The Springer Handbook of Enzymes provides concise data on some 5,000 enzymes sufficiently well characterized - and here is the second, updated edition. Their application in analytical, synthetic and biotechnology processes as well as in food industry, and for medicinal treatments is added. Data sheets are arranged in their EC-Number sequence. The new edition reflects considerable progress in enzymology: the total material has more than doubled, and the complete 2nd edition consists of 39 volumes plus Synonym Index. Starting in 2009, all newly classified enzymes are treated in Supplement Volumes.

Science is on the cusp of a revolutionary breakthrough. We now understand more about ageing - and how to prevent and reverse it - than ever before. In The Telomerase Revolution, Dr Michael Fossel, who has been at the cutting edge of ageing research for decades, describes how telomerase will soon be used as a powerful therapeutic tool, with the potential to intervene in age-related disease, dramatically extend life spans and even reverse human ageing. Telomerase-based treatments are already on offer, and have shown early promise, but much more potent treatments will become available over the next decade. This is the definitive work on the latest science of human ageing, covering both the theory and the clinical implications, taking readers to the forefront of one of the most remarkable advances in human medicine.

This book brings together and updates the latest information on the diversity of yeasts, their molecular features and their applications in the welfare of mankind. Yeasts are eukaryotic microfungi widely found in natural environments, including those with extreme conditions such as low temperatures, low oxygen levels and low water availability. To date, approximately 2,000 of the estimated 30,000 to 45,000 species of yeast on Earth, belonging to around 200 genera have been described. Although there are a few that are opportunistic human and animal pathogens, the vast majority of yeasts are beneficial, playing an important role in the food chain and in the carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles. In addition, yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hansenula polymorpha and Pichia pastoris are used in expressing foreign genes to produce proteins of pharmaceutical interest. A landmark in biotechnology was reached in 1996 with the completion of sequencing of the entire S. cerevisiae genome, and it has now become a central player in the development of an entirely new approach to biological research and synthetic biology. The sequencing of genomes of several yeasts including Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neofromans has also recently been completed.

This thesis describes a series of investigations designed to assess the value of metalloenzymes in systems for artificial and adapted photosynthesis. The research presented explores the interplay between inherent enzyme properties such as structure, rates and thermodynamics, and the properties of the semiconducting materials to which the enzyme is attached. Author, Andreas Bachmeier provides a comprehensive introduction to the interdisciplinary field of artificial photosynthesis, allowing the reader to grasp the latest approaches being investigated, from molecular systems to heterogeneous surface catalysis. Bachmeier's work also uses metalloenzymes to highlight the importance of reversible catalysts in removing the burden of poor electrocatalytic rates and efficiencies which are common characteristics for most artificial photosynthesis systems. Overall, this thesis provides newcomers and students in the field with evidence that metalloenzymes can be used to establish new directions in artificial photosynthesis research.

This book covers the latest developments in rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology with applications in clinical diagnostic tests and molecular medicine. Topics covered include new enzymes useful in RCA, techniques involving RCA for enhanced signal amplification, novel RCA diagnostics, sensors for expediting RCA detection, and prospective RCA-based therapeutics. This is a valuable book for university professors and students in the field of biomedical engineering and biomolecular pharmacology as well as R&D managers of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Specifically, this book: Reviews prospective RCA-based therapeutics, including RCA-derived DNA nanoparticles that strongly bind to cancer cells Expands readers' understanding of sensor systems for expediting detection of RCA products by using probe-tagged magnetic nanobeads Maximizes reader insights into novel RCA diagnostics, such as PNA openers-assisted RCA for detection of single target cells and in situ RCA diagnosis of cancer cells and malignant tissues Presents innovative methods for quasi-exponential enhancement of RCA-generated signals, such as nicking enzyme-assisted cascade RCA and RCA coupled with loop-mediated amplification Advance Praise for Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA): "This book provides a badly needed compendium of innovative RCA methods and applications. It should help further increase the community of scientists that have employed RCA in research and diagnostic programs."- Charles Cantor, Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University Executive Director, Retrotope Inc. (USA) "In this new book Vadim Demidov has assembled an enticing menu of articles that illustrate the evolution of the RCA field, including improved protein parts for building superior DNA nanomachines, enhanced modalities of amplification and detection, diagnostic applications, and even a sampling of potential therapeutic applications. The reader will appreciate that while RCA has come of age, there is no lack of exciting surprises, turns, and twists in the continuing evolution of the technology."- Paul Lizardi, Professor of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine (retired) Investigator, University of Granada, Spain, President, PetaOmics, Inc., San Marcos, Texas.

