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.

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.

Cyclic AMP was a major molecule of interest, which played an important role as second messenger, contributing to signal transduction in the regulation of cellular function by peptide hormones. Afterwards, calmodulin and protein kinase C were discovered as modulator proteins of intracellular calcium signaling in hormonal action. After that, manifold proteins and their related molecules were demonstrated to participate in novel signaling pathways related to various cytokines in different types of cells. The author of this book discovered a novel protein known as regucalcin, which suppresses manifold signaling pathways related to transcription activity. After subsequent studies, regucalcin has been established to play a pivotal role in maintaining cell homeostasis and protecting it from disorders in various types of cells and tissues. This book will provide information regarding regucalcin that plays a pivotal role in cell homeostasis and disorder. This book is composed of eighteen chapters. These chapters include the following content: the discovery of regucalcin (Chapter One); chemical property and structure of regucalcin (Chapter Two); the regucalcin gene and its translational regulation (Chapter Three); the role of regucalcin in intracellular calcium homeostasis (Chapter Four); the role of regucalcin in cell nuclear function (Chapter Five); the role of regucalcin in protein synthesis and proteolysis (Chapter Six); the suppressive role of regucalcin in cell proliferation (Chapter Seven); how regucalcin protects apoptotic cell death (Chapter Eight); the protective role of regucalcin in oxidative stress (Chapter Nine); the involvement of regucalcin in liver metabolic disorder (Chapter Ten); the role of regucalcin in kidney cell homeostasis: involvement in renal failure (Chapter Eleven); the role of regucalcin in heart calcium signaling: insight into cardiac disorder (Chapter Twelve); the role of regucalcin in brain calcium homeostasis: disorder with aging (Chapter Thirteen); the role of regucalcin in bone homeostasis and osteoporosis (Chapter Fourteen); the role of regucalcin in lipid metabolism and diabetes (Chapter Fifteen); the role of regucalcin as a suppressor protein in carcinogenesis (Chapter Sixteen); the clinical aspects of regucalcin as a biomarker for disease (Chapter Seventeen); and conclusive remarks (Chapter Eighteen). This book will provide information regarding regucalcin and its pivotal role in cell homeostasis and disorder.

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology, characterisation and potential clinical application of progenitor cells. Topics discussed include endothelial progenitor cells and cardiovascular disease; isolation, expansion and clinical therapy of human corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells; genetically engineered blood pharming; regulation of neural progenitor cells by Wnt5a-signaling in the developmental central nervous system; endothelial progenitor cells in a clinical setting; role of microRNAs in endothelial progenitor cells and their implication for cardiac repair; and cellular origins in amphibian regeneration.

In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology and regulation, role in cancer progression and potential implications for therapy of myeloid cells. Topics discussed include the differentiation signalling induced by retinoic acid and vitamin D3; proline rich homeodomain (Prh/Hhex) protein in the control of haematopoiesis and myeloid cell proliferation and its potential as a therapeutic target in myeloid leukaemias and other cancers; apoptosis, cell cycle and epigenetic processes deregulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms; use of animal models to evaluate myeloid cell dysfunction in cancer; use of animal models to evaluate myeloid cell dysfunction in cancer; and the biology of myeloid cells mediating tumour recurrence after radiotherapy.

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. The aim of this book is to provide untouched studies in this new and exciting field.

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 focuses on cell apoptotic signalling pathways.

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 important research from around the world.

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. The aim of this book is to provide new studies in the field of apoptosis research.

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. The aim of this book is to provide new studies in the field of apoptosis research.

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.

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.

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

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 completion of the human genome and technological advances developed by the Human Genome Project have dramatically changed our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and differentiation of male germ cells, and our ability to investigate such mechanisms. This book is a timely document of advances made in the field of male gonad and germ cell research in the postgenomic era. The coverage includes the role of Y chromosome genes in male reproduction, gene expression in spermatogonial stem cells and male germ cells, and the regulation of germ cell genes in reproduction and in germ cell tumors.

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.

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.

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.