This detailed volume describes cutting-edge techniques in three distinct and complementary areas of contemporary kinase biology research. Beginning with a section on synthetic biology, chemical biology, and screening approaches to kinase signaling networks, the book continues with sections on mass spectrometry and metabolic analysis of kinase signaling as well as computational analysis of kinase signaling networks. 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, Kinase Signaling Networks aims to provide scientists with the tools necessary to overcome the technological bottlenecks that limit our ability to gain a deeper mechanistic understanding of kinase biology.

This thesis describes an in-depth study of an indolizine-based fluorophore, from understanding of its structure-photophysical property relationship to its application as a useful biological reporter. Organic fluorophores have been extensively used in the field of molecular biology owing to their excellent photophysical property, suitable cell permeability, and synthetic flexibility. Understanding of the structure-photophysical property relationship of a given fluorophore often paves the road to the development of valuable molecular probes to visualize and transcribe biological networks. In this thesis, respective chapters deal with molecular design, organic synthesis, structure-property analysis, and quantum-mechanical interpretation of unexplored family of indolizine-based molecules. This systematic exploration has led to rational development of a new microalgae lipid droplet probe, colorful bioorthogonal fluorogenic probes, and a bright mitochondrial probe, working under live cell conditions. Harnessing the optical properties of a given fluorophore has been an important topic for a couple of decades, both in industry and in academia. This thesis provides useful insights for the improvement and development of unique small fluorescent materials, or optical materials.

This edited volume concerns a group of devastating neurological disorders that share a common pathological mechanism, namely the aggregation and deposition of insoluble, proteinaceous lesions, termed 'amyloid'. Examples of cerebral amyloid disorders include common neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease-related dementia and Parkinson's disease, as well as other less prevalent conditions like Huntington's disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy and the transmissible prion disorders. A disease-modifying therapeutic agent is still lacking for all these diseases, and there are no approved therapies that target amyloid formation directly. Nevertheless, a large and complex group of natural aromatic compounds known as polyphenols are rapidly emerging as potentially potent anti-amyloidogenic agents. This book collectively presents a considerable body of experimental and epidemiological evidence from peer-reviewed scientific publications that support a role for natural compounds and herbal extracts in the chemoprevention and therapy of amyloidogenic disorders. Each contribution is written by scientific experts in the relevant field; chapters are devoted to Mediterranean diet and olive oil phenols, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal extracts, polyphenols (with a particular emphasis on epigallocatechin-3-gallate) and bi-flavonoids, amongst others. The topic of this book is relevant to a wide audience, from academia and university students in the biological and chemical sciences, to physicians and allied health professionals, as well as people working in the nutraceutical industry.

This book addresses the important clinical problem of accurately diagnosing osteoporosis, and analyzes how Bone Turnover Markers (BTMs) can improve osteoporosis detection. In her research, the author integrated microfluidic technology with electrochemical sensing to embody a reaction/detection chamber to measure serum levels of different biomarkers, creating a microfluidic proteomic platform that can easily be translated into a biomarker diagnostic. The Osteokit System, a result of the integration of electrochemical system and microfluidic chips, is a unique design that offers the potential for greater sensitivity. The implementation, feasibility, and specificity of the Osteokit platform is demonstrated in this book, which is appropriate for researchers working on bone biology and mechanics, as well as clinicians.

The field of oligonucleotide therapeutics research is ripe with the prospect of new discoveries. In "Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: Methods and Protocols," a selection of established and emerging methods for the application of oligonucleotides as therapeutics are presented, all providing the tools needed to inspire great changes in the field. Divided into twenty-one chapters, this detailed volume meticulously describes vital protocols for optimizing and improving cell uptake, such as photochemical internalization, modified cell penetrating peptides, antibody conjugates, and nanoparticles. Other chapters address quantitation of RNA therapeutics in cells, assaying gene knockdown, selecting the best target site and synthesis of various modified oligonucleotides. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and easily accessible, "Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: Methods and Protocols "serves as a timely resource for both professionals and novices pursuing research in this exciting and pioneering field."

