This meticulous volume recognizes the need to translate what has been learned primarily in tissue culture dishes to approaches supporting scale-up studies, not only to large quantities of cells but also to heterogeneous cell constructs. Notable advances are being made in these latter approaches, prompting this collection of a variety of representative protocols that facilitate important modifications and novel approaches to bioreactors in stem cell research, contributed by both established and new investigators in this area. 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. Practical and authoritative, Bioreactors in Stem Cell Biology: Methods and Protocols will serve as an ideal guide for scientists seeking to increase our understanding of stem cells and their potential to repair and regenerate tissues and organs.

This volume systematically reviews the basic science and clinical knowledge of the role of free radicals and antioxidants, collectively known as "oxidative stress," in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. It describes the most current diagnostic tools, laboratory methods and technology, and suggests ways of prevention and treatment to emphasize the concept of the bench-to-bedside approach. Studies on Alzheimer's Disease provides thorough coverage of emerging technology and medical applications including discussions of biomarkers and antioxidants as therapeutic agents, and several more relevant aspects. In addition, this book promotes the concept of using biomarkers representative of oxidative stress reactions and free-radical damageand describes the effects of antioxidants in treating disease in clinical trials. This content is invaluable to both researchers and clinicians studying the development of and treating patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

This expert volume covers an interdisciplinary and rapidly growing area of biomedical research comprising genetic, biochemical, pathological, and clinical studies aimed at the diagnosis and therapy of human diseases which are either caused by or associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. It dedicates itself to showcasing the tremendous efforts and the progress that has been made over the last decades in developing techniques and protocols for probing, imaging, and manipulating mitochondrial functions. Mitochondrial Medicine: Volume II, Manipulating Mitochondrial Function describes techniques developed for manipulating and assessing mitochondrial function under general pathological conditions and specific disease states. 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. Comprehensive and practical, Mitochondrial Medicine provides an essential source of know-how and inspiration to all researchers who are fascinated by this tiny organelle that seems so clearly to control the life and death of a single cell and whole organisms alike.

Volume 122 of "Methods in Cell Biology" describes modern tools and techniques used to study nuclear pore complexes and nucleocytoplasmic transport in diverse eukaryotic model systems (including mammalian cells, Xenopus, "C. elegans," yeast).

The volume enables investigators to analyze nuclear pore complex structure, assembly, and dynamics; to evaluate protein and RNA trafficking through the nuclear envelope; and to design in vivo or in vitro assays appropriate to their research needs.

Beyond the study of nuclear pores and transport as such, these protocols will also be helpful to scientists characterizing gene regulation, signal transduction, cell cycle, viral infections, or aging. The NPC being one of the largest multiprotein complexes in the cell, some protocols will also be of interest for people currently characterizing other macromolecular assemblies. This book is thus designed for laboratory use by graduate students, technicians, and researchers in many molecular and cellular disciplines.
Describes modern tools and techniques used to study nuclear pore complexes and nucleocytoplasmic transport in diverse eukaryotic model systems (mammalian cells, Xenopus, C. elegans, yeast)Chapters are written by experts in the field Cutting-edge material

This volume describes the more relevant secondary metabolites of different fungi with current information on their biosynthesis and molecular genetics. Bolstered with color illustrations and photographs, the book describes the possible application of molecular genetics to directed strain improvement in great detail. The needs for future developments in this field are also discussed at length

Written by authorities in the field, "Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites" provides a cutting-edge perspective on fungal secondary metabolism and underlying genetics and is a valuable resource for scientists, researchers, and educators in the field of fungal biology.

The technique of needle microinjection has become a prominent experimental approach in biological research. Cellular organelles, DNA and RNA, enzymes, structural proteins, metabolites, ions and antibodies are just some of the molecular and cellular elements that have been transposed from test tubes into living cells by needle injection. This technique is broadly used as a valuable tool for the study of many different cell responses in a variety of systems. This text presents information on the technique of needle microinjection's principles, the required equipment, preparation of receiving cells and injected material and the analysis of the results. It provides detailed protocols for a wide range of important applications and different cellular systems from the fields of cell cycle regulation, signal transduction, study of transcriptional regulations, cytoskeletal functions, secretion and intracellular transport.

