In "Plant Metabolic Flux Analysis," expert researchers in the field provide detailed experimental procedures for each step of the flux quantification workflow. Steady state and dynamic modeling are considered, as well as recent developments for the reconstruction of metabolic networks and for a predictive modeling. 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" Plant Metabolic Flux Analysis," seeks to aid scientists in the further study of cutting-edge protocols and methodologies that are crucial to getting ahead in MFA.

Fall-induced hip fracture is an epidemic health risk among elderly people. This book presents an image-based multilevel modeling approach to understanding the biomechanics involved in fall-induced hip fracture. By hierarchically integrating a body-level dynamics model, a femur-level finite element model, and a local bone failure model, the biomechanics approach is able to simulate all stages in sideways falls and to incorporate all biomechanical variables affecting hip fracture. This book is useful for clinicians to accurately evaluate fracture risk, for biomechanical engineers to virtually test hip protective devices, and for biomedical students to learn image-based biomechanical modeling techniques. This book also covers: Biomechanical viewing on bone composition, bone remodeling, and bone strength Bone imaging and information captured for constructing biomechanical models Bone mechanical testing and mechanical properties required for biomechanical modeling

Prominin-1 or otherwise known as CD133 is a glycoprotein that is present in humans and mice. Since the first description of prominin in 1997, in mouse neuroepithelial cells and in human hematopoietic stem cells as AC133 antigen, this molecule has aroused a large interest especially, as a stem cell marker, that gave rise to an ever growing body of publications and more recently its expression in cancer stem cells. Controversies as to its role as a cancer stem and its detection in different models, as well as its use as a prognostic marker have emerged. Yet, beyond its use as a stem cell and cancer stem cell marker, prominin-1/CD133 displays unique biological features and appears of importance in other processes like for example in retinal biogenesis. Indeed, this five-transmembrane plasma membrane glycoprotein, which marks membrane protrusions is associated with several essential processes like cell polarity, asymmetric cell division and membrane remodeling. We propose to review current knowledge about this intriguing molecule and present pertinent information to determine the biological role of prominins and assess their importance in medicine and cancer research. The primary audience for this book is geared towards scientists and researchers with interest in cancer stem cells, stem cells, cell biology, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine.

Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and forward thinking, these books offer a valuable guide to both cellular processes while inciting researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Considering that autophagy is associated with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer (both antitumor and protumor functions), immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases, there is a great need to understanding its role. Cell homeostasis is achieved by balancing biosynthesis and cellular turnover. In spite of the increasing importance of autophagy in various pathophysiological situations (conditions) mentioned above, this process remains underestimated and overlooked. As a consequence, its role in the initiation, stability, maintenance, and progression of these and other diseases (e.g., autoimmune disease) remains poorly understood. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Necrosis and Inflammation in Human Diseases. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

A number of techniques to study ion channels have been developed since the electrical basis of excitability was first discovered. Ion channel biophysicists have at their disposal a rich and ever-growing array of instruments and reagents to explore the biophysical and structural basis of sodium channel behavior. Armed with these tools, researchers have made increasingly dramatic discoveries about sodium channels, culminating most recently in crystal structures of voltage-gated sodium channels from bacteria. These structures, along with those from other channels, give unprecedented insight into the structural basis of sodium channel function. This volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology will explore sodium channels from the perspectives of their biophysical behavior, their structure, the drugs and toxins with which they are known to interact, acquired and inherited diseases that affect sodium channels and the techniques with which their biophysical and structural properties are studied.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

Key features:

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

This new volume of Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers the area of Planar Cell Polaritywith contributions from an international board of authors. The 12 chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as PCP in Zebra fish, the role of Dishevelled in PCP regulation, and PCP in axon pathfinding.
Covers the area of planar cell polarityInternational board of authors12 chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as planar cell polarity in Zebrafish, the role of disheveled in planar cell polarity regulation, and planar cell polarity in axon path finding"

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
"

The discovery and genetic engineering of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized cell biology. What was previously invisible in the cell often can be made visible with the use of fluorescent proteins. In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins: Methods and Protocols presents state-of-the-art research that has contributed to the fluorescent protein revolution to visualize biological processes in the live animal. This volume covers an array of topics from the employment of the chick CAM model using fluorescent proteins and other fluorescent probes, to intravital fluorescent imaging, as well as 3-dimensional imaging, and design instructions on how to create new and improved far-red and infrared fluorescent proteins, to name a few. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, In Vivo Cellular Imaging Using Fluorescent Proteins: Methods and Protocols is the first volume in the new field of in vivo cell biology and it serves both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies.

