This book provides a review of the multitude of nucleic acid polymerases, including DNA and RNA polymerases from Archea, Bacteria and Eukaryota, mitochondrial and viral polymerases, and other specialized polymerases such as telomerase, template-independent terminal nucleotidyl transferase and RNA self-replication ribozyme. Although many books cover several different types of polymerases, no book so far has attempted to catalog all nucleic acid polymerases. The goal of this book is to be the top reference work for postgraduate students, postdocs, and principle investigators who study polymerases of all varieties. In other words, this book is for polymerase fans by polymerase fans.

Nucleic acid polymerases play a fundamental role in genome replication, maintenance, gene expression and regulation. Throughout evolution these enzymes have been pivotal in transforming life towards RNA self-replicating systems as well as into more stable DNA genomes. These enzymes are generally extremely efficient and accurate in RNA transcription and DNA replication and share common kinetic and structural features. How catalysis can be so amazingly fast without loss of specificity is a question that has intrigued researchers for over 60 years. Certain specialized polymerases that play a critical role in cellular metabolism are used for diverse biotechnological applications and are therefore an essential tool for research.

"Lectins: Methods and Protocols "summarizes classic lectin technologies and advanced techniques with high throughputs and sensitivities. Chapters include methods and techniques for serial lectin-affinity chromatography procedure, lectin-probed western blot and histochemical analyses, quantitative interaction analyses based on equilibrium dialysis, isothermal calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, techniques for elucidating functions of endogenous animal lectins, advanced methods on engineer novel lectins by evolutionary concepts, and special equipment. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and practical, "Lectins: Methods and Protocols "seeks to aid not only lectin specialists but also non-experts including both young scientists."

"Biochemical Ecotoxicology: Principles and Methods" presents practical approaches to biochemical ecotoxicology experiments for environmental protection and conservation.

With its methodical, stepped approach this essential reference introduces readers to current techniques for toxicity endpoint testing, suitable for laboratories of any size and budget. Each chapter presents a state-of-the-art principle, a quick and inexpensive procedure (including appropriate reagents), case studies, and demonstrations on how to analyze your results.

Generic techniques are covered, suitable for a variety of organisms, as well as high-throughput techniques like quantitative polymerase chain reactions and enzyme-linked immunoassays. Cutting-edge approaches, including microarrays and omics techniques, are also included, making this is an essential reference for anyone who needs to assess environmental toxicity.
Practical, cost-effective approaches to assess environmental toxicity endpoints for all types of organismPresents theory, methods, case studies and information on how to analyze resultsState-of-the-art techniques, such as omics approaches to toxicology and microarrays "

Regulated Cell Death Part A & Part B of Methods in Enzymology continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers research methods in apoptosis focusing on the important areas of intrinsic pathway, extrinsic pathway, caspases, cellular assays and post-apoptotic effects and model organisms; as well as topics on necroptosis and screening approaches.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers research methods in biomineralization scienceRegulated Cell Death Part A & Part B contains sections on such topics as apoptosis focusing on the important areas of intrinsic pathway, extrinsic pathway, caspases, cellular assays and post-apoptotic effects and model organisms; as well as topics on necroptosis and screening approaches

Kisspeptin has been shown to be both necessary and sufficient for activation of the reproductive axis, during puberty and later in adulthood. This makes kisspeptin a fundamental component of the reproductive axis. Kisspeptin has been deemed the single most potent stimulator of GnRH neurons yet known. The importance of kisspeptin has been documented in humans as well as non-human animal models, ranging from monkeys, sheep, and rodents to numerous fish species, thus signifying a highly conserved nature of its reproductive function. Importantly, kisspeptin neurons seem to mediate many of the regulatory effects of other signals, whether they are metabolic, circadian, hormonal, or stress. This places kisspeptin neurons in a unique position to be key nodal points and conduits for conveying numerous endogenous and exogenous signals to the reproductive axis.