This book explains omics at the most basic level, including how this new concept can be properly utilized in molecular and systems biology research. Most reviews and books on this topic have mainly focused on the technicalities and complexity of each omics' platform, impeding readers to wholly understand its fundamentals and applications. This book tackles such gap and will be most beneficial to novice in this area, university students and even researchers. Basic workflow and practical guidance in each omics are also described, such that scientists can properly design their experimentation effectively. Furthermore, how each omics platform has been conducted in our institute (INBIOSIS) is also detailed, a comprehensive example on this topic to further enhance readers' understanding. The contributors of each chapter have utilized the platforms in various manner within their own research and beyond. The contributors have also been interactively integrated and combined these different omics approaches in their research, being able to systematically write each chapter with the conscious knowledge of other inter-relating topics of omics. The potential readers and audience of this book can come from undergraduate and postgraduate students who wish to extend their comprehension in the topics of molecular biology and big data analysis using omics platforms. Furthermore, researchers and scientists whom may have expertise in basic molecular biology can extend their experimentation using the omics technologies and workflow outlined in this book, benefiting their research in the long run.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers cytoskeletal structure, including such topics as rotational movement of formins studied by fluorescence polarization microscopy, in vitro assembly assays for bacterial actin filaments, and modulators of microtubule plus end growth.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the fieldCovers cytoskeletal structureContains chapters with such topics as reconstitution of organelle transport and assaying microtubule nucleation by gamma-tubulin ring complex.

Revealing essential roles of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, this volume focuses on the extracellular matrix components of the tumor during cancer development. Further, it teaches readers about the roles of distinct constituents of the tumor microenvironment and how they affect cancer development. Topics include heparan sulphate, hyaluronan, fibronectin, perlecan, glypican, matrix metalloproteinases, and much more. Taken alongside its companion volumes, Tumor Microenvironment: Extracellular Matrix Components - Part A updates us on what we know about the different aspects of the tumor microenvironment, as well as apprises us on the future advances in the field. For the newest generation of researchers, this volume serves as a useful introduction to the history of scientists' focus on the tumor microenvironment, and explores how this knowledge is currently applied in cancer treatments. The book is an essential text for advanced cell biology and cancer biology students, as well as for scientists seeking an update on the developments in tumor microenvironment research. All of the chapter authors are renowned international experts in the field of cancer biology, and in the specific subfields that are the focus of their chapters.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Methods and Protocols explores on the most widely studied of the protein classes, known for their central role in several cellular functions and in a variety of human pathologies. Beginning with a section on activation and signaling of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs), the book continues with chapters on aberrant expression of RTKs, trafficking and negative regulation, as well as RTKs as pharmacological targets. 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, laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Methods and Protocols contains an up-to-date overview of the most relevant and widely used methods employed in this field, providing detailed protocols that molecular and cellular biologists could easily adopt in their research programs on RTKs.

This volume provides a set of reviews dedicated to the biology of Interleukin (IL)-10. It includes chapters on its importance for maintaining immune homeostasis in humans, its role in intestinal immunity and its functions during viral and bacterial infections. In addition, it presents reviews on the mechanisms linking innate microbial recognition to the production of IL-10 and on how IL-10 recognition by its receptor functions. The roles of T and B cells as relevant sources of IL-10 are also discussed, with an emphasis on the clinical opportunities offered by IL-10-producing Tr1 cells for the suppression of unwanted immunity. Finally, the functions of other cytokines of the IL-10 family are presented. Collectively, these articles provide a comprehensive overview of our current knowledge on one of the most important anti-inflammatory cytokines known to date.

This thesis reports on a novel system for extracellular recordings of the activity of excitable cells, which relies on an organic, charge-modulated field-effect transistor (FET) called OCMFET. The book shows how, thanks to the intrinsic biocompatibility, lightness, and inexpensiveness of the material used, this new system is able to overcome several problems typical of of "classic" electronic and bioelectronic. It provides a full description of the system, together with a comprehensive report of the successful experimental trials carried out on both cardiac and nerve cells, and a concise yet comprehensive overview of bioelectronic interfaces and organic sensors for electrophysiological applications.

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.

With the discovery of stem cells capable of multiplying indefinitely in culture and differentiating into many other cell types in appropriate conditions, new hopes were born in repair and replacement of damaged cells and tissues. The features of stem cells may provide treatment for some incurable diseases with some therapies are already in clinics, particularly those from adult stem cells. Some treatments will require large number of cells and may also require multiple doses, generating a growing demand for generating and processing large numbers of cells to meet the need of clinical applications. With this in mind, our aim is to provide a book on the subject of stem cells and cell therapy for researchers and students of cell biotechnology, bioengineering and bioproduction. This book is exceptional as it teaches researchers stem cells and cell therapy in that it covers the concepts and backgrounds necessary so that readers get a good understanding of the production of stem cells. The book covers three topics: The basics of stem cells and cell therapy, the use of stem cells for the treatment of human diseases, and stem cell processing. It includes chapters on neural and vascular stem vascular stem cell therapy, expansion engineering of embryonic stem cells, stem cell based production of blood cells and separation technologies for stem cells and cell therapy products. It is an informed and informative presentation of what modern research, science and engineering have learned about stem cells and their production and therapies. Addressing both the medical and production issues, this book is an invaluable contribution to having an academic and industrial understanding with respect to R&D and manufacturing of clinical grade stem cells.

