This book represents the proceedings of a Satellite Symposium of the XIth International Congress of Biochemistry on "Control of Membrane Fluidity" which was held on July 7, 1979 at the Charles H. Best Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. The meeting was organized by M. Kates and A. Kuksis and was supported by the International Congress of Biochemistry. The purpose of the meeting was to review recent progress in many different areas of investigation bearing on the role of lipids in the structural and functional property of the cell membrane commonly referred to as fluidity. The aim was to emphasize the factors controlling membrane fluidity as studied in appropriate in vitro and in vivo experiments. The Symposium included invited review papers and short papers offered by discussants. In assem. bling the book no distinction has been made between the two types of presentations, nor has any significance been attached to the chronological order of their presentation in the Symposium. As a result it was possible to provide a much more coherent and continuous presentation than that available at the meeting."

Rapid prototyping is used to design and develop medical devices and instrumentation. This book details research in rapid prototyping of bio-materials for medical applications. It provides a wide variety of examples of medical applications using rapid prototyping, including tissue engineering, dental applications, and bone replacement. Coverage also discusses the emergence of computer aided design in the development of prosthetic devices.

Mitochondria are sometimes called the powerhouses of eukaryotic cells, because mitochondria are the site of ATP synthesis in the cell. ATP is the universal energy currency, it provides the power that runs all other life processes. Humans need oxygen to survive because of ATP synthesis in mitochondria. The sugars from our diet are converted to carbon dioxide in mitochondria in a process that requires oxygen. Just like a fire needs oxygen to burn, our mitochondria need oxygen to make ATP. From textbooks and popular literature one can easily get the impression that all mitochondria require oxygen. But that is not the case. There are many groups of organismsm known that make ATP in mitochondria without the help of oxygen. They have preserved biochemical relicts from the early evolution of eukaryotic cells, which took place during times in Earth history when there was hardly any oxygen avaiable, certainly not enough to breathe. How the anaerobic forms of mitochondria work, in which organisms they occur, and how the eukaryotic anaerobes that possess them fit into the larger picture of rising atmospheric oxygen during Earth history are the topic of this book.

This volume details a comprehensive range of methods for imaging epithelial-to-mesechymal transition (EMT)/MET in in vivo systems, and methods to leverage these systems to dissect the underlying mechanisms. Chapters guide readers through studying different features of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, past and future research of the EMT, in vivo systems, and in vivo imaging. 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 cutting-edge, The Epithelial-to Mesenchymal Transition: Methods and Protocols aims to provide methods in EMT will help to unite and drive research in this exciting field forwards.

This book reviews the chemical, regulatory, and physiological mechanisms of protein arginine and lysine methyltransferases, as well as nucleic acid methylations and methylating enzymes. Protein and nucleic acid methylation play key and diverse roles in cellular signalling and regulating macromolecular cell functions. Protein arginine and lysine methyltransferases are the predominant enzymes that catalyse S-adenosylmethionine (SAM)-dependent methylation of protein substrates. These enzymes catalyse a nucleophilic substitution of a methyl group to an arginine or lysine side chain nitrogen (N) atom. Cells also have additional protein methyltransferases, which target other amino acids in peptidyl side chains or N-termini and C-termini, such as glutamate, glutamine, and histidine. All these protein methyltransferases use a similar mechanism. In contrast, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are substrates for methylating enzymes, which employ various chemical mechanisms to methylate nucleosides at nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and carbon (C) atoms. This book illustrates how, thanks to there ability to expand their repertoire of functions to the modified substrates, protein and nucleic acid methylation processes play a key role in cells.

This book aims to comprehensively summarize the current research status of nanomaterials and cell biology. It highlights the biological effects and biomedical applications of nanomaterials for specific diseases, bone tissue engineering, and skeletal muscle regeneration. It also provides the details of the biomedical applications of nucleic acid nanomaterials in drug delivery carriers, antimicrobial therapy, vaccine, and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this book renders the audience a better understanding of nanomaterials along with the diverse applications in the cell biology field from recent works to perspectives.

