This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Thethird of3 volumes covering Natural product biosynthesis by microorganisms and plants.
This new volume continues the legacy of this premier serialContains quality chapters authored by leaders in the fieldThe third of 3 volumes, it has chapters on such topics as metabolic pathways in "Aspergillus oryzae, "heterologous gene clusters and cyanobacteria as a source of natural products"

Cell biology spans among the widest diversity of methods in the biological sciences. From physical chemistry to microscopy, cells have given up with secrets only when the questions are asked in the right way This new volume of "Methods in Cell Biology" covers laboratory methods in cell biology, and includes methods that are among the most important and elucidating in the discipline, such as transfection, cell enrichment and magnetic batch separation.

Covers the most important laboratory methods in cell biology Chapters written by experts in their fields
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This book describes the state of the art in the field of bioanalytical nano- and microsystems with optical functionality. In 12 chapters distinguished scientists and leaders in their respective fields show how various optical technologies have been miniaturized and integrated over the last few decades in order to be combined with nano- and microsystems for applications in the life sciences. The main detection and characterization technologies are introduced, and examples of the superiority of these integrated approaches compared to traditional ones are provided. Examples from e.g. the fields of optical waveguides, integrated interferometers, surface plasmon resonance or Raman spectroscopy are introduced and discussed, and it is shown how these approaches have led to novel functionalities and thereby novel applications.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The second of3 volumes covering Natural product biosynthesis by microorganisms and plants.
This new volume continues the legacy of this premier serialContainsquality chapters authored by leaders in the field The second of3 volumes it has chapters on such topics as biological chlorination, bromination and iodination, and phylogenetic approaches to natural product structure prediction"

This book offers comprehensive information on the polymorphisms of genes encoding pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Following a short description of the general role of PRRs in the immune system, the structure and function of Toll-like and NOD-like receptors are examined in detail. The main focus is on the role of inherited variation in PRRs and their correlation to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. A review of all epidemiological investigations is included, and a concept of genomic risk markers for the prevention of various diseases is also discussed.

This book reviews the fundamental aspects of quinoxaline chemistry: synthesis, reactions, mechanisms, structure, properties, and uses. The first four chapters present a survey of the developments in quinoxaline chemistry since the publication of the monograph on "Condensed Pyrazines" by Cheeseman and Cookson in 1979. These chapters give comprehensive coverage of all the methods of the synthesis of quinoxalines and the important quinoxaline-containing ring systems such as thiazolo[3,4-a]-, pyrrolo[1,2-a]-, and imidazo[1,5-a]quinoxalines. Chapter five describes many new methods for the construction of quinoxaline macrocycles, which are important in applications such as optical devices and materials. The final chapter reviews all previously known rearrangements of heterocyclic systems that lead to benzimidazole derivatives. Mamedov critically analyses these transformations to reveal a novel acid-catalyzed rearrangement of quinoxalinones giving 2-heteroarylbenzimidazoles and 1-heteroarylbenzimidazolones in the presence of nucleophilic reactants (MAMEDOV Heterocycle Rearrangement). This book is of interest to researchers in the fields of heterocyclic and synthetic organic chemistry.

The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s, their later chemical characterization and the clarification of pivotal metabolic functions are sequential aspects of a brilliant chapter in the history of modern nutritional sciences and medicine. The name, derived from "vital-amines", indicates their elementary metabolic key functions in human metabolism. Vitamins are truly families of compounds, which include precursors and various free and bound forms, all with individual roles in metabolism and function. A more recent approach therefore searches for the components, the understanding of their roles in physiology and pathology as well as looking for novel pharmacological applications. When used properly, vitamins are, indeed, "magical" substances. Due to their efficacy, they should therefore be regarded as drugs with effects and side effects to be weighted against each other. Today, it is not the previously fatal deficiency-associated diseases that are in the focus of interest, but rather the relation of suboptimal vitamin bioavailability to chronic disease. This is complicated by genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of health-compromising habits, such as smoking. In turn, the development and application of new and more sensitive and specific assays further enable us to look more closely into the many functions of vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are complex molecular structures and even today, many areas in vitamin biochemistry are not yet fully understood. Novel effects and functions of vitamins remain and continue to be discovered. This book presents most recent research results and fascinating new knowledge on the role and effects of the water soluble vitamins in man. Some of the most distinguished chemists, biochemists, biologists and clinicians have contributed valuable chapters sharing unexpected novel insights into the biochemistry, (epi)genetics, metabolism, and function of water soluble vitamins, with their potential for clinical applications. Thus, physicians, clinicians, scientists, researchers, epidemiologists. nutritional specialists and health professionals alike will find stimulating and fascinating new insight in the many roles that water soluble vitamins play in human health and disease.

Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates Henri Ulrich Chemical Consultant, Guilford, USA The production of both mono- and diisocyanates is of ever increasing importance to the chemical industry. The annual global consumption of polyurethanes, derived from diisocyanates, has reached over six million metric tons. This book highlights the syntheses, reactions and the industrial importance of this group. Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates:
* is the only comprehensive book on isocyanate chemistry and technology
* highlights the industrial applications of diisocyanates in the manufacture of flexible and rigid foams, elastomers, coatings and adhesives
* discusses ionomers used in water-based coatings, polymer networks and biomedical polymers
* reviews current and future environmental issues, including toxicity and safe handling of isocyanates, recycling of isocyanate derived polymers and monomers derived from natural products.
Chemistry and Technology of Isocyanates is invaluable to researchers and technologists of organic, polymer and biochemistry and all others working with polyurethanes and other isocyanate products.

This book examines Au (I, III) complexes that selectively attack and inhibit zinc finger proteins (ZnFs) for potential therapeutic use. The author explores gold(I)-phosphine, gold(III) complexes with N^N and C^N donors as inhibitors of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein (NCp7), in comparison to the human transcription factor Sp1. To determine the coordination sphere of the gold adducts formed by interaction with ZnFs, two innovative approaches are used, based on Travelling-Wave Ion Mobility coupled with Mass Spectrometry (TWIM-MS), and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy. Both approaches are proven to yield valuable structural information regarding the coordination sphere of gold in the adducts. In addition, the organometallic compound [Au (bnpy)Cl2] is evaluated. The system is shown to be capable of inhibiting ZnFs by means of C-S coupling.

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

Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, "Vitamins and Hormones" continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The volumecovers ghrelin, andhas chapters on such topics as orphan gpcrs and methods for identifying their ligands, ghrelin o-acyltransferase assays and inhibition, and thermogenic characterization of ghrelin receptor null mice.
Contains quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Has chapters on such topics as orphan gpcrs and methods for identifying their ligands, ghrelin o-acyltransferase assays and inhibition, and thermogenic characterization of ghrelin receptor null mice"

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The first of3 volumes covering Natural product biosynthesis by microorganisms and plants, it has chapters on such topics as Kinetics of plant sesquiterpene synthases, Terpenoid biosynthesis in fungi, and plant Type III polyketide synthases.
Contains quality chapters authored by leaders in the field The first of3 volumes Has chapters on such topics as kinetics of plant sesquiterpene synthases, terpenoid biosynthesis in fungi, and plant Type III polyketide synthases"

This special issue of "The Enzymes "is targeted towards researchers in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, and cancer. This volume discusses Eukaryotic RNases and their partners in RNA degradation and biogenesis.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities

* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Ascorbic acid (AsA), vitamin C, is one of the most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in plants and animals. In plants AsA serves as a major redox buffer and regulates various physiological processes controlling growth, development, and stress tolerance. Recent studies on AsA homeostasis have broadened our understanding of these physiological events. At the mechanistic level, AsA has been shown to participate in numerous metabolic and cell signaling processes, and the dynamic relationship between AsA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been well documented. Being a major component of the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle, AsA helps to modulate oxidative stress in plants by controlling ROS detoxification alone and in co-operation with glutathione. In contrast to the single pathway responsible for AsA biosynthesis in animals, plants utilize multiple pathways to synthesize AsA, perhaps reflecting the importance of this molecule to plant health. Any fluctuations, increases or decreases, in cellular AsA levels can have profound effects on plant growth and development, as AsA is associated with the regulation of the cell cycle, redox signaling, enzyme function and defense gene expression. Although there has been significant progress made investigating the multiple roles AsA plays in stress tolerance, many aspects of AsA-mediated physiological responses require additional research if AsA metabolism is to be manipulated to enhance stress-tolerance. This book summarizes the roles of AsA that are directly or indirectly involved in the metabolic processes and physiological functions of plants. Key topics include AsA biosynthesis and metabolism, compartmentation and transport, AsA-mediated ROS detoxification, as well as AsA signaling functions in plant growth, development and responses to environmental stresses. The main objective of this volume is therefore to supply comprehensive and up-to-date information for students, scholars and scientists interested in or currently engaged in AsA research.

This special volume of "The Enzymes "is targeted towards researchers in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, pharmacology, and cancer. This thematic volume discusses Eukaryotic RNases and their partners in RNA degradation and biogenesis.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities

* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

Expert authors provide critical, in-depth reviews of available methods for retrieving selective information out of complex biological systems. Sensors, probes and devices are present and future tools of medicinal diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food analysis and molecular biology. These are based on fluorescence, electrochemistry and mass spectrometry. Coverage of this volume includes sensor development for the detection of small analytes, monitoring of biomolecular interactions, analysis of cellular function, development of diagnostic tools.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The volume covers nucleosomes, histones and chromatin and has chapters on dynamic mapping of histone-DNA interactions in nucleosomes by unzipping single molecules of DNA, digital DNase technology, and genome-wide analysis of chromatin transition.
Contains quality chapters authored by leaders in the fieldThe volume covers nucleosomes, histones and chromatinHas chapters on dynamic mapping of histone-DNA interactions in nucleosomes by unzipping single molecules of DNA, digital DNase technology, and genome-wide analysis of chromatin transition