MILS-14 provides a most up-to-date view of the exciting biogeochemistry of gases in our environment as driven mostly by microorganisms. These employ a machinery of sophisticated metalloenzymes, where especially transition metals (such as Fe, Ni, Cu, Mo, W) play a fundamental role, that is, in the activation, transformation and syntheses of gases like dihydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, acetylene and those of the biological nitrogen and sulfur cycles. The Metal-Driven Biogeochemistry of Gaseous Compounds in the Environment is a vibrant research area based mainly on structural and microbial biology, inorganic biological chemistry and environmental biochemistry. All this is covered in an authoritative manner in 11 stimulating chapters, written by 26 internationally recognized experts and supported by nearly 1200 references, informative tables and about 100 illustrations (two thirds in color). MILS-14 also provides excellent information for teaching. Peter M. H. Kroneck is a bioinorganic chemist who is exploring the role of transition metals in biology, with a focus on functional and structural aspects of microbial iron, copper and molybdenum enzymes and their impact on the biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and sulfur. Martha E. Sosa Torres is an inorganic chemist, with special interests in magnetic properties of newly synthesized transition metal complexes and their reactivity towards molecular oxygen, applying kinetic, electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases remove phosphates from the phosphotyrosine residues of target proteins and reverse the action of various protein tyrosine kinases. This essential interplay between the opposing actions of protein tyrosine phosphatases and protein tyrosine kinases forms the basis of signaling networks that underlie the cellular workings of human physiology. Initially passed-off as housekeeping genes; these proteins were only acknowledged to maintain a steady background of phosphotyrosine levels in the cell. However, recent progress in studying their role in embryonic development and human disease has established their importance as regulators of signal regulation. Convincing evidence shows the role of mutations in these proteins to cause and/or intensify the severity of various diseases including metabolic and neurological disorders and also cancer. Protein tyrosine phosphatases have slowly, yet convincingly become crucial targets for therapeutic intervention of various human pathophysiologies. This book describes these signaling enzymes using the molecular details of their structure and mechanistic function. Various subtypes of cysteine-based Class I, II, III and the Haloacid dehalogenase related Class IV protein tyrosine phosphatases have been illustrated and explained. The superfamily of proteins is also described vis-a-vis its complimentary protein phosphoserine/phosphoserine phosphatases. Membrane bound receptor forms and the cytosolic non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases have been described for their biological function. This book serves as a reference for any reader looking to understand the sequence features, structural elements, molecular mechanism and cellular function of this superfamily of signaling enzymes.