This first of two volumes provides a general overview of the genetics, structure, mechanism and regulation of the Ras superfamily proteins and describes in detail the signaling pathways and processes regulated by specific members of this family. The focus of this first volume is on the Rho and Ras subfamily of small G proteins. Renowned scientists provide insights into the biochemistry of the classical and non-classical small G-protein family members, their spatio-temporal regulation, their effectors and their roles in health and disease. Together with Volume 2, this book provides a comprehensive and state-of-the-art work on small G-proteins (GTPases). It is intended for graduates and professors in biochemistry and cell biology already working on small G-proteins (small GTPases), but also offers an extremely valuable resource for those readers who are new to the field.

This book introduces a fresh perspective on the conditions for the genesis of the first cell. An important possible environment of the prehistoric Earth has long been overlooked as a host to the perfect biochemical conditions for this process. The first complexes of continental crust on the early Earth must have already contained systems of interconnected cracks and cavities, which were filled with volatiles like water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This book offers insights into how these conditions may have provided the ideal physical and chemical setting for the formation of protocells and early stages of life. The authors support their hypothesis with a number of astonishing findings from laboratory experiments focusing on a variety of organic compounds, and on the formation of key cellular ingredients and of primitive cell-like structures. Moreover, they discuss the principles of prebiotic evolution regarding the aspects of order and complexity. Guiding readers through various stages of hypotheses and re-created evolutionary processes, the book is enriched with personal remarks and experiences throughout, reflecting the authors' personal quest to solve the mystery surrounding the first cell.

This book reviews the current knowledge on tunable hydrogels, including the range of different materials and applications, as well as the existing challenges and limitations in the field. It covers various aspects of the material design, particularly highlighting biological responsiveness, degradability and responsiveness to external stimuli. In this book, readers will discover original research data and state-of-the-art reviews in the area of hydrogel technology, with a specific focus on biotechnology and medicine. Written by leading experts, the contributions outline strategies for designing tunable hydrogels and offer a detailed evaluation of the physical and synthetic methods currently employed to achieve specific hydrogel properties and responsiveness. This highly informative book provides important theoretical and practical insights for scholars and researchers working with hydrogels for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

This book presents a comprehensive discussion on the novel concepts in stem cell heterogeneity, from pluripotent stem cells to human mesenchymal stem cells, adult and cancer stem cells of the thyroid, sarcoma, and more. Thus, Stem Cell Heterogeneity - Novel Concepts starts from a timely update on the current information on stem cells heterogeneity in various tissues and discusses new concepts and future directions. It also provides a solid foundation of the history of stem cells from specific tissues and the current applications of this knowledge in regenerative medicine. When taken as a whole, alongside its companion volumes Stem Cells Heterogeneity in Different Organs, and Stem Cells Heterogeneity in Cancer, these three books present a comprehensive reference on stem cell heterogeneity in various tissues and current and future applications for regenerative medicine. It is essential reading for advanced cell biology students as well as researchers in stem cells and clinicians.

The knowledge of lysosomal biology and the consequences of its dysfunction have increased dramatically in the past 60 years. Research of these disorders has moved from diseases with unknown etiology to disorders with clear and defined pathophysiology and some of them have benefited from the development of disease specific therapeutics. Lysosomal Biology and Storage Disorders describes the nature of the diseases, the historical evolution of the field and future perspectives for the treatment of these clinical entities. Organized as a textbook, Lysosomal Biology and Storage Disorders describes the nature of lysosomal dysfunction, the synthesis and targeting of lysosomal enzymes and the implications of the targeting mechanisms for the development of new therapies. Disease specific chapters provide thorough reviews of the clinical features of lysosomal storage disorders, their molecular basis and the commercial or experimental therapeutic approaches sought in this area.

This book is a collection of principles and current practices in omics research, applied to skeletal muscle physiology and disorders. The various sections are categorized according to the level of biological organization, namely, genomics (DNA), transcriptomics (RNA), proteomics (protein), and metabolomics (metabolite). With skeletal muscle as the unifying theme, and featuring contributions from leading experts in this traditional field of research, it highlights the importance of skeletal muscle tissue in human development, health and successful ageing. It also discusses other fascinating topics like developmental biology, muscular dystrophies, exercise, insulin resistance and atrophy due to disuse, ageing or other muscle diseases, conveying the vast opportunities for generating new hypotheses as well as testing existing hypotheses by combining high-throughput techniques with proper experiment designs, bioinformatics and statistical analyses. Presenting the latest research techniques, this book is a valuable resource for the physiology community, particularly researchers and grad students who want to explore the new opportunities for omics technologies in basic physiology research.