This Microbiology Monographs volume covers the current and most recent advances in genomics and genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of C. reinhardtii. Expert international scientists contribute with reviews on the genome, post-genomic techniques, the genetic toolbox development as well as new insights in regulation of photosynthesis and acclimation strategies towards environmental stresses and other structural and genetic aspects, including applicable aspects in biotechnology and biomedicine. Powerful new strategies in functional genomic and genetics combined with biochemical and physiological analyses revealed new insights into Chlamydomonas biology.

This book focuses on the use of microorganisms in relation to agriculture, aquaculture and related fields, ranging from biofertilizers to poultry production. The latest innovations are also included to provide insights into the unlimited potentials of microorganisms in these areas.Individual chapters explore topics such as probiotics in poultry, biopurification of wastewater, converting agrowastes into value-added applications and products, rice cultivation, surfactants and bacteriocin as biopreservatives, bioplastics, crop productivity, biofloc, and the production of natural antibiotics. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists, policymakers and industrial practitioners working in the fields of agriculture, aquaculture and public health.

This volume details basic and advanced protocols for both stages of protein engineering: the library design phase and the identification of improved variants by screening and selection. Chapters focus on enzyme engineering using rational and semi-rational 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 tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Protein Engineering: Methods and Protocols aims to aid scientists in the planning and performance of their experiments. The chapter 'Functional Analysis of Membrane Proteins Produced by Cell-Free Translation' is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.

Proteins are the cell's workers, their messengers and overseers. In these roles, proteins specifically bind small molecules, nucleic acid and other protein partners. Cellular systems are closely regulated and biologically significant changes in populations of particular protein complexes correspond to very small variations of their thermodynamics or kinetics of reaction. Interfering with the interactions of proteins is the dominant strategy in the development of new pharmaceuticals. Protein Ligand Interactions: Methods and Applications, Second Edition provides a complete introduction to common and emerging procedures for characterizing the interactions of individual proteins. From the initial discovery of natural substrates or potential drug leads, to the detailed quantitative understanding of the mechanism of interaction, all stages of the research process are covered with a focus on those techniques that are, or are anticipated to become, widely accessible and performable with mainstream commercial instrumentation. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Protein Ligand Interactions: Methods and Applications, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers new to the field of biophysical characterization of protein interactions - whether they are beginning graduate students or experts in allied areas of molecular cell biology, microbiology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry or structural biology.

This volume provides a comprehensive study of this key method of gel-based proteomics. Chapters in Difference Gel Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols detail methods on principles of differential protein labeling, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, techniques on optimized proteomic workflows, advanced mass spectrometry for protein identification, application of basic biological research, and applied biomarker discovery. 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 cutting-edge, Difference Gel Electrophoresis: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This book provides a selection of recently developed methods and protocols in bacterial glycomics to aid in bettering our understanding of the structures and functions of bacterial polysaccharides, their attachments to proteins and lipids, their role in biofilm formation, as well as their biosynthesis. With the emerging bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics world-wide, these techniques to study the outer polysaccharides of bacteria, with their functions in bacterial adhesion, colonization, growth, establishment of biofilms, and control virulence and pathogenicity, are increasingly important. 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 cutting-edge, Bacterial Polysaccharides: Methods and Protocols aims to support researchers contributing to future approaches that will fill our knowledge gaps and define anti-bacterial targets.

This book will focus on the differentiation and regulation of subsets of CD4+ T cells. It will also cover other aspects of research on these cells, which has made great advances in recent years, such as subsets' plasticity and their role in healthy and disease conditions. The book provides researchers and graduate students with a cutting-edge and comprehensive overview of essential research on CD4+ T cells.

This volume is comprised of 18 chapters, covering various aspects of DNA modification and RNA modified bases. It also discusses in detail circular RNA, therapeutic oligonucleotides and their different properties. The chemical nature of DNA, RNA, protein and lipids makes these macromolecules easily modifiable, but they are also susceptible to damage from both endogenous and exogenous agents. Alkylation and oxidation show a potential to disrupt the cellular redox equilibrium and cause cellular damage leading to inflammation and even chronic disease. Furthermore, DNA damage can drive mutagenesis and the resulting DNA sequence changes can induce carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Modified nucleosides can occur as a result of oxidative DNA damage and RNA turnover, and are used as markers for various diseases. To function properly some RNA needs to be chemically modified post-transcriptionally. Dysregulation of the RNA-modification pattern or of the levels of the enzymes that catalyze these modifications alters RNA functionality and can result in complex phenotypes, likely due to defects in protein translation. While modifications are best characterized in noncoding ribonucleic acids like tRNA and rRNA, coding mRNAs have also been found to contain modified nucleosides. This book is a valuable resource, not only for graduate students but also researchers in the fields of molecular medicine and molecular biology.