Cellular and Molecular Control of Neuronal Migration provides an up-to-date collection of reviews on the molecular and cellular principles of neuronal migration in the mammalian brain. Over the last decades a rich catalogue of signaling molecules controlling neuronal migration has been compiled, and within this book an international panel of experts provides up-to-date discussions of the state of knowledge how these distinct signaling pathways regulate various aspects of neuronal migration. This book introduces the reader to the latest discoveries and concepts of neuronal migration enabled through the application of most sophisticated methods and cutting edge experimental approaches. Cellular and Molecular Control of Neuronal Migration also provides an update on the underlying cellular and molecular basis of neurodevelopmental migration disorders in human patients for all interested neuroscientists and clinicians.

This text is a comprehensive look at the current knowledge on stem cell application for vision loss, showcasing different types of stem cells (adult, embryonic, iPSCs) for diseases of the front and the back of the eye. It also highlights data obtained in various models from fish to human, as well as from the bionic eye project for vision regeneration. This volume in the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series is essential reading for stem cell biologists, ophthalmologists, advanced and graduate students, in addition to academics and medical staff who work in these disciplines.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This is the third of three volumes on hydrogen peroxide and cell signaling, and includes chapters on such topics as the biological chemistry of hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species in the activation of MAP kinases, and investigating the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating autophagy.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers hydrogen peroxide and cell signalingContains chapters on such topics as the biological chemistry of hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species in the activation of MAP kinases, and investigating the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating autophagy

First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful "Handbook of Stem Cells," "Essentials of Stem Cell Biology" serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners, and students embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of 7 editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world's experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, and methods to theapplication of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and ethics, and patient perspectives, no topic in the field of stem cells is left uncovered.
Contributions by Nobel Laureates and leading international investigatorsIncludes two entirely new chapters devoted exclusively to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells written by the scientists who made the breakthroughEdited by a world-renowned author and researcher to present a complete story of stem cells in research, in application, and as the subject of political debatePresented in full color with a glossary, highlighted terms, and bibliographic entries replacing references"

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This is the second of three volumes on hydrogen peroxide and cell signaling, and includes chapters on such topics as the cellular steady-state of H2O2, evaluating peroxiredoxin sensitivity towards inactivation by peroxide substrates, and peroxiredoxins as preferential targets in H2O2-induced signaling.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers hydrogen peroxide and cell signalingContains chapters on such topics asthe cellular steady-state of H2O2, evaluating peroxiredoxin sensitivity towards inactivation by peroxide substrates, and peroxiredoxins as preferential targets in H2O2-induced signaling
"

This book describes the unique characean experimental system, which provides a simplified model for many aspects of the physiology, transport and electrophysiology of higher plants. The first chapter offers a thorough grounding in the morphology, taxonomy and ecology of Characeae plants. Research on characean detached cells in steady state is summarised in Chapter 2, and Chapter 3 covers characean detached cells subjected to calibrated and mostly abiotic types of stress: touch, wounding, voltage clamp to depolarised and hyperpolarised potential difference levels, osmotic and saline stress. Chapter 4 highlights cytoplasmic streaming, cell-to-cell transport, gravitropism, cell walls and the role of Characeae in phytoremediation. The book is intended for researchers and students using the characean system and will also serve as an invaluable reference resource for electrophysiologists working on higher plants.

This volume expands on the previous edition with a more extensive look at molecular motors and their roles in muscle contractions, vesicle transport, flagellar beating, chromosome segregation, and DNA replication and repair. The chapters in this book are divided into three parts: Part One looks at membrane motors, such as the bacterial flagellar rotary motor; Part Two discusses cytoskeletal motors, such as kinesin and myosin; and Part Three talks about nucleic acid motors, such as DNA polymerases, helicases, and nucleosome remodelers. 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, Molecular Motors: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for (bio)physicists and molecular/cellular biologists whose research delves into the mechanisms at work in cells and the motors which power them.

For many years, it has been known that when rats and mice are given a reduced amount of food, their life span is increased and they remain healthy and vigorous at advanced ages.

What is the reason for this change in the usual pattern of aging? The evidence is overwhelming that the life extension results from a slowing of aging processes. And the factor responsible is the decrease in caloric intake. The obvious question: How does this factor work? A good question - and the reason that research on the anti-aging action of caloric restriction is today one of the most studied research areas in biological gerontology. For it is felt that if the biological mechanisms of the anti-aging action of caloric restriction can be uncovered, we would gain an understanding of the basic nature of aging processes, which would, in turn, yield possible interventions in human aging. This book aims to provide the growing number of researchers in this field (faculty, postdoctoral trainees, and graduate students) with a detailed knowledge of what is known about caloric restriction within the frame of gerontology, as well as insights on future of this field.

The book explores the state of the art in the mechanics of fibrous media, providing an overview of the theoretical, modelling and practical aspects of designing and working with these materials. It also describes the advanced methods needed to handle their specific features, including the mechanics of generalized continua, dedicated homogenization methods and computational techniques, and presents applications of fibrous media to diverse fields and over a broad spectrum of scales, ranging from aeronautics to biomechanics.