"International Review of Celland Molecular Biology" presents comprehensive reviews and current advances in cell and molecular biology. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth.

The series has a world-wide readership, maintaining a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent cell and molecular biologists. Impact factor for 2012: 4.973.
Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides comprehensive reviews and current advancesWide range of perspectives on specific subjectsValuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists
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This special volume of "Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science" provides a current overview of how memory is processed in the brain.A broad range of topics are presented by leaders in the field, ranging from brain circuitry to synaptic plasticity to the molecular machinery that contributes to the brain's ability to maintain information across time. Memory systems in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala are considered as well. In addition, the volume covers recent contributions to our understanding of memory from in vivo imaging, optogenetic, electrophysiological, biochemical and molecular biological studies.
Articles from world renowned experts in memoryCovering topics from signaling, epigenetic, RNA translation to plasticityMethodological approaches includemolecular and cellular, behavioral, electrophysiological, optogenetic and functional imaging"

This book is a must-have for anyone interested in obesity or the physiology of white or brown adipose tissues. It contains state-of-the-art methods from researchers that are world leaders in this field. Detailed lab protocols range from methods to visualize adipocytes and adipose tissues in humans and experimental models, to convert stem cells into white and brown adipocytes in vitro, to evaluate aspects of adipocyte metabolism, to inducibly knock out genes in adipose tissues, and to evaluate transcriptional control of adipogenesis on a global scale.

1) The study of adipose tissue goes hand in hand with our global effort to understand and reverse the epidemic of obesity and associated medical complications.

2) Contributors include leading researchers who have made tremendous contributions to our ability to investigate white and brown adipose tissues.

3) The wide variety of experimental approaches detailed within this volume: including the evaluation of adipose tissue biology at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels.

Normal Colon.- A. Anatomic Considerations.- B. Histology.- Pathology.- A. General Prevalence and Anatomic Distribution.- B. Gross Appearance.- Multiplicity.- Size.- C. Microscopic Features.- Tubular versus Villous Adenomas.- Degree of Dysplasia.- Problems in Grading Dysplasia.- Carcinoma in a Polyp.- Morphometric Studies.- D. Differential Diagnosis.- Hyperplastic (Metaplastic) Polyps.- Mixed Hyperplastic-Adenomatous Polyps.- Juvenile Polyps.- Hamartomatous Polyps.- Polypoid Carcinoma.- Nonepithelial Polyps.- E. The Diminutive Polyp.- F. Other Characteristics of Polyps.- Kinetics.- Electron Microscopy.- Histochemistry.- Markers.- Tissue Culture.- DNA Content.- Doubling Time.- Regression of Polyps.- G. Histogenesis of Polyps.- Adenomatous Polyposes.- A. Familial Polyposis Coli and Gardner's Syndrome.- B. Other Adenomatous Polyposis Syndromes.- C. The Genetics of Adenoma Transmission.- Malignant Potential of Adenomatous Polyps.- A. Association of Polyps and Carcinomas.- Risk Factors for Carcinomas among Polyp-Bearers.- Natural History of Polyps; Metachronous Carcinomas.- Peak Incidences of Adenomatous Polyps and Colorectal Carcinomas.- Metachronous Carcinomas in Subjects with Synchronous Polyps and Carcinomas.- Prevalence of Polyps in Subjects with Colorectal Carcinomas.- Opposing Views.- B. Histological Evidence of Malignant Transformation.- C. Adenomatous Remnants in Carcinomas.- D. Epidemiological Evidence and Etiological Factors.- Sex and Age.- Relationship of Polyps and Colorectal Carcinomas.- Dietary and Other Factors.- Etiology.- E. Findings in Experimental Animals.- Observations.- Genesis of Tumors.- Interpretation of Findings and Relevance to Humans.- F. Alternate Hypotheses of Carcinogenesis.- The Flat Mucosa.- Other Routes.- Nonadenomatous Polyps.- Inflammatory Bowel Disease.- Miscellaneous.- The Field Effect.- Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer.- G. Conclusions.- Evidence of Malignant Potential of Adenomatous Polyps.- Significance of Malignant Potential of Adenomatous Polyps.- The Problem of the Metachronous Carcinoma.- Detection and Management.- A. Screening, Diagnostic, and Surveillance Techniques.- Principles of Screening.- The At-Risk Population to Be Screened.- Digital Examination of the Rectum.- Stool Blood Tests.- Barium Enema (BE).- Endoscopy.- Proctosigmoidoscopy.- Colonoscopy.- Sensitivity.- Comparisons with Barium Enema.- Effectiveness of Screening.- B. The Malignant Polyp.- The Problem.- Frequency.- Risk Factors for Malignancy in a Polyp.- Size.- Multiplicity.- Villous Component.- Degree of Dysplasia.- Effects of Study Design and Polyp Processing Technique.- Statistical Analysis.- Adverse Outcomes.- Level of Submucosal Invasion by Carcinoma.- Postpolypectomy Therapy.- C. Endoscopic Polypectomy.- How Polyps Are Detected.- Rationale for Detection and Eradication of Polyps.- Manpower and Cost Considerations.- Therapy of Diminutive Polyps.- Polypectomy Technique.- D. Postpolypectomy Surveillance Recommendations.- Recurrent Polyps.- Risk Factors for New Polyps.- Surveillance Schedules.- Effectiveness and Cost of Surveillance.- E. The National Polyp Study.- F. Polyp Registries.- Conclusions.- Glossary and Abbreviations.