This book presents the current concepts of semaphorin biology. In the early 1990s, semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance cues that function during neuronal development. However, cumulative findings have clarified that they have diverse functions in many physiological processes, including cardiogenesis, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, retinal homeostasis, and immune regulation. Additionally, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including tumorigenesis/tumor metastasis, neuroregenerative diseases, retinal degeneration, irregular pulse/sudden death, and immune disorders. Based on this current research background, the book covers the essential state-of-the-art findings for basic scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, and structural biology, as well as for physicians in neurology, cardiology, oncology, orthopedic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, allergology, and rheumatology.

This book summarizes the recent advances in applications of starch in state-of-the-art drug carriers (hydrogel, micro- and nano-particulate carriers) with stimulus-responsive and target-specific properties. It also highlights the role of starch and its derivatives in transmucosal administration to improve the bioavailability of drugs. Further, it outlines the principles of effective, advanced, starch-based drug delivery systems and illustrates how these principles are key to the development of future drug delivery strategies. This interesting reference resource is useful for students, researchers and engineers in the fields of carbohydrate chemistry, polymer sciences and drug delivery.

"Bio-Nanoimaging: Protein Misfolding & Aggregation" provides a unique introduction to both novel and established nanoimaging techniques for visualization and characterization of misfolded and aggregated protein species. The book is divided into three sections covering: - Nanotechnology and nanoimaging technology, including cryoelectron microscopy of beta(2)-microglobulin, studying amyloidogensis by FRET; and scanning tunneling microscopy of protein deposits - Polymorphisms of protein misfolded and aggregated species, including fibrillar polymorphism, amyloid-like protofibrils, and insulin oligomers - Polymorphisms of misfolding and aggregation processes, including multiple pathways of lysozyme aggregation, misfolded intermediate of a PDZ domain, and micelle formation by human islet amyloid polypeptide

Protein misfolding and aggregation is a fast-growing frontier in molecular medicine and protein chemistry. Related disorders include cataracts, arthritis, cystic fibrosis, late-onset diabetes mellitus, and numerous neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nanoimaging technology has proved crucial in understanding protein-misfolding pathologies and in potential drug design aimed at the inhibition or reversal of protein aggregation. Using these technologies, researchers can monitor the aggregation process, visualize protein aggregates and analyze their properties.
Provides practical examples of nanoimaging research from leading molecular biology, cell biology, protein chemistry, biotechnology, genetics, and pharmaceutical labsIncludes over 200 color images to illustrate the power of various nanoimaging technologies Focuses on nanoimaging techniques applied to protein misfolding and aggregation in molecular medicine

Since its inception in 1945, this serial has provided critical and informative articles written by research specialists that integrate industrial, analytical, and technological aspects of biochemistry, organic chemistry, and instrumentation methodology in the study of carbohydrates. The articles provide a definitive interpretation of the current status and future trends in carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry.
Features contributions from leading authorities and industry expertsInforms and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Since its inception in 1945, this serial has provided critical and informative articles written by research specialists that integrate industrial, analytical, and technological aspects of biochemistry, organic chemistry, and instrumentation methodology in the study of carbohydrates. The articles provide a definitive interpretation of the current status and future trends in carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry.
Features contributions from leading authorities and industry experts Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

First published in 1943, "Vitamins and Hormones" is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press.

The Series provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic. A volume can focus on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones. A hormone is interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others can be reviewed.

This volume focuses on endocrine disrupters.

Key features: Expertise of the contributorsCoverage of a vast array of subjectsIn depth current information at the molecular to the clinical levelsThree-dimensional structures in colorElaborate signaling pathways "