This book presents the current state of knowledge on the origin and differentiation of cell lines involved in the development of the vertebrate male and female gonads with particular emphasis on the mouse. It also discusses the processes leading to the testis- and ovary-specific structures and functions. The individual chapters review the origin and differentiation of the somatic cells of the genital ridges; the formation and migration of primordial germ cells in mouse and man; the gonadal supporting cell lineage and mammalian sex determination; differentiation of Sertoli and granulosa cells; mesonephric cell migration into the gonads and vascularization; origin and differentiation of androgen-producing cells in the gonads; germ cell commitment to the oogenic versus spermatogenic pathway and the role of retinoic acid; ovarian folliculogenesis; control of oocyte growth and development by intercellular communication within the follicular niche; biology of the Sertoli cell in the fetal, pubertal and adult mammalian testis; mechanisms regulating spermatogonial differentiation; stem cells in mammalian gonads; the role of microRNAs in cell differentiation during gonad development; human sex development and its disorders; as well as methods for the study of gonadal development.

"Current Topics in Membranes "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 and in learning where that field is heading. In this volume, researchers are encouraged to fully explore topics and research related to co-transport systems. 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.
Field is cutting-edge and a lot of the information is new to research community

Wide breadth of topic coverage

Contributors of high renown and expertise

This volume of Current Topics in Membranes focuses on metal transmembrane transporters and pumps, a recently discovered family of membrane proteins with many important roles in the physiology of living organisms. The book summarizes the most recent advances in the field of metal ion transport and provides a broad overview of the major classes of transporters involved in homeostasis of heavy metals. Various families of the transporters and metal specificities are discussed with the focus on the structural and mechanistic aspects of their function and regulation. The reader will access information obtained through a variety of approaches ranging from X-ray crystallography to cell biology and bioinformatics, which have been applied to transporters identified in diverse biological systems, such as pathogenic bacteria, plants, humans and others.
Field is cutting-edge and a lot of the information is new to research community

Wide breadth of topic coverage

Contributors of high renown and expertise

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.

Peroxisomes are a class of ubiquitous and dynamic single membrane-bounded cell organelles, devoid of DNA, with an essentially oxidative type of metabolism. In recent years it has become increasingly clear that peroxisomes are involved in a range of important cellular functions in almost all eukaryotic cells. In higher eukaryotes, including humans, peroxisomes catalyze ether phospholipids biosynthesis, fatty acid alpha-oxidation, glyoxylate detoxification, etc, and in humans peroxisomes are associated with several important genetic diseases. In plants, peroxisomes carry out the fatty acid beta-oxidation, photorespiration, metabolism of ROS, RNS and RSS, photomorphogenesis, biosynthesis of phytohormones, senescence, and defence against pathogens and herbivores. In recent years it has been postulated a possible contribution of peroxisomes to cellular signaling. In this volume an updated view of the capacity and function of peroxisomes from human, animal, fungal and plant origin as cell generators of different signal molecules involved in distinct processes of high physiological importance is presented.

Considerable advances have taken place since the initial isolation and characterization of human embryonic stem (HES) cells; however, significant challenges remain before their potential for restoration and regeneration processes in patients can be realized. Understanding the diversity amongst HES cell lines and realizing the ability to isolate lines with robust differentiation potential remain difficult. In the Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook, experts in the field provide an assortment of protocols that have been used by various laboratories around the world so as to allow both novices and experienced investigators to compare and contrast different approaches to HES cell isolation and characterization with the hope that, from these protocols, researchers might standardize approaches for HES cell biology. Written in the 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 for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook serves as a valuable reference for scientists pursuing this vital field and its enormous potential.

This book, for the first time, comprehensively assembles and analyzes a large body of information on the role of the fundamental mechanism of the protein biosynthesis pathway, translation, in cancer biology. It systematically explores the function of the translation machinery and its regulation, including cell signaling, in the development, maintenance and progression of human cancer. The work presented here unveils the tremendous potential and applications of this vast and exciting branch of genetic, biochemical and molecular science in cancer medicine and drug development.

Chapters contributed by experts in the field take the reader on a journey that starts with a dissection of the translation machinery and its regulation in norm and cancer. Later chapters characterize etiological and pathogenetic roles that translation plays in specific cancer types. Various aspects of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance of the translation machinery and its control in cancer are discussed. Readers will discover the importance of the process of translation and its regulatory mechanisms in physiology and cancer biology.

The chapters and the numerous illustrations included here were contributed by expert scientists and clinicians from renowned academic and clinical establishments in Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Australia.

The book conveys information and knowledge that may interest a broad range of students and scholars ranging from basic scientists to clinicians and drug developers seeking to better understand the protein synthesis and its aberrations in cancer biology and cancer medicine.