This volume summarizes our current knowledge on different biomass-converting enzymes and their potential use in converting biomass into simple sugar to generate bioenergy and other value added co-/by products. It consists of 13 chapters and is divided into three parts: cellulases; hemicellulases; and lignocellulose oxidoreductases. Written by international experts, the contributions offer clear and concise descriptions of both standard and new technologies. It is an invaluable reference resource for undergraduates, post-graduates, researchers and practitioners in the field of microbial enzymes for biofuel and biorefinery applications.

Medicinal chemistry is both science and art. The science of medicinal chemistry offers mankind one of its best hopes for improving the quality of life. The art of medicinal chemistry continues to challenge its practitioners with the need for both intuition and experience to discover new drugs. Hence sharing the experience of drug research is uniquely beneficial to the field of medicinal chemistry. Drug research requires interdisciplinary team-work at the interface between chemistry, biology and medicine. Therefore, the topic-related series Topics in Medicinal Chemistry covers all relevant aspects of drug research, e.g. pathobiochemistry of diseases, identification and validation of (emerging) drug targets, structural biology, drugability of targets, drug design approaches, chemogenomics, synthetic chemistry including combinatorial methods, bioorganic chemistry, natural compounds, high-throughput screening, pharmacological in vitro and in vivo investigations, drug-receptor interactions on the molecular level, structure-activity relationships, drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicology and pharmacogenomics. In general, special volumes are edited by well known guest editors.

Alexander Todd, the 1957 Nobel laureate in chemistry is credited with the statement: "where there is life, there is phosphorus". Phosphorus chemical biology underlies most of life's reactions and processes, from the covalent bonds that hold RNA and DNA together, to the making and spending 75 kg of ATP every day, required to run almost all metabolic and mechanical events in cells. Authored by a renowned biochemist, The Chemical Biology of Phosphorus provides an in-depth, unifying chemical approach to the logic and reactivity of inorganic phosphate and its three major derivatives (anhydrides, mono- and diesters) throughout biology to examine why life depends on phosphorus. Covering the breadth of phosphorus chemistry in biology, this book is ideal for biochemistry students, postgraduates and researchers interested in the chemical logic of phosphate metabolites, energy generation, biopolymer accumulation and phosphoproteomics.

This brief presents the state of the art on enzymatic synthesis of structured triglycerides and diglycerides, focusing on glycerol as the substrate and covering interesterification of vegetable oils in one and two steps. It critically reviews the available literature on enzymatic and chemo-enzymatic synthesis of di- and triglycerides in one or more steps. The effects of the structure, length and unsaturation of the fatty acids are carefully considered, as well as the inhibitory potential of highly unsaturated complex fatty acid structures. The brief also addresses acyl migration and the use of adsorbents, taking into account the most recent literature and presenting the problem in an industrial context. It discusses experimental and analytical problems concerning, e.g. the lab scale and the scaling up to bench and pilot plants. Several examples are presented, and their successes and failures are assessed. Biocatalysts based on lipases are analyzed with regard to problems of immobilization, stability on storage time and activity after multiple uses. The need for specific Sn-2 lipases is presented and strategies for optimizing Sn-2 esterification are discussed. Lastly, practical aspects are examined, e.g. lipase "leaching" with loss of activity, taking into account the latest findings on continuous and batch reactor configurations and presenting the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The recent expansion in diversity of RNA and DNA editing types has stimulated the development of many unique genetic, molecular, biochemical, and computational approaches to biological issues. In RNA and DNA Editing: Methods and Protocols, leading experts in the field introduce methods developed over the last few years to study editing substrates, mechanisms of specificity, and functions of RNA and DNA editing enzymes and complexes. Sections of the book are dedicated to state-of-the art techniques which enable investigation of uracil insertion/deletion RNA editing in mitochondrion of Trypanosoma brucei, adenosine to inosine RNA editing, cytidine to uracil RNA and DNA editing, as well as tRNA editing and RNA modifications. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, RNA and DNA Editing: Methods and Protocols seeks to inspire the further development of these vital and powerful techniques.

