This book presents the current state of knowledge on the origin and differentiation of cell lines involved in the development of the vertebrate male and female gonads with particular emphasis on the mouse. It also discusses the processes leading to the testis- and ovary-specific structures and functions. The individual chapters review the origin and differentiation of the somatic cells of the genital ridges; the formation and migration of primordial germ cells in mouse and man; the gonadal supporting cell lineage and mammalian sex determination; differentiation of Sertoli and granulosa cells; mesonephric cell migration into the gonads and vascularization; origin and differentiation of androgen-producing cells in the gonads; germ cell commitment to the oogenic versus spermatogenic pathway and the role of retinoic acid; ovarian folliculogenesis; control of oocyte growth and development by intercellular communication within the follicular niche; biology of the Sertoli cell in the fetal, pubertal and adult mammalian testis; mechanisms regulating spermatogonial differentiation; stem cells in mammalian gonads; the role of microRNAs in cell differentiation during gonad development; human sex development and its disorders; as well as methods for the study of gonadal development.

"Current Topics in Membranes "is targeted towards scientists and researchers in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology, providing the necessary membrane research to assist them in discovering the current state of a particular field and in learning where that field is heading. In this volume, researchers are encouraged to fully explore topics and research related to co-transport systems. The authors and editors associated with the "Current Topics in Membranes" series are recognized as world-renowned scientists in their respective fields, making "CTM" one of the premier serials on membranes.
Field is cutting-edge and a lot of the information is new to research community

Wide breadth of topic coverage

Contributors of high renown and expertise

This volume of Current Topics in Membranes focuses on metal transmembrane transporters and pumps, a recently discovered family of membrane proteins with many important roles in the physiology of living organisms. The book summarizes the most recent advances in the field of metal ion transport and provides a broad overview of the major classes of transporters involved in homeostasis of heavy metals. Various families of the transporters and metal specificities are discussed with the focus on the structural and mechanistic aspects of their function and regulation. The reader will access information obtained through a variety of approaches ranging from X-ray crystallography to cell biology and bioinformatics, which have been applied to transporters identified in diverse biological systems, such as pathogenic bacteria, plants, humans and others.
Field is cutting-edge and a lot of the information is new to research community

Wide breadth of topic coverage

Contributors of high renown and expertise

The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s, their later chemical characterization and the clarification of pivotal metabolic functions are sequential aspects of a brilliant chapter in the history of modern nutritional sciences and medicine. The name, derived from "vital-amines", indicates their elementary metabolic key functions in human metabolism. Vitamins are truly families of compounds, which include precursors and various free and bound forms, all with individual roles in metabolism and function. A more recent approach therefore searches for the components, the understanding of their roles in physiology and pathology as well as looking for novel pharmacological applications. When used properly, vitamins are, indeed, "magical" substances. Due to their efficacy, they should therefore be regarded as drugs with effects and side effects to be weighted against each other. Today, it is not the previously fatal deficiency-associated diseases that are in the focus of interest, but rather the relation of suboptimal vitamin bioavailability to chronic disease. This is complicated by genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of health-compromising habits, such as smoking. In turn, the development and application of new and more sensitive and specific assays further enable us to look more closely into the many functions of vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are complex molecular structures and even today, many areas in vitamin biochemistry are not yet fully understood. Novel effects and functions of vitamins remain and continue to be discovered. This book presents most recent research results and fascinating new knowledge on the role and effects of the water soluble vitamins in man. Some of the most distinguished chemists, biochemists, biologists and clinicians have contributed valuable chapters sharing unexpected novel insights into the biochemistry, (epi)genetics, metabolism, and function of water soluble vitamins, with their potential for clinical applications. Thus, physicians, clinicians, scientists, researchers, epidemiologists. nutritional specialists and health professionals alike will find stimulating and fascinating new insight in the many roles that water soluble vitamins play in human health and disease.

Peroxisomes are a class of ubiquitous and dynamic single membrane-bounded cell organelles, devoid of DNA, with an essentially oxidative type of metabolism. In recent years it has become increasingly clear that peroxisomes are involved in a range of important cellular functions in almost all eukaryotic cells. In higher eukaryotes, including humans, peroxisomes catalyze ether phospholipids biosynthesis, fatty acid alpha-oxidation, glyoxylate detoxification, etc, and in humans peroxisomes are associated with several important genetic diseases. In plants, peroxisomes carry out the fatty acid beta-oxidation, photorespiration, metabolism of ROS, RNS and RSS, photomorphogenesis, biosynthesis of phytohormones, senescence, and defence against pathogens and herbivores. In recent years it has been postulated a possible contribution of peroxisomes to cellular signaling. In this volume an updated view of the capacity and function of peroxisomes from human, animal, fungal and plant origin as cell generators of different signal molecules involved in distinct processes of high physiological importance is presented.