1 Lebensmitteluberwachung.- 1.1. Reasons for initiating the work.- 1.1 Geschichtliches.- 1.2 Grundlagen des heutigen Lebensmittelrechts.- 1.3 Grundsatze der UEberwachung.- 1.4 Zustandigkeiten und Organisation der Lebensmitteluberwachung in den einzelnen Bundeslandern.- 1.5 Durchfuhrung der UEberwachung.- 1.5.1 Sorgfaltspflicht der Hersteller.- 1.5.2 Amtliche UEberwachung.- 1.5.3 UEberwachungsbeamte.- 1.5.4 Zusammenarbeit der an der UEberwachung beteiligten Personen.- 1.6 Betriebskontrolle.- 1.7 Entnahme von Proben.- 1.7.1 Zahl und Auswahl der Proben.- 1.7.2 Planprobe.- 1.7.3 Verdachtsprobe.- 1.7.4 Beschwerdeprobe.- 1.7.5 Vergleichsprobe.- 1.7.6 Gegenprobe.- 1.7.7 Proben fur Monitoring-Programme.- 1.8 Untersuchung und Gutachten.- 1.8.1 Organisation und Ausstattung der Laboratorien.- 1.8.2 Untersuchungen.- 1.8.3 Untersuchungen unter Berucksichtigung der europaischen Normen EN 45001 bis 45003 und der guten Laborpraxis.- 1.8.4 Gutachten.- 1.9 Massnahmen der UEberwachung.- 1.9.1 Freiwillige Massnahmen der Betroffenen.- 1.9.2 Anordnungen.- 1.9.3 Beschlagnahme, Sicherstellung.- 1.9.4 Warnung und Information der OEffentlichkeit.- 1.10 Literatur.- 2 Industrielle Qualitatssicherung.- 2.1 Was ist Qualitat?.- 2.2 Die Erwartung des Kunden.- 2.3 Qualitatssicherung.- 2.3.1 Historie der Qualitatssicherung.- 2.3.2 Praventives Qualitatsmanagement.- 2.3.3 Aufbau einer Qualitatssicherungsabteilung.- 2.4 Die Instrumente der Qualitatssicherung.- 2.4.1 Qualitatspolitik.- 2.4.2 Briefing und Umsetzung.- 2.4.3 Lebensmittelrechtliche Aspekte.- 2.4.4 Rohwaren-und Packmittelspezifikation.- 2.4.5 Lieferantenaudit.- 2.4.6 Kontrollierte Erzeugung.- 2.4.7 Rohwareneingang.- 2.4.8 Bau-und Anlagendesign.- 2.4.9 Rezeptur-und Herstellanweisung.- 2.4.10 HACCP.- 2.4.11 Quality Monitoring.- 2.4.12 Good Laboratory Practice.- 2.4.13 Good Manufacturing Practice.- 2.4.14 Fertigwarenspezifikation.- 2.4.15 Lager-und Versandanweisungen.- 2.4.16 Loskennzeichnung.- 2.4.17 Warenruckrufsystem und Krisenmanagement.- 2.4.18 Dokumentationssystem und Archivierung.- 2.4.19 UEbergeordnete QS-Massnahmen.- 2.4.20 Qualitatskosten.- 2.4.21 Industrial Organisation und Controlling.- 2.5 Personalqualifikation.- 2.6 Zertifizierung von QS-Systemen.- 2.7 Amtliche Lebensmitteluberwachung.- 2.8 Total Quality Management.- 2.9 Literatur.- 3 Lebensmittelrecht und EG.- 3.1 Einfuhrung.- 3.1.1 Die Europaische Gemeinschaft und ihre Rechtsordnung.- 3.1.2 Die Organe der Europaischen Gemeinschaft.- 3.2 EWG-Vertrag und Einheitliche Europaische Akte - Bestimmungen, die fur das Lebensmittelrecht von Bedeutung sind.- 3.3 Rechtssetzung in der Europaischen Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft.- 3.3.1 Rechtssetzungsmassnahmen.- 3.3.2 Rechtssetzungsverfahren.- 3.4 EG-Lebensmittelrecht und fur den Verbraucherschutz bedeutsame Regelungen im EG-Agrarrecht.- 3.4.1 EWG-Verordnungen.- 3.4.2 EWG-Richtlinien.- 3.4.2.1 Horizontale EWG-Richtlinien.- 3.4.2.2 Vertikale EWG-Richtlinien.- 3.4.3 Entscheidungen des Europaischen Gerichtshofes.- 3.4.4 Neuer Ansatz der Kommission im gemeinschaftlichen Lebensmittelrecht.- 3.5 Ausschusse der Kommission und ihre Aufgaben.- 3.5.1 Wissenschaftlicher Lebensmittelausschuss.- 3.5.2 Beratender Lebensmittelausschuss.- 3.5.3 Weitere Ausschusse bei der Kommission mit Bedeutung fur den Lebensmittelbereich.- 3.6 Prinzipien der Lebensmitteluberwachung in der EG.- 3.7 Literatur.- 4 Lebensmittelbedarfsgegenstande.- 4.1 Warengruppen.- 4.2 Beurteilungsgrundlagen.- 4.2.1 Deutsche Rechtsvorschriften.- 4.2.2 Richtlinien der EG.- 4.2.3 Standardisierung von Prufverfahren.- 4.2.4 Empfehlungen des Bundesgesundheitsamtes.- 4.3 Warenkunde.- 4.3.1 Metalle.- 4.3.1.1 Aluminium.- 4.3.1.2 Nichtrostende Stahle.- 4.3.1.3 Zinn.- 4.3.1.4 Sonstige Werkstoffe aus Metall.- 4.3.2 Silikatische Materialien.- 4.3.2.1 Glas.- 4.3.2.2 Keramik.- 4.3.2.3 Email.- 4.3.2.4 UEbergang von Inhaltsstoffen.- 4.3.3 Papier, Karton und Pappe.- 4.3.3.1 Definitionen.- 4.3.3.2 Papierherstellung.- 4.3.4 Kautschuk und Elas

Advances in molecular biology and genome research in the form of molecular breeding and genetic engineering put forward innovative prospects for improving productivity of many pulses crops. Pathways have been discovered, which include regulatory elements that modulate stress responses (e.g., transcription factors and protein kinases) and functional genes, which guard the cells (e.g., enzymes for generating protective metabolites and proteins). In addition, numerous quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with elevated stress tolerance have been cloned, resulting in the detection of critical genes for stress tolerance. Together these networks can be used to enhance stress tolerance in pulses. This book summarizes recent advances in pulse research for increasing productivity, improving biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and enhancing nutritional quality.

