The regulation of intracellular Ca2+ has continued to be a powerful area of study since the publication of the first and second editions of Calcium Signaling Protocols, and the developments in the field have also, naturally, continued. With the third edition, expert contributors explore some of the exciting new molecular techniques that have both enabled new studies of intracellular Ca2+ regulation and provided much new information on processes. Comprised of five main section, the book covers theoretical and very simple suspension-based fluorimetric assays, specialist measurement systems, measurement of channel activity, measurement of store release, as well as specialist measurement techniques which include targeted probes, using G-protein chimeras to force Ca2+ signalling for screening, and genetically encoded sensors. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Updated and accessible, Calcium Signaling Protocols, Third Edition will be a valuable reference for all those contemplating a move into the study of intracellular Ca2+.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. 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. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students.

This detailed volume provides in-depth protocols for protein labeling techniques and applications, with an additional focus on general background information on the design and generation of the organic molecules used for the labeling step. Chapters provide protocols for labeling techniques and applications, with an additional focus on general background information on the design and generation of the organic molecules used for the labeling step. 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, Site-Specific Protein Labeling: Methods and Protocols provides a comprehensive overview on the most relevant and established labeling methodologies, and helps researchers to choose the most appropriate labeling method for their biological question.

This book provides a comprehensive review of both traditional and cutting-edge methodologies that are currently used in computational toxicology and specifically features its application in regulatory decision making. The authors from various government agencies such as FDA, NCATS and NIEHS industry, and academic institutes share their real-world experience and discuss most current practices in computational toxicology and potential applications in regulatory science. Among the topics covered are molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, machine learning methods for toxicity analysis, network-based approaches for the assessment of drug toxicity and toxicogenomic analyses. Offering a valuable reference guide to computational toxicology and potential applications in regulatory science, this book will appeal to chemists, toxicologists, drug discovery and development researchers as well as to regulatory scientists, government reviewers and graduate students interested in this field.

This book provides a detailed description and analysis of the reduction and metabolism of metals and metalloids by sulfate reducing bacteria. The molecular mechanisms of bacterial resistance to copper are examined as well as extracellular electron transfer and bacterial metal oxide respiration. Furthermore, in this book enrichment, isolation, and physiology of magnetotactic bacteria are discussed. The interactions of bacteria with metals in natural environments and their role in metal cycling have been studied for decades. Advances in studies of bacteria-metal interactions identified numerous important aspects of these interactions, such as bioremediation of metal-contaminated environments, the role of metals in redox reactions and other cellular functions, as well as the role of metals in toxicity and infection. Microbiologists, environmental scientists, and students interested in microbe interactions with metals and their effect on the environment and their application in biotechnology will be interested in the topics discussed in the book.

Proteins are the most diverse group of biologically important substances. With the recent technological advances in the genomics area and the efforts in proteomics research, the rate of discovery for new proteins with unknown structure and function has increased. These proteins generated from genomic approaches present enormous opportunities for research and industrial application. Protein Downstream Processing: Design, Development and Application of High and Low-Resolution Methods is a compilation of chapters within the exciting area of protein purification designed to give the laboratory worker the information needed to design and implement a successful purification strategy. It presents reliable and robust protocols in a concise form, emphasizing the critical aspects on practical problems and questions encountered at the lab bench. 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, Protein Downstream Processing: Design, Development and Application of High and Low-Resolution Methods will be an ideal source of scientific information to advanced students, junior researchers, and scientists involved in health sciences, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology and other related areas in both academia and industry.

The longest running serial published by Academic Press continues its well-respected run with Volume 61, a special volume in which a guest editor has come on board and has assembled some well-known contributors who are international authorities in the field. Together they tackle some of the latest topics in the field such as riboflavin and folate biosynthesis, biotin and lipoic acid biosynthesis, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide biosynthesis, biosynthesis of vitamin B6 and structurally related derivatives, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis, mechanistic biosynthesis of protein-derived redox cofactors, ascorbic acid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of menaquinone and ubiquinone - Vitamin B12 biosynthesis, biosynthesis of the methanogenic cofactors, and thiamin biosynthesis.

This volume presents a review of the latest numerical techniques used to identify ligand binding and protein complexation sites. It should be noted that there are many other theoretical studies devoted to predicting the activity of specific proteins and that useful protein data can be found in numerous databases. The aim of advanced computational techniques is to identify the active sites in specific proteins and moreover to suggest a generalized mechanism by which such protein-ligand (or protein-protein) interactions can be effected. Developing such tools is not an easy task - it requires extensive expertise in the area of molecular biology as well as a firm grasp of numerical modeling methods. Thus, it is often viewed as a prime candidate for interdisciplinary research.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, 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. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

KEY TOPICS:
Ig A Deficiency
The Role of Cellular Immunity in Protection against HIV Infection
Mouse Mammary Tumour Virus: Immunological Interplays between Virus and Host
The Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing
NF-kB in cytokine gene expression
NF-kB as a target for immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory molecules

Key Features
* A Deficiency
* The Role of Cellular Immunity in Protection against HIV Infection
* Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus: Immunological Interplays between Virus and Host
* The Transporter Associated with Antigen Processing
* NF-kB in cytokine gene expression
* NF-kB as a target for immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory molecules

