Apoptosis is the regulated form of cell death. It is a complex process defined by a set of characteristic morphological and biochemical features that involves the active participation of affected cells in a self-destruction cascade. This programmed cell death plays a critical role in physiological functions such as cell deletion during embryonic development, balancing cell number in continuously renewing tissues and immune system development. Additionally, a dysregulation of apoptosis is underlying in numerous pathological situations such as Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. A number of studies have pointed out an association between consumption of fruits and vegetables, and certain beverages such as tea and wine, which are rich in polyphenols, with reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Apoptosis is also the regulatory mechanism involved in the removal of unnecessary cells during development and in tissue homeostasis in a wide range of organisms from insects to mammals. This book deals with cell apoptosis regulation and environmental factors.

Covering a key topic due to growing research into the role of signaling mechanisms in toxicology, this book focuses on practical approaches for informatics, big data, and complex data sets. Combines fundamentals / basics with experimental applications that can help those involved in preclinical drug studies and translational research Includes detailed presentations of study methodology and data collection, analysis, and interpretation Discusses tools like experimental design, sample handling, analytical measurement techniques

Current techniques for studying biological macromolecules and their interactions are based on the application of physical methods, ranging from classical thermodynamics to more recently developed techniques for the detection and manipulation of single molecules. Reflecting the advances made in biophysics research over the past decade, and now including a new section on medical imaging, this new edition describes the physical methods used in modern biology. All key techniques are covered, including mass spectrometry, hydrodynamics, microscopy and imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance. Each method is explained in detail using examples of real-world applications. Short asides are provided throughout to ensure that explanations are accessible to life scientists, physicists and those with medical backgrounds. The book remains an unparalleled and comprehensive resource for graduate students of biophysics and medical physics in science and medical schools, as well as for research scientists looking for an introduction to techniques from across this interdisciplinary field.

This unique introductory text explains cell functions using the engineering principles of robust devices. Adopting a process-based approach to understanding cell and tissue biology, it describes the molecular and mechanical features that enable the cell to be robust in operating its various components, and explores the ways in which molecular modules respond to environmental signals to execute complex functions. The design and operation of a variety of complex functions are covered, including engineering lipid bilayers to provide fluid boundaries and mechanical controls, adjusting cell shape and forces with dynamic filament networks, and DNA packaging for information retrieval and propagation. Numerous problems, case studies and application examples help readers connect theory with practice, and solutions for instructors and videos of lectures accompany the book online. Assuming only basic mathematical knowledge, this is an invaluable resource for graduate and senior undergraduate students taking single-semester courses in cell mechanics, biophysics and cell biology.

What every neuroscientist should know about the mathematical modeling of excitable cells. Combining empirical physiology and nonlinear dynamics, this text provides an introduction to the simulation and modeling of dynamic phenomena in cell biology and neuroscience. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques alongside cellular electrophysiology. Topics include membrane transport and diffusion, the biophysics of excitable membranes, the gating of voltage and ligand-gated ion channels, intracellular calcium signalling, and electrical bursting in neurons and other excitable cell types. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques such as ordinary differential equations, phase plane, and bifurcation analysis of single-compartment neuron models. With analytical and computational problem sets, this book is suitable for life sciences majors, in biology to neuroscience, with one year of calculus, as well as graduate students looking for a primer on membrane excitability and calcium signalling.

Vast numbers of different prokaryotic microorganisms shape the biosphere, with diverse metabolic capabilities. Determination of genome sequences for a wide range of bacteria and archaea now requires an in-depth knowledge of prokaryotic metabolic function to give biochemical, physiological and ecological meaning to the genomic information. This new edition describes up-to-date knowledge of the key metabolic processes that occur under different conditions, and the cellular processes that determine prokaryotic roles in the environment, biotechnology and human health. Essential for students of microbiology, applied microbiology, biotechnology, genomics and systems biology, this advanced textbook covers prokaryotic structure, composition, nutrient transport, biosynthesis and growth. Newly characterised metabolic pathways are included, as well as the latest understanding of metabolic regulation and stress responses. Additionally, the link between energetics, growth and survival is discussed as well as the maintenance of genetic integrity by the bacterial immune system.