The major theme of this book is analytical approaches to trace metal and speciation analysis in biological specimens. The emphasis is on the reliable determination of a number of toxicologically and environmentally important metals. It is essentially a handbook based on the practical experience of each individual author. The scope ranges from sampling and sample preparation to the application of various modern and well-documented methods, including quality assessment and control and statistical treatment of data. Practical advice on avoiding sample contamination is included.

In the first part, the reader is offered an introduction into the basic principles and methods, starting with sampling, sample storage and sample treatment, with the emphasis on sample decomposition. This is followed by a description of the potential of atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, voltammetry, neutron activation analysis, isotope dilution analysis, and the possibilities for metal speciation in biological specimens. Quality control and all approaches to achieve reliable data are treated in chapters about interlaboratory and intralaboratory surveys and reference methods, reference materials and statistics and data evaluation.

The chapters of the second part provide detailed information on the analysis of thirteen trace metals in the most important biological specimens. The following metals are treated in great detail: Aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, manganese, nickel, mercury, thallium, vanadium and zinc.

The book will serve as a valuable aid for practical analysis in biomedical laboratories and for researchers involved with trace metal and species analysis in clinical, biochemical and environmental research.

Ecotoxicology Modeling is a comprehensive and well-documented text providing a collection of computational methods to the ecotoxicologists primarily interested in the study of the adverse effects of chemicals, their mechanisms of action and/or their environmental fate and behavior. Avoiding mathematical jargon, the book presents numerous case studies to enable the reader to understand the interest but also the limitations of linear and nonlinear models in ecotoxicology.

Written by an international team of scientists, Ecotoxicology Modeling is of primary interest to those whose research or professional activity is directly concerned with the development and application of models in ecotoxicology. It is also intended to provide the graduate and post-graduate students with a clear and accessible text covering the main types of modeling approaches used in environmental sciences.

This book addresses the possibilities and challenges in mimicking biological membranes and creating membrane-based sensor and separation devices. Recent advances in developing biomimetic membranes for technological applications will be presented with focus on the use of integral membrane protein mediated transport for sensing and separation. It describes the fundamentals of biosensing as well as separation and shows how the two processes are working in a cooperative manner in biological systems. Biomimetics is a truly cross-disciplinary approach and this is exemplified using the process of forward osmosis will be presented as an illustration of how advances in membrane technology may be directly stimulated by an increased understanding of biological membrane transport. In the development of a biomimetic sensor/separation technology, both channels (ion and water channels) and carriers (transporters) are important. An ideal sensor/separation device requires the supporting biomimetic matrix to be virtually impermeable to anything but the solute in question. In practice, however, a biomimetic support matrix will generally have finite permeabilities to water, electrolytes, and non-electrolytes. These non-protein mediated membrane transport contributions will be presented and the implications for biomimetic device construction will be discussed. New developments in our understanding of the reciprocal coupling between the material properties of the biomimetic matrix and the embedded proteins will be presented and strategies for inducing biomimetic matrix stability will be discussed. Once reconstituted in its final host biomimetic matrix the protein stability also needs to be maintained and controlled. Beta-barrel proteins exemplified by the E. Coli outer membrane channels or small peptides are inherently more stable than alpha-helical bundle proteins which may require additional stabilizing modifications. The challenges associated with insertion and stabilization of alpha-helical bundle proteins including many carriers and ligand and voltage gated ion (and water) channels will be discussed and exemplified using the aquaporin protein. Many biomimetic membrane applications require that the final device can be used in the macroscopic realm. Thus a biomimetic separation device must have the ability to process hundred of liters of permeate in hours - effectively demanding square-meter size membranes. Scalability is a general issue for all nano-inspired technology developments and will be addressed here in the context biomimetic membrane array fabrication. Finally a robust working biomimetic device based on membrane transport must be encapsulated and protected yet allowing massive transport though the encapsulation material. This challenge will be discussed using microfluidic design strategies as examples of how to use microfluidic systems to create and encapsulate biomimetic membranes. The book provides an overview of what is known in the field, where additional research is needed, and where the field is heading.

