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+.

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in powerful proteomics technologies that allow greater fundamental insights into the blood proteome. Further developments in informatic analyses, software developments, and computational tools are providing insights into large data sets, open-source data along with large-scale application of bioinformatics. Serum/Plasma Proteomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a comprehensive resource of protocols for areas, pre-analytical through to analytical, of plasma and serum proteomics. Divided into five convenient sections, covering fractionation strategies for in-depth blood proteome analysis, defined procedures for blood collection, handling and storage, detailed protocols for performing both antibody-based and non-antibody based quantitative assays, proteome analysis of blood cell compartments, circulating nanomebraneous vesicles and blood-related fluids, data management, statistical design, and bioinformatic challenges. 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, Serum/Plasma Proteomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition delivers a valuable foundation for the development and application of blood-based proteomics, and further incorporates blood cell components, including platelets, red blood cells, circulating extracellular vesicles/exosomes, and related biofluids.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. 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.

PlantOmics: The Omics of Plant Science provides a comprehensive account of the latest trends and developments of omics technologies or approaches and their applications in plant science. Thirty chapters written by 90 experts from 15 countries are included in this state-of-the-art book. Each chapter describes one topic/omics such as: omics in model plants, spectroscopy for plants, next generation sequencing, functional genomics, cyto-metagenomics, epigenomics, miRNAomics, proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics, lipidomics, secretomics, phenomics, cytomics, physiomics, signalomics, thiolomics, organelle omics, micro morphomics, microbiomics, cryobionomics, nanotechnology, pharmacogenomics, and computational systems biology for plants. It provides up to date information, technologies, and their applications that can be adopted and applied easily for deeper understanding plant biology and therefore will be helpful in developing the strategy for generating cost-effective superior plants for various purposes. In the last chapter, the editors have proposed several new areas in plant omics that may be explored in order to develop an integrated meta-omics strategy to ensure the world and earth's health and related issues. This book will be a valuable resource to students and researchers in the field of cutting-edge plant omics.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor Genetics: Research and Methods in the Post-Genomic Era features practical techniques inspired by the fast moving GPCR field. From powerful bioinformatic tools tracing the evolution of GPCRs, to methods for the cellular transfection of engineered viruses containing GPCRs, to optogenetic techniques that produce light-activated GPCRs in live mice, what was once science fiction is now science fact. This detailed volume includes sections covering genetic mechanisms, a genetic toolbox for GPCR discovery, as well as genetic aspects of G protein-coupled receptors in health and medicine. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, this book contains the kind of key implementation advice that encourages successful results in the lab. Authoritative and easy to use, G Protein-Coupled Receptor Genetics: Research and Methods in the Post-Genomic Era serves as an ideal guide for researchers aiming to continue our progress in this dynamic and exciting area of study.

This thesis addresses fundamental scientific questions such as: How are complex natural products synthesized in vivo? Can we replicate these conditions in a laboratory environment? What is the biological function of such secondary metabolites? What are the biological origins of chirality? These issues are explored in an accessible manner using a multidisciplinary approach spanning chemistry, biology and physics to investigate an interesting family of complex natural products isolated from marine molluscs - the tridachiahydropyrones. The work has achieved: Elegant biomimetic syntheses of a number of the tridachiahydropyrone compounds in vitro using organic synthesis techniques The characterization of the interactions between these compounds and a range of model membrane systems using a series of fluorescence spectroscopic studies The investigation of the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of the compounds by means of biophysical assay techniques The synthesis of tridachiahydropyrone utilizing the model membrane systems as biomimetic reaction media.

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.

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 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.

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

This book 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.

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.

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.

Few topics in women's medicine today are as fraught with confusion and controversy as the question of appropriate treatment for menopausal symptoms and the prevention of negative long term health outcomes common to post-menopausal women. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), osteoporosis, and cancer - the most common causes of death, disability and impaired quality of life for women - can potentially be prevented or forestalled by dietary, behavioural and drug interventions. A better understanding of the natural history of the menopause is critical to providing better care. If women and their physicians have a better understanding of predictors of risk, they could make more informed decisions about interventions related to menopausal symptoms, CVD, osteoporosis and gynaecologic and breast cancer. Few other recently introduced medical interventions have as great a potential of affecting morbidity and mortality as does hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT has produced effect on health risk: some are reduced, some are raised, and some uncertain, and these data are interpreted differently by various scientific, medical and consumer groups.