This cytoarchitectonic atlas of the human cerebral cortex depicts the cellular structure of the human cortex, detailing the arrangement of neuronal cell bodies as well as the relationships between cytoarchitectonic boundaries and anatomical landmarks. Presentation in MNI Stereotaxic Space will enables the atlas to serves as a useful working tool for structural/functional neuroimagers attempting to identify the cytoarchitectonic area within which a functional activation or a structural change has occurred. An introductory section discusses the history and current state of cytoarchitectonic studies, and a separate chapter on methods is also provided. Mapping of the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, insula, temporal lobe, occipital lobe and white matter fascicule follows.
Architectonic areas presented on average MNI brain (rather than a single brain), so individual peculiarities of the surface morphology of any given brain are regularized, thus helping the reader to see the essence of the location of an area.

Features full-page high quality photomicrographs for each cytoarchitectonic area of the cortex, with supplementary zoom images of particular details.

Offers commentary on the relation of sulci and gyri to architectonic areas, which will be useful to those looking to identify the cortical area within which functional or structural changes happened

Contains section discussing white matter fasciculi that permit connectivity between the cytoarchitectonic areas

Commentary pages on relationship to nonhuman primate cortex (macaque monkey) enables links to be made to the primate species in which most of the experimental anatomical and physiological information has been and continues to be gathered.

"Cellular Physiology of Nerve and Muscle" offers a state of the art introduction to the basic physical, electrical, and chemical principles central to the function of nerve and muscle cells. The text begins with an overview of the origin of electrical membrane potential, then clearly illustrates the cellular physiology of nerve cells and muscle cells. Throughout, this new edition simplifies difficult concepts with accessible models and straightforward descriptions of experimental results.

The fourth edition of Cellular Physiology of Nerve and Muscle features new material including:

- An all-new introduction to electrical signaling in the nervous system
- Expanded coverage of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity
- A quantitative overview of the electrical properties of cells
- New detailed illustrations

One of the most notable trends in biomedical science in recent years has been the increasing use of molecular techniques as part of the diagnosis of disease. As such, there is a growing need for students to understand the technological basis of molecular analysis and to have a comprehensive appreciation of their use in diagnosis. Combining coverage of molecular techniques with their application to diagnostic pathology, this book provides students with a thorough and up to date appreciation of the scope of molecular analysis, the principles of the technology used, and thematic diagnostic application. As part of the Fundamentals of Biomedical Science series, the book provides a unique blend of theory and practice, featuring a range of learning features to help students assimilate the information presented quickly and effectively. It will be relevant to undergraduate students on a wide variety of biomedical pathways, cutting across traditional discipline boundaries to provide a unified overview of molecular diagnostics.

The topic of stem cells has been very high profile in the media in recent years. There is much public interest in stem cells but also much confusion and misinformation, with some companies already offering 'stem cell products' and bogus 'stem cell therapies'. In this Very Short Introduction, Jonathan Slack introduces stem cells; what they are, what scientists do with them, what stem cell therapies are available today, and how they might be used in future. Despite important advances, clinical applications of stem cells are still in their infancy. Most real stem cell therapy today is some form of bone marrow transplantation. Slack introduces stem cells by explaining the difference between embryonic stem cells, which exist only in laboratory cultures, and tissue-specific stem cells, which exist in our bodies. Embryonic stem cells can become any cell type in the body, so diseases that may in future be treated by functional cells derived from these sorts of stem cell include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and spinal trauma. He then goes on to discuss the properties of tissue-specific stem cells and the important technique of bone marrow transplantation. Slack concludes by analysing how medical innovation has occurred in this area in the past, and draws out some of the lessons for the development of new therapies in the future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Translational Pathways to Clinical Adoption provides the latest information on the necessary steps for successful production of stem cells for a clinical trial. Written by professionals with hands-on experience in bringing MSC therapies to the clinic, and building on the biology and mechanisms of action, this unique book covers the development and production of clinical-grade products that are suitable for use in humans. From design of a cell production facility, to obtaining regulatory approval and reimbursement issues, it is a useful guide for researchers and administrators across biomedical research.