The cytoskeleton is comprised of a variety of specialized proteins, and is a dynamic structure that is involved in the majority of key cellular events. There is increasing interest in the role of the cytoskeleton in human disease. This volume brings together human disease states where cytoskeletal disruptions are driving disease. Our emerging understanding of the molecular and cellular events that drive cytoskeletal mediated diseases including cancer, heart disease, myopathies and skin disorders, are also helping shape targeted therapeutic approaches to treating these diseases.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
Key Features
* Supplements index volumes 33, 75, 95, 120, 140, 175, 199, 229, 265, 285, and 320
* Subject index
* Contributor index

Knowledge about protein tertiary structure can guide experiments, assist in the understanding of structure-function relationships, and aid the design of new therapeutics for disease. Homology modeling is an in silico method that predicts the tertiary structure of an amino acid sequence based on a homologous experimentally determined structure. In, Homology Modelling: Methods and Protocols experts in the field describe each homology modeling step from first principles, provide case studies for challenging modeling targets and describe methods for the prediction of how other molecules such as drugs can interact with the protein. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, Homology Modelling: Methods and Protocols guides scientists in the available homology modeling methods.

For some 50 years, Professor Asakawa and his group have focused their research on the chemical constituents of bryophytes and have found that these plants contain large numbers of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, acetogenins, and aromatic compounds representative of many new skeletons, which exhibit interesting biological activities. Individual terpenoids, when found as constituents of both a bryophyte and a higher plant, tend to occur in different enantiomeric forms. Professor Asakawa has covered the literature on bryophytes in two earlier volumes of "Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products," namely, Volumes 42 (1982) and 65 (1995). Since the publication of the latter volume, a great deal of new information has appeared on bryophytes. One example is that known sex pheromones of algae have been discovered in two liverworts, indicating that some members of the latter taxonomic group might originate from brown algae. From information provided in this volume, it is suggested that two orders of the Marchantiophyta should be combined.

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The environment is prone to suffer pollution and toxic insult from generations of nanomaterials as well from accidental releases during production, transportation, and disposal operations. The NMs could interact with and cause adverse biological effects at cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels. Assessing potential environmental/ecological risks requires quality information on transport and fate of nanoparticles in the environment, exposures and vulnerabilities of organisms to the nanomaterials and standard methods for assessing toxicity for aquatic or terrestrial organisms and human health. The systematic risk characterization and evaluation of the safety of nanomaterials require a multidisciplinary approach and convergence of knowledge and efforts from researchers and experts from toxicology, biotechnology, materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and other branches of life sciences. Although studies are beginning to appear in the literature addressing the toxicity of various nanomaterials and their potential for exposure, at this stage definitive statements regarding the impacts of nanomaterials on human health and the environment remain sketchy requiring an increased level of precautions with regard to nanomaterials, as has happened with other emerging contaminants and technologies (e.g., biotechnology). The need for an increased level of understanding the perception of risk and of benefits will vary and is likely to influence public, regulatory, and non-governmental activities regarding risk and benefit evaluations. Systematic identification and assessment of the risks posed by any new technology are essential. A prudent, integrated, and holistic approach is required to develop best practices based on the scientific understanding about what we know and what we don't know but need to know. Nanomaterials addresses key issues of ecotoxicological actions and effects of nanomaterials on life and environment, their threats, vulnerability, risks, and public perception. The readers learn to read bad news objectively and think about and search for ecological 'green' solutions to current environmental and ecological problems with blue, grey, brown, and red shades for building a sustainable ecosystem. It shows how this molecular terrain is a common ground for interdisciplinary research and education that will be an essential component of science, engineering and technology in the future. The book is divided into three sections. Section I includes general topics related to ecotoxicity of nanomaterials to microbes, plants, human and environment. Section 2 incorporates risks generated by the use of nanomaterials. Section 3 discusss safety issues and the public.

Cell-cell adhesion is fundamental for the development and homeostasis of animal tissues and organs. Adherens junctions (AJs) are the best understood cell-cell adhesion complexes. In this volume, internationally recognized experts review AJ biology over a wide range of organization; from atoms to molecules, to protein complexes, molecular networks, cells, tissues, and overall animal development. AJs have also been an integral part of animal evolution, and play central roles in cancer development, pathogen infection and other diseases. This book addresses major questions encompassing AJ biology. - How did AJs evolve? - How do cadherins and catenins interact to assemble AJs and mediate adhesion? - How do AJs interface with other cellular machinery to couple adhesion with the whole cell? - How do AJs affect cell behaviour and multicellular development? - How can abnormal AJ activity lead to disease? Valuable for both newcomers and experts in the field, this book offers a comprehensive resource for the research laboratory and a teaching tool for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in cell and developmental biology.

This collection discusses the variety of specific molecular reactions by means of which plants respond to physiological and toxic stress conditions. It focuses on the characterization of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the induction of toxicity and the triggered responses and resistances. The nine chapters, all written by prominent researchers, examine heavy metal toxicity, aluminum toxicity, arsenic toxicity, salt toxicity, drought stress, light stress, temperature stress, flood stress and UV-B stress. In addition, information on the fundamentals of stress responses and resistance mechanisms is provided. The book addresses researchers and students working in the fields of plant physiology and biochemistry.

