In the past several years, there has been an explosion in the ability of biologists, molecular biologists and biochemists to collect vast amounts of data on their systems. This volume presents sophisticated methods for estimating the thermodynamic parameters of specific protein-protein, protein-DNA and small molecule interactions.
The use of thermodynamics in biological research is used as an energy book-keeping system. While the structure and function of a molecule is important, it is equally important to know what drives the energy force. These methods look to answer: What are the sources of energy that drive the function? Which of the
pathways are of biological significance? As the base of macromolecular structures continues to expand through powerful techniques of molecular biology, such as X-ray crystal data and spectroscopy methods, the importance of tested and reliable methods for answering these questions will continue to expand as well."

Contents

Philip C. Sharpe, Rosemary S. Harrison, and David P. Fairlie: Amyloid Peptides and Proteins in Review. - Marilena Kampa, Artemissia-Phoebe Nifli, George Notas, Elias Castanas: Polyphenols and Cancer Cell Growth. - Michal Janitz: Assigning Functions to Genes The Main Challenge of the Post-Genomic Era. - Brigittte M. Jockusch, Kai Murk and Martin Rothkegel: The Profile of Profilins.

This book addresses the important clinical problem of accurately diagnosing osteoporosis, and analyzes how Bone Turnover Markers (BTMs) can improve osteoporosis detection. In her research, the author integrated microfluidic technology with electrochemical sensing to embody a reaction/detection chamber to measure serum levels of different biomarkers, creating a microfluidic proteomic platform that can easily be translated into a biomarker diagnostic. The Osteokit System, a result of the integration of electrochemical system and microfluidic chips, is a unique design that offers the potential for greater sensitivity. The implementation, feasibility, and specificity of the Osteokit platform is demonstrated in this book, which is appropriate for researchers working on bone biology and mechanics, as well as clinicians.

This monograph describes metabolic and transport reactions of muscle cells using the laws of chemical thermodynamics. In particular, the thermodynamics of irreversible processes are used to formulate coupled reactions and their outcome on steady state cycling. The effects of ATP cycling on energy metabolism and heat production is described. The results of mathematical simulations of metabolism are used to underline theoretical approaches.

Contents: Gerard Jaouen, Nils Metzler-Nolte : Introduction ; Stephane GIBAUD and Gerard JAOUEN: Arsenic - based drugs: from Fowler's solution to modern anticancer chemotherapy; Ana M. Pizarro, Abraha Habtemariam and Peter J. Sadler : Activation Mechanisms for Organometallic Anticancer Complexes; Angela Casini, Christian G. Hartinger, Alexey A. Nazarov, Paul J. Dyson : Organometallic antitumour agents with alternative modes of action; Elizabeth A. Hillard, Anne Vessieres, Gerard Jaouen : Ferrocene functionalized endocrine modulators for the treatment of cancer; Megan Hogan and Matthias Tacke : Titanocenes - Cytotoxic and Anti-Angiogenic Chemotherapy Against Advanced Renal-Cell Cancer; Seann P. Mulcahy and Eric Meggers : Organometallics as Structural Scaffolds for Enzyme Inhibitor Design; Christophe Biot and Daniel Dive : Bioorganometallic Chemistry and Malaria; Nils Metzler-Nolte : Biomedical applications of organometal-peptide conjugates; Roger Alberto : Organometallic Radiopharmaceuticals; Brian E. Mann : Carbon Monoxide - an essential signaling molecule.

Life scientists believe that life is driven, directed, and shaped by biomolecules working on their own or in concert. It is only in the last few decades that technological breakthroughs in sensitive fluorescence microscopy and single-molecule manipulation techniques have made it possible to observe and manipulate single biomolecules and measure their individual properties. The methodologies presented in Single Molecule Techniques: Methods and Protocols are being applied more and more to the study of biologically relevant molecules, such as DNA, DNA-binding proteins, and motor proteins, and are becoming commonplace in molecular biophysics, biochemistry, and molecular and cell biology. The aim of Single Molecule Techniques: Methods and Protocols is to provide a broad overview of single-molecule approaches applied to biomolecules on the basis of clear and concise protocols, including a solid introduction to the most widely used single-molecule techniques, such as optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence tools, atomic force microscopy, magnetic tweezers, and tethered particle motion. 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, Single Molecule Techniques: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to scientists of all backgrounds and provides a broad and thorough overview of the exciting and still-emerging field of single-molecule biology.