Muscle contraction is a vital biological activity. In three centuries of scientific pursuit since Leeuwenhoek and Croone observed the cellular structure of striated muscles, the knowledge gained from extensive studies has formed a detailed understanding of muscle function at the molecular and atomic level. Contractions of vertebrate skeletal and cardiac muscles are controlled by Ca2+ signalling through the troponin complex in the sarcomeres, which are contractile machinery consisting of interactive myofilaments. Since the discovery and biochemical characterisation of troponin and its three subunit proteins over four decades ago, intensive research from protein structure and genetic diversity to post-translational modification and pathological mutations have comprehensively established the molecular structure of troponin and the mechanistic details of its function in the regulation of muscle contractions. The advanced knowledge from troponin research has contributed significantly to the current understanding of cardiac and skeletal muscle function in health and diseases. It is a timely necessity to comprehensively, yet concisely, summarise the current knowledge and look toward the future direction of troponin research. Contributions to this book have been made by leading experts in troponin studies, and its contents include chapters that describe milestone discoveries and recent research advances. This wonderful collection provides a unique reference for students and research investigators who have an interest in muscles, protein structure-function relationships and molecular evolution, as well as cardiac function and myopathies. Readers will not only obtain an in-depth state-of-the-science understanding of troponin structure and function, they will also be exposed to visions that will lead them toward future investigations and the advancement of troponin research.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cancer cells that possess characteristics associated with normal stem cells, specifically the ability to give rise to all cell types found in a particular cancer sample. CSCs are therefore tumorigenic (tumour-forming), perhaps in contrast to other non-tumorigenic cancer cells. CSCs may generate tumours through the stem cell processes of self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell types. This book presents new research on cancer stem cells including mesenchymal stem cells and their role in tumour progression; Wnt signalling in colon cancer stem cells; genetic and epigenetic alterations that drive leukaemic stem cell self-renewal and others.

Cell movement is a complex phenomenon primarily driven by the actin network beneath the cell membrane, and can be divided into three general components: protrusion of the leading edge of the cell, adhesion of the leading edge and deadhesion at the cell body and rear, and cytoskeletal contraction to pull the cell forward. Each of these steps is driven by physical forces generated by unique segments of the cytoskeleton. This review examines the specific physics underlying these phases of cell movement and the origins of the forces that drive locomotion. Cell movement or motility is a highly dynamic phenomenon that is essential to a variety of biological processes such as the development of an organism (morphogenesis), wound healing, cancer metastasis and immune response. For example, during morphogenesis there is a targeted movement of dividing cells to specific sites to form tissues and organs. For wound healing to occur, cells such as neutrophils (white blood cells) and macrophages (cells that ingest bacteria) move to the wound site to kill the microorganisms that cause infection, and fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) move there to remodel damaged structures. This book presents important research in the field from around the globe.

Apoptosis is the regulated form of cell death. It is a complex process defined by a set of characteristic morphological and biochemical features that involves the active participation of affected cells in a self-destruction cascade. This programmed cell death plays a critical role in physiological functions such as cell deletion during embryonic development, balancing cell number in continuously renewing tissues and immune system development. Additionally, a dysregulation of apoptosis is underlying in numerous pathological situations such as Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. A number of studies have pointed out an association between consumption of fruits and vegetables, and certain beverages such as tea and wine, which are rich in polyphenols, with reduced risk of chronic diseases, including cancer. Apoptosis is also the regulatory mechanism involved in the removal of unnecessary cells during development and in tissue homeostasis in a wide range of organisms from insects to mammals. This book presents exciting research in this related field.

The brain is an enormously dynamic organ. Even when we sleep connections are made, signals sent and messages delivered. One of the key ways that the brain operates is via chemical stimuli which permits different parts of the brain to communicate between themselves and with the rest of the body. Determining what these chemicals, proteins and molecules are is an important way to not only discover how the brain works, but provide novel targets that may be useful in the treatment of disease, for instance in dealing with memory loss in dementia. This new book brings together international research in a broad range of topics, including molecular and cellular neurochemistry, neuropharmacology and genetic aspects of CNS function, neuroimmunology, metabolism, as well as the neurochemistry of neurological and psychiatric disorders of the CNS.