Considerable advances have taken place since the initial isolation and characterization of human embryonic stem (HES) cells; however, significant challenges remain before their potential for restoration and regeneration processes in patients can be realized. Understanding the diversity amongst HES cell lines and realizing the ability to isolate lines with robust differentiation potential remain difficult. In the Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook, experts in the field provide an assortment of protocols that have been used by various laboratories around the world so as to allow both novices and experienced investigators to compare and contrast different approaches to HES cell isolation and characterization with the hope that, from these protocols, researchers might standardize approaches for HES cell biology. Written in the 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 tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook serves as a valuable reference for scientists pursuing this vital field and its enormous potential.

This book, for the first time, comprehensively assembles and analyzes a large body of information on the role of the fundamental mechanism of the protein biosynthesis pathway, translation, in cancer biology. It systematically explores the function of the translation machinery and its regulation, including cell signaling, in the development, maintenance and progression of human cancer. The work presented here unveils the tremendous potential and applications of this vast and exciting branch of genetic, biochemical and molecular science in cancer medicine and drug development.

Chapters contributed by experts in the field take the reader on a journey that starts with a dissection of the translation machinery and its regulation in norm and cancer. Later chapters characterize etiological and pathogenetic roles that translation plays in specific cancer types. Various aspects of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance of the translation machinery and its control in cancer are discussed. Readers will discover the importance of the process of translation and its regulatory mechanisms in physiology and cancer biology.

The chapters and the numerous illustrations included here were contributed by expert scientists and clinicians from renowned academic and clinical establishments in Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Australia.

The book conveys information and knowledge that may interest a broad range of students and scholars ranging from basic scientists to clinicians and drug developers seeking to better understand the protein synthesis and its aberrations in cancer biology and cancer medicine.

Computational methods are playing an ever increasing role in cell biology.This volume of Methods in Cell Biology focuses on Computational Methods in Cell Biology and consists of two parts: (1) data extraction and analysis to distill models and mechanisms, and (2) developing and simulating models to make predictions and testable hypotheses.
Focuses on computational methods in cell biologySplit into 2 parts--data extraction and analysis to distill models and mechanisms, and developing and simulating models to make predictions and testable hypothesesEmphasizes the intimate and necessary connection with interpreting experimental data and proposing the next hypothesis and experiment "

Mesenchymal Stem Cells have seen an unprecedented level of interest in the last decade, primarily due to their relative ease of isolation, the large numbers of cells present in the adult, and the ability to propagate these cells in culture. In Mesenchymal Stem Cell Assays and Applications, expert researchers from across the globe explore the latest techniques to propagate, characterize, and engineer this special cell type. Chapters outline a set of protocols and assays used by leading investigators in the field, providing standards that can be applied by all researchers to the population of cells used in their experiments. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Ground-breaking and current, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Assays and Applications is a necessary handbook for all researchers working with this ambiguous population of cells.

This new volume of "Methods in Cell Biology" looks at Tetrahymena thermophila, a model organism in experimental biology.Covering sections on Systems perspectives and Operating principles, chapters are written by experts in the field.

With cutting edge material, this comprehensive collection is intended to guideresearchers of Tetrahymena thermophila for years to come.
Covers sections on systems perspectives and operating principlesChapters are written by experts in the fieldCutting-edge material, making this a truly comprehensive collection"

With today's ever growing economic and ecological problems, wood as a raw material takes on increasing significance as the most important renewable source of energy and as industrial feedstock for numerous products. Its chemical and anatomical structure and the excellent properties that result allow wood to be processed into the most diverse products; from logs to furniture and veneers, and from wood chippings to wooden composites and paper. The aim of this book is to review advances in research on the cellular aspects of cambial growth and wood formation in trees over recent decades. The book is divided into two major parts. The first part covers the basic process of wood biosynthesis, focusing on five major steps that are involved in this process: cell division, cell expansion, secondary cell wall formation, programmed cell death and heartwood formation. The second part of the book deals with the regulation of wood formation by endogenous and exogenous factors. On the endogenous level the emphasis is placed on two aspects: control of wood formation by phytohormones and by molecular mechanisms. Apart from endogenous factors, various exogenous effects (such as climate factors) are involved in wood formation. Due to modern microscopic as well as molecular techniques, the understanding of wood formation has progressed significantly over the last decade. Emphasizing the cellular aspects, this book first gives an overview of the basic process of wood formation, before it focuses on factors involved in the regulation of this process.

This new volume in the "Current topics in Developmental Biology" series concentrates on MicroRNAs in Development. It includes chapters on such topics as miRNA networks in neuronal development, let-7 in development, and Hox networks and miRNA. With an international team of authors, this volume is a must-have addition for researchers and students alike.
Concentrates on microRNAs in development Includes chapters on such topics as miRNA networks in neuronal development, let-7 in development, and Hox networks and miRNA With an international team of authors, this volume is a must-have addition for researchers and students alike"

"International Review of Celland Molecular Biology "presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth.

* Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field * Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research * Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists"

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

This volume focuses on synthetic vaccines.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This authoritative book gathers together a broad range of ideas and topics that define the field. It provides clear, concise, and comprehensive coverage of all aspects of cellular physiology from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics. The 4e contains substantial new material. Most chapters have been thoroughly reworked. The book includes chapters on important topics such as sensory transduction, the physiology of protozoa and bacteria, and synaptic transmission.
Authored by leading researchers in the field Clear, concise, and comprehensive coverage of all aspects of cellular physiology, from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics Full color illustrations

In this second edition methods are described to measure the synthesis of lipids such as the phosphoinositides, ceramides and sphingomyelin, as well as techniques to molecularly characterize the various kinases and phosphatases that regulate the intracellular metabolism of these lipids. Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition guides readers through detailed experimental protocols, which are complimented by review chapters that highlight the technical considerations, challenges and potential pitfalls associated with using these laboratory-based approaches. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, Lipid Signaling Protocols, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

This book reviews the current state of information on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and their role in cell communication during plant growth, development and adaptation to stress conditions. It addresses current research advances made in the area of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) signaling. These free radical molecules are important in plant-microbe interactions, responses to abiotic stress, stomatal regulation and a range of developmental processes. Due to their short half-life, high diffusion capability and ability to react with different components in the cell, ROS and RNS participate in various processes connected with signaling and communication in plants. The book's respective chapters address the latest advances made in the niche area of ROS and RNS in plants. It offers a valuable guide for researchers and students alike, providing insights into cutting-edge free radical research. The information on specialized topics presented is also highly relevant for applied fields such as food security, agricultural practices and medicinal use of plants.

JAK tyrosine kinases and STAT transcription factors constitute a signaling pathway, which is activated by cytokines. By activating gene transcription it regulates essential biological responses to environmental cues. The Jak-Stat pathway is involved in the regulation of cell development, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Improper function may contribute to hematopoietic malignancies and cancer. This book provides comprehensive insights into the latest basic and clinical developments in the field. The first part reviews recent findings and new technologies pertaining to basics of Jak-Stat function. The second part describes the evolution of Jak-Stat signaling and the role of the pathway in invertebrate organisms. The third part focuses on Jak-Stat signaling in hematopoietic cells under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Finally, chapters in the fourth section describe the relationship of Jak-Stat signaling to various states of disease, particularly infection, leukemias and solid cancers. The book is intended for all scientists in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology dealing with biomedical issues.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to confocal microscopy - with a particular focus on spectral confocal microscopy. Beginning with an introduction to optical lenses, it provides a guide to compound microscopes and explains related topics like microscopic resolution. It then presents an outline of fluorescence and its corresponding implications for microscopy. The following excursus on the confocal beam paths includes implementation of acousto-optical devices and modern sensor techniques. Complex relationships are explained in a comprehensible manner, supported by many graphical figures. Discussing the principles of magnifying optics and the technical fundamentals and modes of operation of modern laser scanning microscopes, it is a valuable resource for student and lab technicians as well as faculty members.

This volume examines the role of oxidative stress in the pathology of numerous pediatric disorders. It covers a wide range of topics including the chemistry and biology of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, molecular biology of the enzymes generating these species, clinically useful biomarkers for evaluating oxidative stress status in humans, and the pathophysiology, clinical course and management of a variety of pediatric disorders, among others. The book also describes current diagnostic tools, laboratory methods and technology for treatment and prevention of pediatric disorders. It explores emerging technology and medical applications including discussions of biomarkers and antioxidants as therapeutic agents. Written by an international team of experts in both pediatrics and free radical and antioxidant research, Studies on Pediatric Disorders is an invaluable addition to the Oxidative Stress in Applied Basic Research and Clinical Practice series.

The second part of an updated edition of the classic "Methods in Cell Biology, "Volume 48, this book emphasizes diverse methods and technologies needed to investigate "C. elegans," both as an integrated organism and as a model system for research inquiries in cell, developmental, and molecular biology, as well as in genetics and pharmacology. By directing its audience to tried-and-true and cutting-edge recipes for research, this comprehensive collection is intended to guide investigators of "C. elegans" for years to come.
Diverse, up-to-date techniques covered will be useful to the broadening community of "C. elegans" researchers for years to comeChapters written by leaders in the fieldTried and true methods deliver busy researchers a one-stop compendium of essential protocols

Lipids are a broad group of naturally occurring molecules which includes fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, phospholipids, and others. The main biological functions of lipids include energy storage, as structural components of cell membranes, and as important signaling molecules. This volume of Methods in Cell Biology covers such areas as Membrane structure and dynamics, Imaging, and Lipid Protein Interactions. It will be an essential tool for researchers and students alike.
Covers such areas as membrane structure and dynamics, imaging, and lipid protein interactionsAn essential tool for researchers and students alikeInternational authorsRenowned editors

Written by leading researchers, this text explores the intersection of genetics and metabolomics, and points the way to more comprehensive studies of inborn variation of metabolism. All chapters refer to one or more published experimental datasets.

From Nobel Prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan 'Beyond superb' Bill Bryson 'A wonderful book' Ian McEwan Everyone knows about DNA, the essence of our being, the molecule where our genes reside. But DNA by itself is useless without a machine to decode the genetic information it contains. The ribosome is that machine. Venki Ramakrishnan tells the story of the race to uncover its enormously complex structure, a fundamental breakthrough that resolves an ancient mystery of life itself.