Conformations and Solution Properties of Star-Branched Polyelectrolytes, by Oleg V. Borisov, Ekaterina B. Zhulina, Frans A. M. Leermakers, Matthias Ballauff and Axel H. E. Muller; Self-Assembled Structures of Amphiphilic Ionic Block Copolymers: Theory, Self-Consistent Field Modeling and Experiment, by Oleg V. Borisov, Ekaternia B. Zhulina, Frans A. M. Leermakers and Axel H. E. Muller; Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes Based on Polyionic Species of Branched Topology, by Dmitry V. Pergushov, Oleg V. Borisov, Alexander B. Zezin and Axel H. E. Muller; Co-assembly of Charged Copolymers as a Novel Pathway Towards Reversible Janus Micelles, by Ilja K. Voets, Frans A. Leermakers, Arie de Keizer, Marat Charlaganov and Martien A. Cohen Stuart; Fluorescence Spectroscopy as a Tool for Investigating the Self-Organized Polyelectrolyte Systems, by Karel Prochazka, Zuzana Limpouchova, Filip Uhlik, Peter Ko ovan, Pavel Matejicek, Miroslav tepanek, Mariusz Uchman, Jitka Kuldova, Radek achl, Jana Humpolickova, and M. Hof

This volume provides a better understanding of the advancements in phenotypic readouts and improved disease models that generate novel biological insights and recapitulate clinically relevant biology. Chapters focus on phenotypic screening, the use of human cell models, microscopic approaches, assays to measure fat accumulation in C. elegans, the threat response in zebrafish, and protein-protein interactions in plant growth and development. 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, Phenotypic Screening: Methods and Protocols aims to make phenotypic screening approaches more accessible to a wide array of researchers throughout the academic and biotech communities.

This books provides a compendium of electrospinning strategies and related technologies for the production of biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. It gives a broad overview of the field as well as cutting-edge research on electrospinning and how it is applied to engineer biomaterials. This is an ideal book for biomaterials scientists, engineers, students, and researchers. This book also: Presents cutting-edge research performed in the area of electrospinning with applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Provides readers from the biomaterials field as well as those new to the field with a broad overview of the multiple applications of electrospun biomaterials Summarizes the latest research from the past ten years on electrospinning and related technologies

This volume expands upon the collection of techniques published in Protein Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols (2012) with more practical and reproducible methods to study protein gel detection and imaging. The chapters in this book cover topics such as coomassie-brilliant blue staining of polyacrylamide gels; silver staining techniques; microwave assisted protein staining, de-staining, and in-solution digestion of proteins; curumin and turmeric as an environment-friendly protein gel stain; in-gel protein phosphotase assay using fluorogenic substrates; destaining with fungal laccase; and radiolabeling and analysis of labeled proteins. 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 practical, Protein Gel Detection and Imaging: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for expert and novice scientists and researchers who are interested in learning and experimenting with this field.

Progress in functional proteomics has been limited for a long time, partially caused by limitations in assay sensitivity and sample capacity; however, protein microarrays have the ability to overcome these limitations so that a highly parallel analysis of hundreds of proteins in thousands of samples is attainable. In Protein Microarrays: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field present an up-to-date collection of robust strategies in the field of protein microarrays and summarize recent advantages in the field of printing technologies, the development of suitable surface materials, as well as detection and quantification technologies. 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 key notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Protein Microarrays: Methods and Protocols aims to stimulate the application and further advancement of this powerful technology in labs worldwide.

This thesis describes the first and long-sought successful synthesis of a new pyrazole-expanded porphyrin, a higher analog of porphyrin. This "Siamese-Twin Porphyrin" provides two conjoined porphyrin-like coordination spheres, thus being able to accommodate two metal ions within the same ligand. In her thesis, Lina Blusch not only explains the challenging synthesis and characterization of the ligand system, but also its application to the synthesis of homo- and hetero-bimetallic Ni and Cu complexes. She observes interesting metal-metal-interactions in the complexes, that lead to a non-innocent multistep redox chemistry. The ligand system and its complexes show an intriguing twisted geometry, giving rise to helical chirality and other fascinating properties. This study explores the first steps and opens up a new chemistry of expanded porphyrins with the potential to biomimetic applications.

Biobanking is considered to be one of the ten ideas changing the world with an estimated value of $45 billion by 2025. Despite the challenges, as the climate for innovation in the biobanking industry continues to flourish around the world, it is certain that amazing discoveries will emerge from this large-scale method of preserving and accessing human samples; biobanking is no longer just a place for collecting and storing samples. This book will cover a wide variety of subjects from across the future biobanking spectrum including scientific strategies, personalized medicine, regenerative medicine and stem cell challenges, disease surveillance, population genetics and innovative methods of biobanking.