This new volume of "Methods in Cell Biology" looks at micropatterning in cell biology and includes chapters on protein photo-patterning on PEG with benzophenone, laser-directed cell printing and dip pen nanolithography. The cutting-edge material in this comprehensive collection is intended to guide researchers for years to come.
Includes sections on micropatterning in 2D with photomask, maskless micropatterning and 2D nanopatterningChapters are written by experts in the fieldCutting-edge material

The importance of the plant growth regulator auxin for plant growth has long been recognized, even before the discovery of its chemical structures in the early 20th century. Physiological studies in the decades since have demonstrated that auxin is unidirectionally transported in plants, a process dubbed polar auxin transport. It is the polar auxin transport process that generates a local auxin concentration gradient and regulates a broad array of physiological and developmental processes. The discoveries of auxin transport carrier proteins that mediate auxin influx into and efflux out of transport-competent cells and auxin receptor proteins for auxin signaling in the last few decades represent significant milestones in auxin research and open up opportunities to probe the cellular and molecular processes that regulate auxin transport and integrate environmental cues with signaling processes. Remarkably, components of the polar auxin transport machinery are present in both lower plants such as mosses and higher plants including monocots and eudicots, illustrating the key role of polar auxin transport in plant evolution. This book highlights topics ranging from physiological and genetic studies of polar auxin transport in plant development, to growth responses to the environment and plant-microbe interactions, to hormonal cross-talks with various cellular and molecular regulatory processes essential for polar auxin transport.

This new volume of Methods in Cell Biology is the second volume describing micropatterning, complementing Volume 120. Chapters are written by experts in the field and include cutting-edge material.
Includes sections on micropatterning in 2D with photomask, maskless micropatterning and 2D nanopatterningChapters are written by experts in the fieldCutting-edge material

This book reviews recent progress in cortical development research, focusing on the mechanisms of neural stem cell regulation, neuronal diversity and connectivity formation, and neocortical organization. Development of the cerebral cortex, the center for higher brain functions such as cognition, memory, and decision making, is one of the major targets of current research. The cerebral cortex is divided into many areas, including motor, sensory, and visual cortices, each of which consists of six layers containing a variety of neurons with different activities and connections. As this book explains, such diversity in neuronal types and connections is generated at various levels. First, neural stem cells change their competency over time, giving sequential rise to distinct types of neurons and glial cells: initially deep layer neurons, then superficial layer neurons, and lastly astrocytes. The activities and connections of neurons are further modulated via interactions with other brain regions, such as the thalamocortical circuit, and via input from the environment. This book on cortical development is essential reading for students, postdocs, and neurobiologists.

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 up-to-date, this book offers a valuable guide to these cellular processes whilst encouraging researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Volume 3 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. A full section is devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer. Finally, the work explores the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, with attention to the ways in which autophagy regulates apoptosis, and the ways in which autophagy has been explored in Lepidoptera, elucidating the use of larval midgut as a model for such exploration. From these well-developed foundations, researchers, translational scientists, and practitioners may work to better implement more effective therapies against some of the most devastating human diseases. 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.

This new volume of "Methods in Cell Biology" looks at micropatterning in cell biology and includes chapters on protein photo-patterning on PEG with benzophenone, laser-directed cell printing and dip pen nanolithography. The cutting-edge material in this comprehensive collection is intended to guide researchers for years to come.
Includes sections on micropatterning in 2D with photomask, maskless micropatterning and 2D nanopatterningChapters are written by experts in the fieldCutting-edge material