Latest Edition: Textbook of Structural Biology (2nd Edition)This is an important textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in structural biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology and medicine. Written by a team of leading scientists in the field, it covers all the essential aspects of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, including the rise and fall of proteins, membranes and gradients, the structural biology of cells, and evolution - the comparative structural biology. The focus is on interesting and relevant molecular structures as well as central biology.This comprehensive volume is richly illustrated with more than 200 color figures. So far, there has been a lack of comprehensive textbooks on structural biology that are up to date; this book is written to fill the gap. An accompanying CD contains high-resolution images that can be projected in a classroom.

With the number of natural carotenoid structures reported rising above 700, there is a clear need for a single reference work containing data on all these compounds. This Handbook includes all natural carotenoids and common isolation artefacts for which structures have been assigned up to the end of 2001. For each compound, it provides selected key references and critically assessed information about natural occurrence and isolation, and spectroscopic data for identification. A standard full-page entry is given for each compound that has been characterised unambiguously, showing

- Common name
- IUPAC name
- Structure, including stereochemistry, when assigned
- Spectroscopic data: UV/Vis (with illustration); MS; CD; NMR (type and references)
- Chemical synthesis (references)
- Natural sources and outline of isolation procedure
- Remarks, e.g. further spectroscopic data, stability, properties, derivatives
- Selected key references

Computational methods, and in particular quantum chemistry, have taken the lead in our growing understanding of noncovalent forces, as well as in their categorization. This volume describes the current state of the art in terms of what we now know, and the current questions requiring answers in the future. Topics range from very strong (ionic) to very weak (CH-- ) interactions. In the intermediate regime, forces to be considered are H-bonds, particularly CH--O and OH--metal, halogen, chalcogen, pnicogen and tetrel bonds, aromatic stacking, dihydrogen bonds, and those involving radicals. Applications include drug development and predictions of crystal structure.

In this thesis single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) spectroscopy was used to study the folding of a protein that belongs to the large and important family of repeat proteins. Cohen shows that the dynamics of the expanded conformations is likely to be very fast, suggesting a spring-like motion of the whole chain. The findings shed new light on the elasticity of structure in repeat proteins, which is related to their function in binding multiple and disparate partners. This concise research summary provides useful insights for students beginning a PhD in this or a related area, and researchers entering this field.

Latest Edition: Textbook of Structural Biology (2nd Edition)This is an important textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in structural biology, chemistry, biochemistry, biology and medicine. Written by a team of leading scientists in the field, it covers all the essential aspects of proteins, nucleic acids and lipids, including the rise and fall of proteins, membranes and gradients, the structural biology of cells, and evolution - the comparative structural biology. The focus is on interesting and relevant molecular structures as well as central biology.This comprehensive volume is richly illustrated with more than 200 color figures. So far, there has been a lack of comprehensive textbooks on structural biology that are up to date; this book is written to fill the gap. An accompanying CD contains high-resolution images that can be projected in a classroom.

This volume provides a better understanding of the advancements in phenotypic readouts and improved disease models that generate novel biological insights and recapitulate clinically relevant biology. Chapters focus on phenotypic screening, the use of human cell models, microscopic approaches, assays to measure fat accumulation in C. elegans, the threat response in zebrafish, and protein-protein interactions in plant growth and development. 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. Authoritative and practical, Phenotypic Screening: Methods and Protocols aims to make phenotypic screening approaches more accessible to a wide array of researchers throughout the academic and biotech communities.

At the intersection of metabolite analysis, metabolic fingerprinting, and metabolomics, the study of metabolic profiling has evolved steadily over the course of time as have the methods and technologies involved in its study. In Metabolic Profiling: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field present protocols that are illustrative of the evolution of metabolic profiling from single molecule analysis to global metabolome profiling. Comprised of the most essential techniques, this volume covers topics from inborn errors of metabolism and drug metabolite analysis to nuclear magnetic resonance metabolic profiles. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Metabolic Profiling: Methods and Protocols serves as a resource for both established and new investigators in this vital and ever-developing field.

The 2002 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Sydney Brenner (United Kingdom), H. Robert Horvitz (US) and John E. Sulston (UK) "for their discoveries concerning genetic regulation of organ development and programmed cell death." Cell death is a fundamental aspect of embryonic development, normal cellular turnover and maintenance of homeostasis (maintaining a stable, constant environment) on the one hand, and aging and disease on the other. This volume addresses the significant advances with the techniques that are being used to analyze cell death.
* This volume provides the necessary, trusted methods to carry out this research on the latest techniques. Once researchers understand the molecular mechanisms of the apoptotic pathways, they can begin to develop new therapies.
* Presents key methods on studying tumors and how these cancer cells evade cell death.
* Eliminates searching through many different sources to avoid pitfalls so the same mistakes are not made over and over.

The third edition of this long-serving successful reference work is a 'must-have' reference for anyone needing or desiring an understanding of the structure, chemistry, properties, production and uses of starches and their derivatives.