Lipases are the most applied enzymes in organic synthesis due to their broad substrate acceptance and because of the availability of the molecular, biochemical, themodynamical and solvent engineering tools, which allows the optimization of lipases and lipase-catalyzed reactions. On the other hand, phospholipases are emerging as useful enzymes in food and pharmaceutical industries. In Lipases and Phospholipases: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field provide key techniques to investigate these essential enzymes. Focusing on fundamental issues, current and new applications as well as practical step-by-step protocols, and the extensive applications of lipases and the potential application of phospholipases and its inhibitors. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, Lipases and Phospholipases: Methods and Protocols aids scientists in continuing to study lipases, phopholipases and related enzymes.

Today, activation endoproteolysis of secretory proteins is recognized as a fundamental biological mechanism of spatial and temporal regulation of protein activity as well as of diversification of protein functions. In Proprotein Convertases, experts in the field examine detailed methods involving proprotein convertases, the enzymes mediating this endoproteolysis, which reside within or cycle between the various compartments of the secretory pathway. Providing a timely assessment of impact of activation/inactivation endoproteolysis in the secretory pathway, the volume offers a broader perspective on the biochemistry of the PCSKs (proprotein convertases, subtilisin/kexin-type) by exploring structural and functional analogies with bacterial subtilisin and on the enzymology of endoproteolysis itself by describing the involvement in the process of non-PCSK-type such as cathepsin L. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their specific topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Meticulous and up-to-date, Proprotein Convertases represents an instructive and useful reference book for all scientists interested in endoproteolytic activation and/or inactivation of secretory proproteins through limited proteolysis, for experts in the field and newcomers to it as well.

The last fifteen years have witnessed the birth and maturation of many original methods and the development of protocols specific to single molecule measurements and their analysis, including techniques involving optical imaging, electron microscopy, optical and magnetic trapping, and developments in atomic force microscopy. In Single Molecule Enzymology: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field provide procedures which enable the extraction of detailed information about enzyme work cycles, their static and kinetic properties, and information about their location and activity within cells. The detailed volume offers practical advice on many aspects of single molecule enzymology and includes strategic overviews of interconnected methods involved in sample preparation, single molecule measurements, and data analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Single Molecule Enzymology: Methods and Protocols is intended for use within the diverse community of molecular biologists, biochemists, and biophysicists studying enzymes in detail and can be used by researchers planning their first single molecule study or to aid more experienced researchers in further developing their existing studies.

Carola Vogel's PhD thesis focuses on the synthesis, and structural and spectroscopic characterization of the first high valent iron nitride complexes. In her interdisciplinary and collaborative research Carola also describes the reactivity studies of a unique iron (V) nitride complex with water. These studies show that quantitative yields of ammonia are given at ambient conditions. High valent iron nitride and oxo species have been proposed as key intermediates in many bio-catalytic transformations, but until now these species have proven exceedingly challenging to isolate and study. Iron complexes in high oxidation states can thus serve as models for iron-containing enzymes to help us understand biological systems or aid our development of more efficient industrial catalysts.