Heme oxygenase is an enzyme which breaks down heme, the iron-containing oxygen-carrying constituent of the red blood cells. Heme must be synthesised and degraded within an individual nucleated cell, as heme is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis by sensing or using oxygen. Physiological heme degradation is catalysed by the two functional isozymes of heme oxygenase, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and HO-2, yielding CO, iron, and biliverdin IXN. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative effects, is up-regulated by multiple stimuli and provides protection against oxidative stress. HO-1 also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular function and is involved in many other diseases such as sickle cell disease. This new book brings together leading research from around the world in this field.

Ion channels are a diverse class of transmembrane proteins responsible for rapid passive movement of selected ions across cell membranes. They play a crucial role in regulating diverse cell functions in both electrically excitable and non-excitable cells, and have been found in organisms ranging from viruses and bacteria to plants and mammals. An increasing number of diseases are associated with dysfunction of ion channels. In particular, many human neurological and muscular disorders have been traced to defects in voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels. Furthermore, ion channels provide paradigms for other, possibly more complex, membrane transport proteins. In this respect, they present an almost unique opportunity to use computational approaches to attempt to understand the function of membrane proteins, starting with an atomic resolution structure and progressing through a hierarchy of theoretical descriptions until one can account quantitatively for their physiological function. This important book results from a meeting of physiologists, structural biologists and theorists who came together to discuss their work and help define future directions. Topics covered include the X-ray structure of channels and pores, computer simulation of channel function, and detailed data on individual ion channels.

What every neuroscientist should know about the mathematical modeling of excitable cells. Combining empirical physiology and nonlinear dynamics, this text provides an introduction to the simulation and modeling of dynamic phenomena in cell biology and neuroscience. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques alongside cellular electrophysiology. Topics include membrane transport and diffusion, the biophysics of excitable membranes, the gating of voltage and ligand-gated ion channels, intracellular calcium signalling, and electrical bursting in neurons and other excitable cell types. It introduces mathematical modeling techniques such as ordinary differential equations, phase plane, and bifurcation analysis of single-compartment neuron models. With analytical and computational problem sets, this book is suitable for life sciences majors, in biology to neuroscience, with one year of calculus, as well as graduate students looking for a primer on membrane excitability and calcium signalling.

Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. PreTest is the closest you can get to seeing the USMLE Step 1 before you take it 500 USMLE-type questions and answers! "This edition of PreTest is full of extremely high-yield information in a presentation that is logical and effective. The questions and explanations are invaluable, and the HY tables and figures make it easy to review important material efficiently." -- Gustaf Van Acker III, Fourth Year MD/PhD Candidate, University of Kansas School of Medicine "This book was an excellent refresher for anyone looking to review information for either their final course exam or for the USMLE Step 1." -- Ben Chidester, Second Year Medical Student, Eastern Virginia Medical School Great for course review and the USMLE Step 1, Anatomy, Histology, & Cell Biology: PreTest asks the right questions so you'll know the right answers. You'll find 500 clinical-vignette style questions and answers along with complete explanations of correct and incorrect answers. The content has been reviewed by students who recently passed their exams, so you know you are studying the most relevant and up-to-date material possible. No other study guide targets what you really need to know in order to pass like PreTest! Content that covers all the must-know topics: High-Yield Facts,Embryology: Early and General,Cell Biology: Membranes,Cell Biology: Cytoplasm,Cell Biology: Intracellular Trafficking,Cell Biology: Nucleus,Epithelium,Connective Tissues,Specialized Connective Tissues: Bones and Cartilage,Muscle and Cell Motility,Nervous System,Cardiovascular System, Blood and Bone Marrow,Lymphoid System and Cellular Immunology,Respiratory System,Integumentary System,Gastrointestinal Tract and Glands,Endocrine Glands,Reproductive System,Urinary System,Eye and Ear,Head and Neck Thorax,Abdomen,Pelvis,Extremities and Spine

