed into a large interdisciplinary field encompassing not only medicine, but also chemistry, material sciences, physics, biology, engineering, and computer sciences. MILS-22 provides deep and current insights in 17 stimulating chapters on the new research frontiers of this fast growing field on bio-imaging ... and beyond. For example, adding bio-sensing yields theranostic agents, meaning diagnosis and therapy linked in the same molecule; ions of Gd, Mn, Fe, Co, Ir, 99mTc, etc., are involved. Other important topics are, e.g., metal complexes in paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Transfer (paraCEST), radiometals for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, or paramagnetic metal ion probes for 19F magnetic resonance imaging. MILS-22 is written by 57 internationally recognized experts from 12 countries, that is, from the US via Europe to China. The impact of this vibrant research area is manifested by more than 2300 references and nearly 120 figures, mostly in color, and several informative tables. To conclude, Metal Ions in Bio-Imaging Techniques is an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from material sciences, enzymology, analytic, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic ... not forgetting that also excellent information for teaching is provided.

This volume explores lipidomics through protocols that focus on areas of utility, techniques, and bioinformatics advancements. The protocols in this book cover topics such as isolation of specific membranes and specialized fractionation of subcellular compartments, and computational and functional analysis of lipid metabolizing enzymes. Each protocol also discusses methods of dealing with fractionated organelles-cells to whole organisms. 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 comprehensive, Lipidomics: Methods and Protocols is a useful and valuable resource for biochemists, molecular biologists, and neuroscientists interested in neurology, ophthalmology and vision sciences, as well as mass spectrometrists with interest in disease discovery.

In this book, the author provides expert analysis on naturally occurring iridoids, their chemistry and their distribution in plants and insects. Particular attention is given to the pharmacology of iridoids and their prospective applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Iridoids are found in a wide variety of plants and some insects, and they are structurally derived from monoterpenoid natural products. In the first two chapters of this book, the author describes the iridoids classification, occurrence and distribution in plants and insects. The following chapters cover different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques that can be used to identify and quantify iridoids in herbal formulations, and also the biosynthesis of iridoids, in which the reader will discover a metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis to identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis. The final chapters provide insights on several pharmacological activities of iridoids, their physiological role in insects, pharmacokinetics in mammals, insects and microorganisms, and their applications in medicine and agriculture. This book will engage students and researchers interested in the chemistry of natural products, and it will also appeal to medicinal chemists and practitioners working in the design of new herbal drugs with bioactive pure iridoids.

This third edition volume expands on the previous editions with new and improved assays that ask essential questions of telomere regulation in diverse model systems. The chapters in this book discuss genetic, proteomic, genomic, biochemical, and molecular approaches that provide insight into the complex protein interaction networks active in the telomere chromatin. This book also details information regarding telomere dynamics in response to stress or stimuli. 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, Telomeres and Telomerase: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition is a valuable and informative resource for anyone who is interested in the developing field of telomeres and telomerase.

Phytoremediation, Volume 83, the latest release in the Advances in Botanical Research series, covers a variety of new topics, including Metallophytes from calamine and serpentine soils (incl. tolerance mechanisms), The (endophytic) microbiome of plants from metal contaminated environments: small organisms (inhabitants), large influence, the Potential role of plant-associated bacteria in plant metal uptake and implications in phytotechnologies, Plant associated fungi from trace element rich soils and their possible role in metal uptake by their host plants, Phytoextraction: Status and Promise, Molecular and cellular aspects of contaminant toxicity in plants, and a section on Bio- and phytoremediation of pesticide-contaminated environments: a Review. This series publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in the plant sciences, featuring reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology.

This thesis focuses on NHC-catalyzed annulation of nitroalkenes, enals and , -unsaturated carboxylic acids. (1) NHCs were found to be efficient catalysts for the [4+2] annulation of -substituted nitroalkenes. The scope of Rauhut-Currier reaction was successfully extended to the most challenging -substituted alkenes by this method; (2) Enals were successfully used for [4+2] annulations with azodicarboxylates catalyzed by NHC via -addition. Highly enantiopure tetrahydropyridazinones and -amino acid derivatives could be easily prepared by subsequent transformations of the resulting dihydropyridazinones. (4) The readily available , -unsaturated carboxylic acids were first successfully employed to generate the , -unsaturated acyl azolium intermediates by using NHC for the enantioselective [3+2] and [3+3] annulations.

Erythropoietin, Volume 105, the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series first published in 1943, and the longest-running serial published by Academic Press, provides up-to-date information on crystal structures and basic structural studies on neurotrophins and their receptors, neurotrophin functions and the biological actions of neurotrophins related to clinical conditions and disease. Topics covered in this new volume include Erythropoietin Receptor Structural Domains, Analysis of the Asymmetry of Activated EPO Receptor Enables Designing Small Molecule Agonists, Endogenous Erythropoietin, Erythropoietin Receptor Signaling and Lipid Rafts, and Erythropoietin and Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis. Each thoroughly reviewed volume focuses on a single molecule or disease that is related to vitamins or hormones, with the topic broadly interpreted to include related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others. This volume documents the activities of this vital molecule, also describing the structure and function of erythropoietin and its receptor.

DNA Structure and Function, a timely and comprehensive resource, is intended for any student or scientist interested in DNA structure and its biological implications. The book provides a simple yet comprehensive introduction to nearly all aspects of DNA structure. It also explains current ideas on the biological significance of classic and alternative DNA conformations. Suitable for graduate courses on DNA structure and nucleic acids, the text is also excellent supplemental reading for courses in general biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.
Special Features
* Explains basic DNA Structure and function clearly and simply
* Contains up-to-date coverage of cruciforms, Z-DNA, triplex DNA, and other DNA conformations
* Discusses DNA-protein interactions, chromosomal organization, and biological implications of structure
* Highlights key experiments and ideas within boxed sections
* Illustrated with 150 diagrams and figures that convey structural and experimental concepts

This unique book covers the latest developments in coupling and decoupling of biomolecules containing functionalized carbohydrate components, being one of the first collections in this important area of applied medicinal chemistry. Connecting molecules, often referred as bio-conjugation, has become one of the most often performed procedures in modern medicinal chemistry. Sometimes, when the connected molecules are not useful anymore, they must be disconnected. The molecules that must be connected (coupled) may belong to both small and large molecules and include such constructs as glycoproteins, glycopeptides and glycans. In this work, more than 15 experts address a comprehensive range of potential and current uses of in vitro and in vivo bio-conjugation methodologies, leading to a variety of glycoconjugates. The analytical aspects of bio-conjugation are also here discussed. Medicinal and organic chemists from graduate level onwards will understand the appeal of this important book.

This book places oxygen on the center stage of chemistry in a manner that parallels the focus on carbon by 19th century chemists. One measure of the significance of oxygen chemistry is the greater diversity of oxygen-containing molecules than of carbon-containing molecules. One of the most important compounds is water, containing the properties of being a unique medium for biological chemistry and life, the source of all the dioxygen in the atmosphere, and the moderator of the earth's climate. Sawyer first introduces the biological origins of dioxygen and role of dioxygen in aerobic biology and oxidative metabolism, and in separate chapters discusses the oxidation-reduction thermodynamics of oxygen species, and the nature of the bonding for oxygen in its compounds. Additional chapters focus on the reactivities of specific oxygen compounds. The book will be of interest to chemists and biochemists, as well as graduate students, life scientists, and medical researchers.

This volume surveys oxidation activities in key biological systems, including heme proteins and enzymes, oxygenases and oxidases, photosynthetic systems, and cell and tissue damage.