Since the discovery of a collagen-degrading protease in the tadpole tail in 1962, matrix metalloproteinase research has led to the discovery of more than twenty distinct vertebrate MMPs, along with a variety of homologues from diverse organisms such as the sea urchin, plants, insects, and nematode worms. Fully updating and adding to the popular first edition, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition includes a series of state-of-the-art techniques provided by eminent experts in the field. Beginning with a brief overview of the MMP arena, from how these enzymes fit into the larger degradome to what occurs when their expression and function in the mouse is modulated, the volume continues with sections on the expression and purification of MMPs and TIMPs, the detection of MMPs and TIMPs at both the protein and mRNA level, and our ability to assay MMP and TIMP activities in a wide variety of circumstances. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal source for many of the essential laboratory techniques for both novice and seasoned researchers alike collected in one convenient volume.

Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanism is a comprehensive textbook on steady-state enzyme kinetics. Organized according to the experimental process, the text covers kinetic mechanism, relative rates of steps along the reaction pathway, and chemical mechanism including acid-base chemistry and transition state structure.

Practical examples taken from the literature demonstrate theory throughout. The book also features numerous general experimental protocols and how-to explanations for interpreting kinetic data.

Written in clear, accessible language, the book will enable graduate students well-versed in biochemistry to understand and describe data at the fundamental level. Enzymologists and molecular biologists will find the text a useful reference.

Yeasts are a versatile group of eukaryotic microorganisms, exhibiting heterogeneous nutritional profiles and an extraordinary ability to survive in a wide range of natural and man-associated ecosystems, including cold habitats. Cold-adapted yeasts inhabit numerous low-temperature environments where they are subjected to seasonal or permanent cold conditions. Hence, they have evolved a number of adaptation strategies with regard to growth and reproduction, metabolic activities, survival and protection. Due to their distinctive ability to thrive successfully at low and even subzero temperatures, cold-adapted yeasts are increasingly attracting attention in basic science and industry for their enormous biotechnological potential. This book presents our current understanding of the diversity and ecology of cold-adapted yeasts in worldwide cold ecosystems, their adaptation strategies, and their biotechnological significance. Special emphasis is placed on the exploitation of cold-adapted yeasts as a source of cold-active enzymes and biopolymers, as well as their benefits for food microbiology, bioremediation and biocontrol. Further, aspects of food biodeterioration are considered.

This excellent book covers wide-ranging topics in interdisciplinary microbiology, addressing various research aspects and highlighting advanced discoveries and innovations. It presents the fascinating topic of modern biotechnology, including agricultural microbiology, microalgae biotechnology, bio-energy, bioinformatics and metagenomics, environmental microbiology, enzyme technology and marine biology. It presents the most up-to-date areas of microbiology with an emphasis on shedding light on biotechnological advancements and integrating these interdisciplinary microbiology research topics into other biotechnology sub-disciplines. The book raises awareness of the industrial relevance of microbiology, which is key component of this unique collection. The topics include production of antioxidant-glutathione, enzyme-engineering methods, probiotic microbiology and features of microbial xylanases. It also covers some other remarkable aspects of microbiology, like potential health hazards in recreational water and fullerene nanocomposites, which are vital for biotechnological interventions. This book will be valuable resource for senior undergraduate and graduate students, researchers and other interested professionals or groups working in the interdisciplinary areas of microbiology and biotechnology.

Tryptophan metabolism via kynurenine pathway plays a critical role in both health and a variety of human diseases. This book highlights the known associations between kynurenine pathway and various disease states, as well as examines the current status of drug development and clinical trials of compounds known to alter tryptophan metabolism. The research plays a critical role in molecular targeted therapies directed at altering the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The initial and rate-limiting step of tryptophan metabolism is mediated by one of two enzymes, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO; predominantly in the liver, but also in the brain) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO; in a host of tissues in response to immune activation). Targeting the enzymes IDO and TDO, as well as other downstream effectors would therefore be likely to generate novel treatment options that would be helpful in a wide variety of clinical settings. This book provides a unique bridge between basic mechanistic understanding of the role of the kynurenine pathway with translational applications and clinical relevance. It will explore the indications that tryptophan metabolism is a potential biomarker of disease activity, can contribute to local and possibly systemic immune suppression in cancer, and is an attractive target for which a variety of inhibitors are readily available.