Neural network research often builds on the fiction that neurons are simple linear threshold units, completely neglecting the highly dynamic and complex nature of synapses, dendrites, and voltage-dependent ionic currents. Biophysics of Computation: Information Processing in Single Neurons challenges this notion, using richly detailed experimental and theoretical findings from cellular biophysics to explain the repertoire of computational functions available to single neurons. The author shows how individual nerve cells can multiply, integrate, or delay synaptic inputs and how information can be encoded in the voltage across the membrane, in the intracellular calcium concentration, or in the timing of individual spikes.
Key topics covered include the linear cable equation; cable theory as applied to passive dendritic trees and dendritic spines; chemical and electrical synapses and how to treat them from a computational point of view; nonlinear interactions of synaptic input in passive and active dendritic trees; the Hodgkin-Huxley model of action potential generation and propagation; phase space analysis; linking stochastic ionic channels to membrane-dependent currents; calcium- and potassium-currents and their role in information processing; the role of diffusion, buffering and binding of calcium, and other messenger systems in information processing and storage; short- and long-term models of synaptic plasticity; simplified models of single cells; stochastic aspects of neuronal firing; the nature of the neuronal code; and unconventional models of sub-cellular computation.
Biophysics of Computation: Information Processing in Single Neurons serves as an ideal text for advancedundergraduate and graduate courses in cellular biophysics, computational neuroscience, and neural networks, and will appeal to students and professionals in neuroscience, electrical and computer engineering, and physics.

More than 7 billion people inhabit the earth and all of them are subject to aging. This book is aimed at persons interested in a molecular explanation of how our cells age. Human Longevity: Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Bioenergetics, Molecular Biology, and Evolution is built on the proposition that we age as our mitochondria age. It suggests a revised version of Harman's famous hypothesis featuring mitochondrial oxidative and energy stresses as the root causes of aging. Human cells are protected from the ravages of aging by a battery of defensive systems including some novel mechanisms against membrane oxidation introduced in this book. This concept is consistent with recent discoveries showing that mitochondria-targeted antioxidants prevent Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain disease in animal models of neurodegeneration. This book explores a unified theory of aging based on bioenergetics. It covers a variety of topics including an introduction to the science of human aging, the Darwinian selection of membranes enabling longevity, a revised mitochondrial membrane hypothesis of aging, and various mechanisms that protect human mitochondrial membranes, thereby enabling longevity.

Exploring the role of Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) in human disease, this reference summarizes current research on the mechanisms and utilization of anti-IgE therapeutics in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic disease, inflammation, and asthma-discussing the structural composition of high- and low-affinity IgE receptors, the airway cells that express these receptors, and the functional activity of IgE-FceRI and IgE-FceRII interactions for improved control and management of allergic disorders. Compiles previously unpublished data from the first extensive scientific investigations of Xolair! IgE and Anti-IgE Therapy in Asthma and Allergic Disease -reviews studies on the distribution of serum IgE levels of normal and asthmatic populations in developed regions of the world such as the United States, Canada, Scandinavia, New Zealand, and Europe -offers novel methods for the design and formulation of monoclonal antibodies -discusses the use of allergen bronchoprovocation to identify the characteristics and efficacy of new antiasthma and antiallergy medications -examines the role of IgE in food and parasitic allergies and covers -the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis and urticaria -novel strategies to target mast cells and basophils -murine models of allergic pulmonary inflammation -the pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis Supplemented with nearly 2000 contemporary references to facilitate further study, IgE and Anti-IgE Therapy in Asthma and Allergic Disease is an in-depth and timely source for basic and clinical immunologists; allergists; pulmonologists and pulmonary disease specialists; physiologists; molecular, cellular, and lung biologists; pediatricians; internists; and graduate and medicalschool students in these disciplines.

The modulation of cellular interactions represents a crucial aspect of many inter and intra-cellular processes, including the regulation of gene expression, cell growth, migration, differentiation and apoptosis. Glycoproteins, which constitutes one of the major groups of adhesion molecules and receptors, plays an important role in such processes and over the last decade, research has highlighted the therapeutic implications this has for many physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation, arthritis and metastasis.;The first part of this book deals with the structure and biosynthesis of glycoconjugates, in addition to reviewing the structure and metabolism of glycosaminoglycans and glycolipids. It also features a general overview of cellular adhesion mechanisms and the extra-cellular matrix.;The second part addresses the pathological roles played by glycoconjugates and their potential therapeutic applications, for example in the progression of cancer, neurophysiopathologies and carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndromes.