Mitosis: Methods and Protocols provides state-of-the-art overviews on the most important approaches currently used in mitosis research spanning from the analysis of single molecules in isolation to their utilization within the complex environment of the cell. The volume is divided into four parts, each focused on methods pertaining to distinct aspects of mitosis research. Part I presents approaches for visualizing and analyzing the dynamic behaviors of the spindle apparatus, the microtubule based machine that drives chromosome segregation. Part II focuses more generally on methods for studying and manipulating the microtubule cytoskeleton in cells and complex cell free extracts. Part III provides state of the art biophysical and high resolution microscopy approaches for assessing complex interactions between microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins in isolation as well as microtubule structure in cells. Part IV provides methods for studying the effects of cell shape on cell division and methods for quantifying aneuploidy (aberrant chromosome number) which frequently results from mitotic defects and has been linked to human maladies ranging from birth defects to cancer. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Mitosis: Methods and Protocols seeks to provide diverse methods and new techniques to address new or old questions related to the mechanisms of mitosis.

This stimulating volume addresses vital questions about gene/environment interactions as they affect cell health from the prenatal period through later life. Beginning with a tour of epigenetic processes in the human body, the book assembles current theoretical and empirical developments across the discipline, among them transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, the effects of maternal nutrition on epigenetic change, and possible links between epigenetics and childhood obesity. Public health and policy aspects of the field are discussed in depth, with the understanding that much can be done to improve our epigenetic health as a species. And in this vein, contributors consider future possibilities, such as the reprogramming of genes to reverse cancer and other diseases. Included in the coverage: The role of environmental epigenetics in perinatal and neonatal development The epigenetic biomarker H2AX: from bench science to clinical trials What's the risk? Dental amalgam, mercury exposure, and human health risks throughout the lifespan Post-traumatic stress disorder: neurological, genetic, and epigenetic bases Children's exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs: long-term outcomes Ethical implications of epigenetics Epigenetics, the Environment, and Children's Health Across Lifespans brings real-world knowledge and applications of this increasingly important field to public health practitioners, maternal and child health researchers, and environmental health experts.

This volume includes comprehensive descriptions of miRNA biogenesis and their role in the development and progression of various human diseases. The first few chapters of MicroRNA Profiling: Methods and Protocols discuss the effects of over-expressing and repressing of a target miRNA and their effects on cell viability and proliferation. The next few chapters explore the protocols for total RNA isolation from cells and cell-derived product including formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue and plant tissue. The last few chapters discuss isolation and characterization of exosomes from medium conditioned by cell lines, serum, and plasma specimens. This book also includes discussions of several software tools, such as miRandola, PicTar, DIANA, and miRWalk. 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. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, MicroRNA Profiling: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the field of Micro RNAs.

Timing, racing, combating, struggling and targeting are some actions through which cellular fate could be reflected and evaluated. Interaction between cell territory and environment occur during pre-embryonic, fetal development, and post-natal periods. What the researchers observe as the outcome of telomeres behavior is only the peak of an ice mountain within a stormy ocean. Cellular life depends on programmed behavior of telomeres, capable to surprise the cells. Telomeres provide an introduction to the history of our cells which govern the quality of life and status of health. Telomeres as the cooperative territory are capable of stabilizing the chromosomal territory. The status of telomeres reflects the key information, announcing the real age of individuals, and may be a valuable marker for prognosis and predicting cancer. Telomere territory is characterized with a multi-disciplinary manner. Therefore, this book is aimed to offer a wide range of chapters, hoping to be useful for diverse audiences, including hematologists-oncologists, radiotherapists, surgeons, cancer researchers, and all the sectors who affect the macro- and micro- environmental domains. Finally, telomeres are sensitive, cooperative, and trustable targets. It is worth to state that 'telomeres are messengers of NATURE', let's to know them as they are.

Neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, alcoholism, substance abuse and others are some of the most debilitating illnesses worldwide characterized by the complexity of causes, and lacking the laboratory tests that may promote diagnostic and prognostic procedures. Recent advances in neuroscience, genomic, genetic, proteomic and metabolomic knowledge and technologies have opened the way to searching biomarkers and endophenotypes, which may offer powerful and exciting opportunities to understand the etiology and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. The challenge now is to translate these advances into meaningful diagnostic and therapeutic advances.

This book offers a broad synthesis of the current knowledge about diverse topics of the biomarker and endophenotype strategies in neuropsychiatry. The book is organized into four interconnected volumes: Neuropsychological Endophenotypes and Biomarkers (with overview of methodological issues of the biomarker and endophenotype approaches in neuropsychiatry and some technological advances), Neuroanatomical and Neuroimaging Endophenotypes and Biomarkers, Metabolic and Peripheral Biomarkers and Molecular Genetic and Genomic Markers . The contributors are internationally and nationally recognized researchers and experts from 16 countries.