Volume 6 of Biomembranes covers transmembrane receptors and channels. A particularly important role for the membrane is that of passing messages between a cell and its environment. Part I of this volume covers receptors for hormones and growth factors. Here, as in so many other areas of cell biology, the application of the methods of molecular biology have led to the recognition of a number of families of receptors. Typically, such receptors contain an extracellular ligand binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular catalytic domain whose activation, as a result of ligand binding, leads to generation of second messengers within the cell and stimulation of a range of cytosolic enzymes. An alternative signaling strategy, exploited in particular in the nervous system, is to use ion channels to allow controlled movement of monovalent (Na+, K+) or divalent (Ca2+) cations in or out of the cell, resulting in changes in membrane potential or alterations in the intracellular concentration of Ca2+. Part II of this volume is concerned with these ion channels and with other, often simpler, ion channel systems whose study can throw light on channel mechanism.

After his first book on the topic "Specific Intermolecular Interactions of Organic Compounds", Baev extends in this book the development of the thermodynamic theory of specific intermolecular interactions to a wider spectrum of nitrogenated and bioorganic compounds: amino alcohols, amino acids, peptides and urea derivatives. The fundamentals of an unconventional approach to the theory of H-bonding and specific interactions are formulated based on a concept of penta- coordinated carbon atoms. New types of hydrogen bonds and specific interactions are substantiated and on the basis of the developed methodology their energies are determined. The new concept of the extra stabilizing effect of isomeric methyl groups on the structure and stability of nitrogenated organic molecules and bioorganic compounds is introduced and the destabilization action on specific interactions is outlined.

Microbial Phenazines: Biosynthesis, Agriculture and Health focuses on phenazines, a group of upwards of a hundred nitrogen-containing redox-active heterocyclic compounds of bacterial origin that have long attracted scientific interest because of their colorful pigmentation. Our understanding of these fascinating natural products and their role in human health and the environment has advanced rapidly in recent years, but we are only now beginning to be able to exploit the potential of these compounds in such fields as agriculture and medicine. This volume includes information on the biochemistry and genetics of phenazine synthesis, the physiological effects of phenazines, and methods for the isolation and identification of phenazines with the aid of spectroscopic and electrophoretic techniques. Also included are chapters focused on the roots of phenazine research in the biological control of plant pathogens and recent knowledge of the diversity of phenazine-producing microorganisms and the environments in which they occur. A final chapter addresses the potential of phenazines in the treatment of cancer.

This volume explores various methodologies to study biochemical, molecular, and cellular biology aspects of some processes regulated by protein SUMOylation. SUMO: Methods and Protocols is organized into four parts, and starts with an historical overview on protein SUMOylation and a presentation of the methods included in the book. The first part also includes a review on chromatin regulation by dynamic SUMO modifications. The second part focuses on in vitro techniques, including biochemical methods to study mechanistic aspects of protein SUMOylation. The third part includes protocols to be used with cell cultures, which often are the first approaches used in most laboratories. The final part includes methodologies adapted for the analysis in vivo using distinct model organisms. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include a brief introduction to the subject, a list of necessary materials and reagents, a step-by-step reproducible laboratory protocol ending with a Notes section on troubleshooting tips, and tips and strategies to avoid known pitfalls. Unique and cutting-edge, SUMO: Methods and Protocols provides a comprehensive source of protocols for specialists and researchers not familiar with this vital system.

The series Topics in Heterocyclic Chemistry presents critical reviews on present and future trends in the research of heterocyclic compounds. Overall the scope is to cover topics dealing with all areas within heterocyclic chemistry, both experimental and theoretical, of interest to the general heterocyclic chemistry community. The series consists of topic related volumes edited by renowned editors with contributions of experts in the field.

The entire range of the developmental processes in plants is regulated by a shift in the hormonal concentration, tissue sensitivity and their interaction with the factors operating around them. Out of the recognized hormones, attention has largely been focused on five - Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinin, Abscisic acid and Ethylene. However, the information about the most recent group of phytohormone (Brassinosteroids) has been incorporated in this book. This volume includes a selection of newly written, integrated, illustrated reviews describing our knowledge of Brassinosteroids and aims to describe them at the present time. Various chapters incorporate both theoretical and practical aspects and may serve as baseline information for future researches through which significant developments are possible. This book will be useful to the students, teachers and researchers, both in universities and research institutes, especially in relation to biological and agricultural sciences.