The fourth edition provides new and updated chapters that focus on experimental models, useful for investigating various aspects of cytoskeleton structure and function. Chapters detail protocols on animal models, plant models, protist models, fungal models, live and fixed-cell imaging, dynamics of cytoskeleton components, cell and organelle motility, genetics, and proteomics. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Cytoskeleton: Methods and Protocols, Fourth Edition aims to provide an updated version to help researchers expand their understanding of cytoskeleton structure and function.

This volume details a wide range of methods, ranging from beginner through advanced, used to further study zebrafish and fish germline.. Chapter guide readers through cultivating and manipulating germ cells, imaging of germline processes and the molecular analysis of their, protein, and RNA. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, application details for both the expert and non-expert reader, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Germline Development in the Zebrafish: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with updated methodologies and practical tips to overcome obstacles associated with experimentation pertaining to chemistry, biology, physiology, pathology, medical and dental sciences, and pharmacology of CCN proteins. The chapters in this book cover topics such as CCN4 immunofluorescence for tissue microarray; utilizing public molecular biological databases for CCN family research; the effects of CCN4 on pancreatic beta cell proliferation; gene expression analysis of CCNs; novel cell biological assays for measuring bone remodeling activities of CCN proteins; and the function of CCN2 in tubular epithelium cells with a focus on renal fibrogenesis. 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. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, CCN Proteins: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for experienced CCN researchers looking for new approaches and novice researchers just starting out in the field of CCN research.

This book details methods on various aspects of the very final stages of mouse oocyte development. Chapters guide the reader through in vitro growth of follicles, production of a fully-grown competent mouse oocyte, meiosis resumption, analysis of spindle assembly and chromosome segregation, analysis of the oocyte and early embryo transcriptome. 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 cutting-edge, Mouse Oocyte Development: Methods and Protocols aims to help scientists with the set up both live and fix experiments required to study the process of oocyte meiotic maturation.

Bioactive natural compounds have gained attention in recent years due to their potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. These benefits derive from bioactive compounds' anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive and anti-hyperlipidemic activities, which serve in addition to their basic nutritional functions. Over the last decade, researchers have investigated the health impact of bioactive compounds in detail, and the development of food applications has attracted great interest. Consumer demand has surged for functional foods (nutraceuticals), superfoods, and tailor-made foods, generated by supplementing traditional food products with bioactive ingredients. Food Bioactives and Health offers comprehensive coverage of the properties and health effects of food bioactives in view of new trends in processing, food science and food technology. Starting with the metabolic characteristics of polyphenols, glucosinolates, and other food bioactives, the text then dives into their impact on human health and recent applications in the world of food technology. For food scientists, food technologists, and product developers looking to understand the role of food bioactives in health and develop applications in personalized nutrition, functional foods and nutraceuticals, Food Bioactives and Health serves as a one-stop reference.

This authoritative volume describes the role of free radicals and antioxidants in prenatal and perinatal disorders currently explored in clinical and pre-clinical trials. In twenty-two inclusive chapters, the book covers the gamut of oxidative stress and its relation to a variety of factors, including fertility, metabolism, redox biomarkers, antioxidant defense and protection, gene polymorphisms, angiogenesis, cell signaling, mutations and oxidative damage involving lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, membrane trafficking, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, alterations in immunological function, hypoxia, and post-natal stressors. This comprehensive source will keep clinicians and research scientists up-to-date on translational research into medical applications. Perinatal and Prenatal Disorders is a significant addition to the well-known Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice series.

