The origin of life is one of the biggest unsolved scientific questions. This book deals with the formation and first steps of the chemical evolution of nucleic acids, including the chemical roots behind the origin of their components from the simplest sources in a geochemical context. Chemical evolution encompasses the chemical processes and interactions conducive to self-assembly and supramolecular organization, leading to an increase of complexity and the emergence of life. The book starts with a personal account of the pioneering work of Stanley Miller and Jeffrey Bada on the Chemistry of Origins of Life and how the development of organic chemistry beginning in the 19th century led to the emergence of the field of prebiotic chemistry, situated at the frontier between organic, geo- and biochemistry. It then continues reviewing in tutorial manner current central topics regarding the organization of nucleic acids: the origin of nucleobases and nucleosides, their phosphorylation and polymerization and ultimately, their self-assembly and supramolecular organization at the inception of life.

This book provides an account of the recent advances in our understanding of the role of proteases under physiological and pathological conditions. It reviews the contributions that have been made in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, agriculture and ecology. In addition there is an account of the growing number of practical applications in biotechnology, reflecting the fact that peptidases are major targets for medical and agricultural purposes. The book shows how the numerous protease structures are essential for drug design. The contributions place special emphasis on cysteine, aspartic and metalloproteases and their role in physiological and certain pathological states. Another focus is the classification and nomenclature of peptidases and a review of those proteases currently under the most intensive investigation. The book provides an informative introduction for teachers and newcomers to the field, such as graduate students, while providing a valuable source of material and ideas for the academic and industrial researcher in areas including biochemistry, medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.

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.

Current information in applied microbioogy is provided in this text supported by an extensive bibliography.

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

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a ubiquitous and important messenger in the nervous system, with a wide range of physiological roles. It is involved in the body energy balance and is one of the most potent stimuli of food intake known. NPY also acts to regulate central and peripheral autonomic functions.
This book, written by academic and industrial experts in the field, links the most recent basic experimental knowledge about NPY and its receptors with areas of clinical importance.
This book will be of interest to those working in all areas of research affected by NPY, such as food intake and energy homeostasis, cardiovascular regulation and G-protein-coupled receptors, as well as those interested in the development of drugs as NPY targets.
Key Features
* The hypothalamic role of NPY and its relationship with eating disorders and diabetes
* The sympathetic nervous system role of NPY and its involvement in cardiovascular disorders
* Characterization of NPY receptor types and their brain distribution, molecular biology and pharmacology
* Development of peptide and non-peptide receptor antagonists

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.

The elucidation during the latter half of the 20th century of the mechanisms by which information flows from nucleic acids to proteins has completely changed the face of biological research. Many diseases are caused by abnormalities in control mechanisms which are not immediately essential for life itself but which maintain the normal social behavior of differentiated cells in multicellular organisms. The complex sugar chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids are believed to play important roles in the control of cellular functions and in recognition between the cell and its cellular and fluid environment. Investigations into the abnormalities of complex sugar chain assembly are expected to yield an important new underatanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of human diseases. This volume discusses several representative diseases which emphasize the current status of glycopathology, and will stimulate further research in this exciting field.

Non-selective inhibitors of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE), such as theophylline, have been used extensively since 1958. In the decade of the '70s, various PDE isoenzymes were defined which led to the development of the second generation of PDE inhibitors. Currently a variety of these new inhibitors are under test as potential anti-inflammatory drugs. During the past five years, molecular biology has revealed a superfamily of these phosphodiesterase isoenzymes. This book summarizes the present state of knowledge, as well as giving a comprehensive description of the compounds available. It will be invaluable for everyone who wants to choose the most suitable PDE inhibitor for their research or who is dealing with such drugs in a clinical setting.
Key Features
* Utilizes actual testing and research of new PDE inhibitors
* Valuable for researchers and students alike

This is the third edition of this advanced textbook, written with two major objectives in mind. One is to provide an advanced textbook covering the major areas in the fields of lipid, lipoprotein, and membrane biochemistry, and molecular biology. The second objective is to provide a clear summary of these research areas for scientists presently working in these fields.

The volume provides the basis for an advanced course for students in the biochemistry of lipids, lipoproteins and membranes. The book will satisfy the need for a general reference and review book for scientists studying lipids, proteins and membranes. Excellent up-to-date reviews are available on the various topics covered. A current, readable, and critical summary of these areas of research, it will allow scientists to become familiar with recent developments related to their own research interests, and will help clinical researchers and medical students keep abreast of developments in basic science that are important for subsequent clinical advances.

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.

Praise for the Series:
"Timely...High standard of Writing...It is to be highly recommended."
--Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology
This informative publication brings together knowledge of various aspects of cellular regulation. Current Topics in Cellular Regulation reviews the progress being made in those specialized areas of study that have undergone substantial development. It also publishes provocative new theories and concepts and serves as a forum for the discussion of general principles.
Researchers in cellular regulation as well as biochemists, molecular and cell biologists, microbiologists, biophysicists, physiologists, nutritionists, and pathologists will find Current Topics in Cellular Regulation a useful source of up-to-date information.

* CONTENTS: Regulatory Features of Multicatalytic and 26S Proteases. Calponin. Type III Cyclic Nucelotide Phosphodiesterases and Insulin Action. Mammalian Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetases. Regulation of Interaction between Signaling Protein CheY and Flagellar Motor during Bacterial Chemotaxis. The Chemical Biology of Nitric Oxide: Regulation and Protective and Toxic Mechanisms. Nutritional and Hormonal Regulation of Glutathione Homeostasis. Protein Folding and Association: In Vitro Studies for Self Organization and Targeting in the Cell.

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.

The Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting held in Elsinore, Denmark, April 23-26, 1995, gathered 230 scientists, mostly from Europe, with interest in carbohydrate analysis and structure; carbohydrates in medicine and glycopathology; structure, function, application, and protein engineering of carbohydrate active enzymes; oligo- and polysaccharides of industrial interest; and production of carbohydrate containing new materials.

The first chapters address glycoconjugates as modulatory and recognition molecules, structure determination using NMR and mass spectrometry, and microdialysis-chip enzyme-based sensors. Active site mutations coupled with crystal structures and synthetic substrate analogue interactions as well as new three-dimensional structures and binding domains for biotechnological applications are included in the chapters. Carbohydrate active enzymes turned out to be a predominant topic.

The rapid development in glycobiology and glycotechnology has resulted in an enormous increase in our knowledge on the structure conversion, and application of carbohydrates in industry and medicine.

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.