This second edition expands upon the previous edition with current, detailed developments in the field and brings together a multi-disciplinary team of leading researchers to provide their latest protocols for clinical proteomics analysis. 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, Clinical Proteomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition presents approaches that will serve as a reliable guide to researchers, including clinicians, chemists, molecular biologists, bioinformaticians and computational, biologists, and investigators working on biomarker development.

This volume covers the latest technological advances in the characterization of the biosynthesis and functions of Rab GTPases and their regulation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). The book consists of 28 chapters and starts with an overview of the Rab GTPase family. The next few chapters describe systematic approaches to the identification and classification of Rabs and Rab GAPs, as well as the detection of Rab isoprenylation and membrane distribution. The last few chapters examine the biochemical and functional properties of individual Rabs in the order of exocytic, recycling and endocytic Rabs. Written in the highly successful Methods of 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Instructive and practical, Rab GTPases: Methods and Protocols approaches each topic with great detail and is a valuable resource for researchers and students interested in the field of Rab GTPases.

This monograph describes metabolic and transport reactions of muscle cells using the laws of chemical thermodynamics. In particular, the thermodynamics of irreversible processes are used to formulate coupled reactions and their outcome on steady state cycling. The effects of ATP cycling on energy metabolism and heat production is described. The results of mathematical simulations of metabolism are used to underline theoretical approaches.

New and rapid advances in technology have equipped us with a variety of tools and platforms to ask fundamental questions of telomere regulation and have allowed investigators to carry out experiments using diverse model systems. For example, proteomic, genomic, and molecular approaches have afforded us unprecedented insight into the complex protein interaction networks at work on the telomere chromatin and the detailed information regarding telomere dynamics in response to stress or stimuli. "Telomeres and Telomerase: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition" builds upon the telomerase assays featured in the popular first edition to encompass many different assays that allow investigators to query the function of telomere proteins and the responses of the telomere DNA, including detailed examinations of biochemical, molecular, and proteomic approaches. 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 expert tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, "Telomeres and Telomerase: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition" serves as an ideal, up-to-date guide for investigators further pursing this vital field of study."

Cancer is one of the leading death cause of human population increasingly seen in recent times. Plants have been used for medicinal purposes since immemorial times. Though, several synthetic medicines are useful in treating cancer, they are inefficient and unsafe. However, plants have proved to be useful in cancer cure. Moreover, natural compounds from plants and their derivatives are safe and effective in treatment and management of several cancer types. The anticancer plants such as Catharanthus roseus, Podophyllum peltatum, Taxus brevifolia, Camptotheca acuminate, Andrographis paniculata, Crateva nurvala, Croton tonkinensis, Oplopanax horridus etc., are important source of chemotherapeutic compounds. These plants have proven their significance in the treatment of cancer and various other infectious diseases. Nowadays, several well-known anticancer compounds such as taxol, podophyllotoxins, camptothecin, vinblastine, vincristine, homoharringtonine etc. have been isolated and purified from these medicinal plants. Many of them are used effectively to combat cancer and other related diseases. The herbal medicine and their products are the most suitable and safe to be used as an alternative medicine. Based on their traditional uses and experimental evidences, the anticancer products or compounds are isolated or extracted from the medicinally important plants. Many of these anticancer plants have become endangered due to ruthless harvesting in nature. Hence, there is a need to conserve these species and to propagate them in large scale using plant tissue culture. Alternatively, plant cell tissue and organ culture biotechnology can be adopted to produce these anticancer compounds without cultivation. The proper knowledge and exploration of these isolated molecules or products could provide an alternative source to reduce cancer risk, anti-tumorigenic properties, and suppression of carcinogen activities. Anticancer plants: Volume 1, Properties and Application is a very timely effort in this direction. Discussing the various types of anticancer plants as a source of curative agent, their pharmacological and neutraceutical properties, cryo-preservations and recent trends to understand the basic cause and consequences involved in the diseases diagnosis. We acknowledge the publisher, Springer for their continuous inspiration and valuable suggestions to improvise the content of this book. We further extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our book contributors for their support, and assistance to complete this assignment. I am sure that these books will benefit the scientific communities including academics, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and medical practitioners.

"Morphology Genetic Materials Templated from Nature Species" provides a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of research on bio-inspired functional materials including materials science and engineering aspects of the fabrication, properties, and applications. The book discusses bio-inspired strategies integrating biotemplate, biomineralization, and biomimesis in nature, which are adopted to fabricate functional materials with hierarchical bio-architectures and interrelated outstanding performances, as well as valuable applications in photoelectricity, photonics, photocatalysis, chemical detection, bio-imaging, and photoelectron transfer components/devices.

The book is intended for researchers and graduate students in the fields of materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology, semiconductor, biotechnology, environmental engineering, etc.

Prof. Dr. Di Zhang is currently a professor at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the director of the State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, China.

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