The mathematical models considered in this book can help to understand the swelling of mitochondria. For the first time, it presents new mathematical models of mitochondrial swelling that take into account, in particular, spatial effects. The results presented here could make it possible to predict properties of the underlying biological mechanisms. Taking into account that mitochondria could move within a cell, lead to a PDE-PDE model. The book discusses the well-posedness and long-term dynamics of solutions, depending on boundary conditions reflecting the in vitro and in vivo cases. These analytical and numerical results have inspired colleagues from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Helmholtz Center Munich to design new experiments justifying the theoretical and numerical results that are obtained. The book is intended for graduates students and researchers with a solid mathematical background and an interest in cell biology.

Attaining sustainable agricultural production while preserving environmental quality, agro-ecosystem functions and biodiversity represents a major challenge for current agricultural practices; further, the traditional use of chemical inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, nutrients etc.) poses serious threats to crop productivity, soil fertility and the nutritional value of farm produce. Given these risks, managing pests and diseases, maintaining agro-ecosystem health, and avoiding health issues for humans and animals have now become key priorities. The use of PGPR as biofertilizers, plant growth promoters, biopesticides, and soil and plant health managers has attracted considerable attention among researchers, agriculturists, farmers, policymakers and consumers alike. Using PGPR as bioinoculants can help meet the expected demand for global agricultural productivity to feed the world's booming population, which is predicted to reach roughly 9 billion by 2050. However, to provide effective bioinoculants, PGPR strains must be safe for the environment, offer considerable plant growth promotion and biocontrol potential, be compatible with useful soil rhizobacteria, and be able to withstand various biotic and abiotic stresses. Accordingly, the book also highlights the need for better strains of PGPR to complement increasing agro-productivity.

This text for students and researchers, takes an interdisciplinary approach to describing the chemistry and physics of materials, their biocompatibility, and the consequences of implantation of devices made of these materials into the human body. The reader is introduced to the principles of polymer science and the study of metals, ceramics and composites, and also to the basic biology required to understand the nature of the host-transplant interface. Topics covered in this book include the macromolecular components of cells and tissues, self-assembly processes, biological cascade systems, microscopic structure of cells and tissues, immunology, transplantation biology, and the pathobiology of wound healing. Topics covered in the materials science chapters include the structures and properties of polymers, metals, ceramics and composites, and the processes for forming materials as well as the pathobiology of devices. The final two chapters deal with tissue engineering and the relations between the biology of cells and tissue transplantation, and the engineering of tissue replacements using passaged cells.

Actin is one of the most widespread proteins in eukaryotic cells. This book and its companion ("Molecular Interactions of Actin. Actin Structure and Actin-Binding Proteins") provide an authoritative and opinionated view of the structure and function of this essential protein. Each section includes an historical perspective and a detailed commentary on actin protein chemistry, molecular and cell biology of actin. While some chapters review the body of knowledge of the subject, others contain new experimental data. This book will appeal to research scientists seeking contemporary overviews of actin-myosin interaction and actin-based regulation. Contributors include senior scientists as well as the new breed of younger scientists.

Part of the broader research field of natural computing, Membrane Computing is an area within computing science that aims to abstract computing ideas and models from the structure and functioning of living cells, as well as from the way the cells are organized in tissues or higher order structures. It studies models of computation (known as P systems) inspired by the biochemistry of cells, in particular by the role of membranes in the compartmentalization of living cells into "protected reactors."
This handbook provides both a comprehensive survey of available knowledge and established research topics, and a guide to recent developments in the field, covering the subject from theory to applications. The handbook is suitable both for introducing novices to this area of research, and as a main source of reference for active researchers. It sets out the necessary biological and formal background, with the introductory chapter serving as a gentle introduction to and overview of membrane computing. Individual chapters, written by leading researchers in membrane computing, present the state of the art of all main research trends and include extensive bibliographies.

This volume provides an overview of well-established methods optimized for diverse archaeal model organisms and is a source of protocols facilitating access to the molecular and cellular biology characterization of these fascinating organisms. Chapters are divided into five parts detailing available genetic tools, molecular and cellular biology methods, strategies to study the ecophysiology of archaea, and classroom protocol. Each main thematic part is also introduced by future-oriented and authoritative primers. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Archaea: Methods and Protocols aims to be a foundation for future studies and to be a source of inspiration for new investigations in the field.