Biosensors have captured the imagination of the world's scientific and commercial communities by combining interdisciplinary skills of biologists, physicists, chemists and engineers to provide innovative solutions to analytical problems. Biosensors area pplicable to clinical diagnostics, food analysis, cell culture monitoring, environmental control and various military situations. Ever increasing demands for rapid and convenient analyses of a wide variety of materials in diverse locations has led to intense interest in the fusion of biology and electronics which mimics our principal concern: the effect of materials and environments on living systems. This series "Advances in Biosensors" presents a unique compendium of research papers, in which eminent authorities in the field of biosensors provide an up-to-date overview of their laboratory's contribution, summarizing the primary research as it has appeared, possible scattered, in the journal and conference literature, and reflecting on their findings. The net result will be intense, yet highly readable accounts of the state of the art at this leading edge of analytical technology.

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.

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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Membrane Biomechanics, Volume 86, the latest release in the Current Topics in Membranes series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on Lipid bilayers: phase behavior and mechanics, Molecular mechanisms of cell membrane structure modification by omega-3 fatty acids, Mechanical properties of magnetoliposomes, Mechanosensitive ion channels and membrane tension, From cell membrane to the nuclear membrane through modulation of cytoskeleton, Endothelial stiffness in dyslipidemia and aging, Vascular smooth muscle stiffness in aging and vascular disease, Mechanobiology of macrovesicle release and activation, Interplay of membrane cholesterol and substrate on vascular smooth muscle mechanics, and more.

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."

This book describes the rational design, development and application of nucleic acid amplification strategies for biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine. It consists of fifteen chapters demonstrating the use of these strategies in various areas, including fluorescence techniques, Chemiluminescence biosensors, electrochemiluminescence biosensors, colorimetric assays, surface plasmon resonance technologies, electrochemical DNA sensors, photoelectrochemical biosensor, nanopore sensors, quartz crystal microbalance, fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, in vitro and in vivo metal ions detection, theranostics and microdroplet chips. Offering a collection of reviews illustrating the latest advances in biochemical analysis and therapeutics, the book shares valuable insights into current challenges and future prospects, making it a valuable resource for a wide readership in the various fields of biosensing, bioimaging and biomedicine.

In the past decade, researchers have made tremendous progress in the field of enzyme stabilization, opening up new opportunities for enzymes in molecular biology and for industrial applications. In Enzyme Stabilization and Immobilization: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the latest developments through detailed laboratory protocols, which address many different theories and techniques in enzyme stabilization. Chapters outline protocols for enzyme stabilization in solutions, including: liposome formation, micelle introduction, crosslinking, and additives. Secondly, the book contain protocols for enzyme stabilization via enzyme immobilization, such as sol-gel encapsulation, polymer encapsulation, and single enzyme nanoparticle formation. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and current, Enzyme Stabilization and Immobilization: Methods and Protocols is an essential handbook for all molecular biologists, biochemists, and biomedical and biochemical engineers.

Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) was first developed by William Coblentz in 1905 for analytical purposes. It has been established as a powerful analytical method to analyze a wide range of materials. The most convenient way to analyze the molecular structure was to prepare KBr pellets with small amount of chemical species. Currently, the development of the Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance (UATR) allows the use of ZnSe-Diamond crystal to acquire FTIR spectra directly from the sample with no special preparation. These traditional FTIR analyses have been made with devices capable of performing single measurements, thus, providing a single IR spectrum of the sample. Recent major technological development in FTIR instrumentation was development of microscopes and imaging systems. These devices are now capable of imaging larger sample area, providing not only spectroscopic information but also spatial distributional information. In addition, the development of Focal Point Array (FPA) has made FTIR imaging an emerging area of chemical imaging research. The aim of this book is to summarize in a single document the research work that is being performed using UATR and IR imaging in selected emerging applications in plant materials and biological samples. This book provides the readers new knowledge, updates information, emerging applications, and understanding of the potential use of FTIR Microspectroscopy.

"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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