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. The first of 2 volumes covering nucleosomes, histones and chromatin, it has chapters on methods applied to the study of protein arginine methylation, high-resolution identification of intra- and interchromosomal DNA interactions by 4C technology, and peptide arrays to interrogate the binding specificity of chromatin-binding proteins.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field The first of 2 volumes covering nucleosomes, histones and chromatin Chapters on methods applied to the study of protein arginine methylation, high-resolution identification of intra- and interchromosomal DNA interactions by 4C technology, and peptide arrays to interrogate the binding specificity of chromatin-binding proteins

The work described in this book is an excellent example of interdisciplinary research in systems biology. It shows how concepts and approaches from the field of physics can be efficiently used to answer biological questions and reports on a novel methodology involving creative computer-based analyses of high-throughput biological data. Many of the findings described in the book, which are the result of collaborations between the author (a theoretical scientist) and experimental biologists and between different laboratories, have been published in high-quality peer-reviewed journals such as Molecular Cell and Nature. However, while those publications address different aspects of post-transcriptional gene regulation, this book provides readers with a complete, coherent and logical view of the research project as a whole. The introduction presents post-transcriptional gene regulation from a distinct angle, highlighting aspects of information theory and evolution and laying the groundwork for the questions addressed in the subsequent chapters, which concern the regulation of the transcriptome as the primary functional carrier of active genetic information.

The series "Advances in Dendritic Macromolecules" aims to cover the synthesis and supramolecular chemistry of dendritic or cascade super-molecules as well as their less perfect hyperbranched cousins.
In Volume 3, Chapter 1 describes the synthesis and characterization of dendrimers and hyperbranched polyesters, both based on 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, as the AB2-monomer. Chapter 2, discusses the advantages and drawbacks of dendritic molecular architectures necessary to create polymeric organic magnetic materials. In Chapter 3, Balzani and colleagues delineate their contributions to the field of polynuclear transition metal complexes in the design and construction of dendritic nanostructures; these luminesence and redox-active complexes suggest their role as photochemical molecular devices operating by photoinduced energy and electron transfer processes. Chapter 4, reviews the overall progress on redox-active dendrimers, especially as redox catalysts, organic conductors, modified electrodes, and models for electron transfer proteins. Chapter 5, summarizes the pioneering research in organometallic dendritic macromolecules and then delineates the redox properties of a series of silicon-based ferrocenyl-containing dendrimers.

Now recognized as a reservoir for growth factors and cytokines modulating cell activation status and turnover, proteoglycans have stimulated great amount of interest and research. In Proteoglycans: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field examine issues of basic concepts and up-to-date analysis methods for proteoglycan and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) at the protein and saccharide levels. The volume continues with the multifunctional aspect of proteoglycans, highlighted through three relevant examples of proteoglycans with highly different strucutures: serglycin, aggrecan, and heparin sulphate proteoglycans. The final chapter describes proteoglycan involvement in the pathogenesis of various disorders and their potential therapeutic value in osteo-articular diseases. 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. Authoritative and accessible, Proteoglycans: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for scientists attempting to pursue further research in this vital and complex area of study.

This work brings together a number of accounts of the mechanisms whereby microorganisms are able to degrade a wide variety of compounds. These compounds range from petroleum-derived materials, which continue to predominate in questions of environmental contamination and pollution, to the degradation of the major natural materials that microorganisms may encounter in all types of habitat. Both aerobic and anaerobic modes of attack are covered. The emphasis in all the chapters is upon the underlying biochemical pathways that microorganisms use: differences between bacteria, yeasts and moulds are highlighted whenever opportune and uses of microbial consortia for attack on the most recalcitrant molecules is also documented. Activity of microorganisms in the soil, groundwater and marine environments are all considered. The book should be of interest to all whose work brings them into contact with the results of microbial degradations. The consequences of microbial degradations may be beneficial as well as deleterious: an advantage with some compounds, a decided disadvantage with others. The basis by which microorganisms achieve these attacks then provides the vital knowledge that will accelerate the former and, hopefully, retard the latter. The pathways of microbial degradations of all major classes of compounds are covered in a single volume. The diversity of microbial activities are clearly described and current advances in the applications of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, enzyme chemistry and engineering feature in almost every chapter.

Since its inception in 1945, this serial has provided critical and integrating 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

This book focuses on C-type lectin receptors, a newly emerging family of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and a crucial part of the human innate immune system. Above all, the authors highlight these receptors' role in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) - one of the first steps in responding to foreign and potentially dangerous structures in the human body. The respective chapters chiefly examine various C-type lectin receptors, their corresponding ligands, and signalling. In addition to offering immunologists and clinicians important insights from the latest research, they may also provide novel points of departure for future drug development.