In this thesis, Xiaoshi Wang investigates the function and mechanism of a newly discovered heme-thiolate peroxygenase, AaeAPO. This enzyme class comes from Agrocybe aegerita and is used in the conversion of inert hydrocarbons to alcohols. Xiaoshi's work focuses on an extracellular P450 enzyme which is not limited in its stability and lack of solubility and therefore is relevant for widespread industrial use. The author demonstrates that the peroxygenase catalyzes a wide range of reactions. In some cases the author even describes very difficult transformations in molecules that are highly inert. Her detailed investigations provide a mechanistic framework for how the peroxygenase catalyzes such a large number of reactions. A major highlight of this thesis is the identification of key short-lived intermediates in the catalytic cycle of the peroxygenase, using rapid kinetic and spectroscopic methods, as well as the elucidation of the thermodynamic properties of these high-energy intermediates. This work adds new insight into an important class of enzymes.

The Springer Handbook of Enzymes provides concise data on some 5,000 enzymes sufficiently well characterized - and here is the second, updated edition. Their application in analytical, synthetic and biotechnology processes as well as in food industry, and for medicinal treatments is added. Data sheets are arranged in their EC-Number sequence. The new edition reflects considerable progress in enzymology: the total material has more than doubled, and the complete 2nd edition consists of 39 volumes plus Synonym Index. Starting in 2009, all newly classified enzymes are treated in Supplement Volumes.

The Springer Handbook of Enzymes provides concise data on some 5,000 enzymes sufficiently well characterized - and here is the second, updated edition. Their application in analytical, synthetic and biotechnology processes as well as in food industry, and for medicinal treatments is added. Data sheets are arranged in their EC-Number sequence. The new edition reflects considerable progress in enzymology: the total material has more than doubled, and the complete 2nd edition consists of 39 volumes plus Synonym Index. Starting in 2009, all newly classified enzymes are treated in Supplement Volumes.

The Springer Handbook of Enzymes provides concise data on some 5,000 enzymes sufficiently well characterized - and here is the second, updated edition. Their application in analytical, synthetic and biotechnology processes as well as in food industry, and for medicinal treatments is added. Data sheets are arranged in their EC-Number sequence. The new edition reflects considerable progress in enzymology: the total material has more than doubled, and the complete 2nd edition consists of 39 volumes plus Synonym Index. Starting in 2009, all newly classified enzymes are treated in Supplement Volumes.

Whether the pursuit is commercially motivated or purely academic, engineering a novel biological catalyst is an enticing challenge. High-resolution protein structure analysis allows for rational alteration of enzyme function, yet many useful enzyme variants are the product of well-designed selection schemes or screening strategies. Enzyme Engineering: Methods and Protocols provides guidance to investigators wishing to create enzyme variants with desired properties. This detailed volume covers such topics as a simple method for generating site-specific mutations within bacterial chromosomes. It also highlights the engineering of two difference types of rare-cutting endonucleases that show great potential in gene therapy applications: The newest development is the emergence of TAL effector nucleases or TALENs. Chapters describe newly developed technologies in sufficient detail so that each method can be practiced in a standard molecular biology laboratory. 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 Enzyme Engineering: Methods and Protocols will be valuable for scientists with a budding interest in protein engineering as well as veterans looking for new approaches to apply in established discovery programs.

Even though they are present in nature, non-proteinogenic amino acids are usually defined as unnatural or non-natural. Beside their structural diversity, interest in these compounds is due to their occurrence in nature, their biological properties, the analytical aspects, their use as probes, and their incorporation into peptides and proteins, among other reasons. Divided into five convenient sections, Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols deals with enzymatic methods used to produce non-natural amino acids, aspects concerning the presence of unnatural amino acids in peptides with antimicrobial properties, genetic incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins (yeast and mammalian cells), and detection and quantification of D-amino acids and related enzymes. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Unnatural Amino Acids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for scientists and contributes to directing the attention of researchers to the many fields of growing scientific interest in non-natural amino acids.