* Includes specific information on corn, wheat, potato, rice, and new chapters on rye, oat and barley (including waxy barley) starches

* Covers the isolation processes, properties, functionalities, and uses of the most commonly used starches.

* Explores the genetics, biochemistry, and physical structure of starches

* Presents current and emerging application trends for starch

Plant taxonomy is an ancient discipline facing new challenges with the current availability of a vast array of molecular approaches which allow reliable genealogy-based classifications. Although the primary focus of plant taxonomy is on the delimitation of species, molecular approaches also provide a better understanding of evolutionary processes, a particularly important issue for some taxonomic complex groups."Molecular Plant Taxonomy: Methods and Protocols"describes laboratory protocols based on the use of nucleic acids and chromosomes for plant taxonomy, as well as guidelines for phylogenetic analysis of molecular data. Experts in the field also contribute review and application chapters that will encourage the reader to develop an integrative taxonomy approach, combining nucleic acid and cytogenetic data together with other crucial information (taxonomy, morphology, anatomy, ecology, reproductive biology, biogeography, paleobotany), which will help not only to best circumvent species delimitation but also to resolve the evolutionary processes in play.Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and easily accessible, "Molecular Plant Taxonomy: Methods and Protocols"seeks to provide conceptual as well as technical guidelines to plant taxonomists and geneticists."

The account in this inaugural volume of the series covers the period 1900 to 1960, but also outlines the principal developments in earlier centuries from which biochemistry emerged. Findings are considered in the light of present knowledge, rather than in a rigid historical framework.

The discovery that nitrogen monoxide or nitric oxide (NO)is a biologically produced free radical has revolutionized our thinking about physiological and pathological processes. This discovery has ignited enormous interest in the scientific community. When generated at low levels, NO is a signaling molecule, but at high concentration, NO is a cytotoxic molecule. The physiological and pathological processes of NO production and metabolism and its targets, currently areas of intensive research, have important pharmacologic implications for health and disease.

DNA and RNA fractions have been isolated from the whole blood, serum, plasma, the surface of blood cells, urine, saliva and spinal fluid from both healthy individuals and clinical patients. Recent developments are presented concerning the isolation, quantification and analysis of these molecules and their use in the identification of specific nucleic acid fragments related to a variety of clinical disorders thereby permitting their early diagnosis and prognosis.

Introduction to Electron Microscopy for Biologists is ideal for the scientist who may be considering electron microscopy as a tool to extend molecular, biochemical, or light microscope observations to the next level of structural information, only available by electron microscopy. Each chapter briefly surveys the present state of structural information in a particular area, be it an individual but widely occurring molecule such as actin or collagen, together with the methods for visualization, either as an extracted and purified entity, or in situ within its biological context. Not only is this book an introduction to electron microscopy in general, but it is also useful for those within the field who wish to move to a different area of expertise, for instance an approach based on rapid freezing, rather than more conventional protocols. This should be a first choice reference for any biologist wanting to know 'what does it look like' across the full spectrum of cell and molecular biology of life science.
*Illustrates the advantages of electron microscopy and the protocols required for fine structural visualization of individual molecules upwards, ranging from mammalian tissues to experimental organisms.
*Comprehensive chapters cover both structural information on each area as well as the protocols themselves
*Includes methods covering specific labeling, as well as methods for quantification and three dimensional reconstruction from molecular to tissue levels.

The Nobel Prize was awarded in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 to Louis J. Ignarro, Robert F. Furchgott and Ferid Murad for demonstrating the signaling properties of nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the few gaseous signaling molecules and is a key biological messenger that plays a role in many biological processes. NO research has led to new treatments for treating heart as well as lung diseases, shock and impotence. (Sildenafil, popularly known by the trade name Viagra, enhances signaling through nitric oxide pathways.) Scientists are currently testing whether NO can be used to stop the growth of cancerous tumors, since the gas can induce programmed cell death, apoptosis.
This is another "must-have" volume packed with robust methods from authors around the globe. Researchers interested in the detailed biochemistry of nitric oxide and its synthesis will have this indispensable volume on their shelves.
*Essential resource for every laboratory involved in NO-related work
*Gathers tried and tested techniques from global labs which eliminates searching through many different sources and avoids pitfalls so the same mistakes are not made over and over.
* Aids researchers in the design of medically important therapies for heart disease and cancer

"Current Topics in Membranes" provides a systematic, comprehensive, and rigorous approach to specific topics relevant to the study of cellular membranes. Each volume is a guest edited compendium of membrane biology.
*Discusses the current stat of electrostatics in biomolecular simulations and future directions
*Includes information on time and length scales in lipid bilayer simulations
*Includes a chapter on the nature of lipid rafts