This four-volume handbook is intended for a broad spectrum of readers including neuroscientists, psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists, clinical psychologists, general practitioners, geriatricians, health care providers in the field of neurology and mental health interested in trends that have crystallized in the last decade, and trends that can be expected to further evolve in the coming years. It is hoped that this book will also be a useful resource for the teaching of psychiatry, neurology, psychology and mental health. "

Cleavage-Site Motifs in Protein Targeting Sequences; G. von Heijne. Complications of RNA Heterogeneity for the Engineering of Virus Vaccines and Antiviral Agents; E. Domingo, J.J. Holland. The Quaternary Structures of SV40 Large T-Antigen and Tumor Suppressor p53; J.E. Stenger, et al. Assembly of Antibodies and Mutagenized Variants in Transgenic Plants and Plant Cell Cultures; A. Haitt, et al. Maize Endosperm Tissue as an Endoreduplication System; R.V. Kowles, et al. Study of Chlorate-Resistant Mutants of Arabidopsis; N.M. Crawford. Approaches and Progress in the Molecular Cloning of Plant Disease Resistance Genes; J.L. Bennetzen, J.D.G. Jones. Is GRP78 a Sensor of Cellular Secretory Activity? T. Leustek. The Molecular Biology of Pathogenesis in Ustilago Maydis; B.J. Saville, S.A. Leong. Molecular Design of Oligomeric Channel Proteins; A. Grove, et al. 5 additional articles. Index.

There is a saying "he is a person who can charm the birds from the trees." This might well be applied to Kurt Benirschke. Indeed, it describes both his warm personality and his intimate interaction with nature. He might be considered a modern adept of the Greek and Roman Stoic school of philosophy, which taught an understanding of man as integrated into nature in its totality. The right way to live is according to nature, with nature as part of it. This at the same time means humanity, and Kurt Benirschke impresses us not only as an outstanding scientist, but also as a humanist who has had a lifelong love affair with nature. The foundation of Springer-Verlag New York in 1964 offered a great opportunity for getting together with eminent authors in the United States. Kurt Benirschke was one of them, and his book Pathology of the Placenta was highly acclaimed all over the world. My attention was first called to him by my dear friend Dr. Ernst Uhlinger, then a pathologist in Zurich. With a sharp and critical eye, he followed the international literature on pathology and discovered "the genius of Kurt Benirschke." Our first encounters led to a relationship of trust which in turn grew into friendship. I soon learned to esteem the special qualities of the man and the scientist; in fact they cannot be separated.

The current demand for the development of techniques for controlled genetic manipulations is driven by the anatomical and physiological complexity of the brain and by the need for experimental models that can address this complexity through selective manipulation of defined components of the system: specific neuronal populations or selected synapses. In Controlled Genetic Manipulations, expert researchers present detailed chapters to supply basic technical information about controlled genetic manipulations and to provide examples of creative implementation of this methodology when addressing a unique biological problem. Some chapters of the book describe the most recent developments in the basic methodology, which includes use of Cre-recombinase, methods for delivery of genetic material into the brain and the use of optogenetics, whereas other chapters focus on applying these techniques to addressing particular biological questions like structural and functional mapping of neuronal circuits, analysis of specific synaptic connections, modeling or gene therapy of neurological disorders. As part of the Neuromethods series, chapters include key implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and practical, Controlled Genetic Manipulations serves as a valuable guide to a variety of techniques, provided by many of the pioneers of the approaches.

W. French Anderson, M.D. The publication of this book comes at an opportune time for the young field of human gene therapy. After a decade of long struggle at the laboratory bench and many long hours under the harsh lights of the federal review process, gene therapy has emerged as a legitimate scientific discipline. It is now time to move away from the period of questioning whether gene therapy will be a useful part of the physician armamentarium to begin to actively teach the concepts and practices that make gene therapy a reality. This book is a comprehensive collection of chapters that describe the basic biology and potential application of viruses as gene transfer reagents. It is not a coincidence that a modified virus was the reagent used in the first human gene therapy trials. Viruses have evolved with the human species (and most likely with all forms of life) to be the masters of gene transfer.

This book brings to bear a body of logic synthesis techniques, in order to contribute to the analysis and control of Boolean Networks (BN) for modeling genetic diseases such as cancer. The authors provide several VLSI logic techniques to model the genetic disease behavior as a BN, with powerful implicit enumeration techniques. Coverage also includes techniques from VLSI testing to control a faulty BN, transforming its behavior to a healthy BN, potentially aiding in efforts to find the best candidates for treatment of genetic diseases.

Myc controls multiple cellular functions, including cell proliferation, growth, differentiation and death, both directly and indirectly, through its modulation of downstream transcriptional programs. In The Myc Gene: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field summarize the standard and novel techniques that allow the studying of Myc mechanism of action in normal and cancer cells, in vitro and in vivo, in one succinct manual. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

ss-barrel outer membrane channel proteins (OMP) are useful as robust and flexible models or components in nanotechnology. Over the last decade biotechnological techniques allowed to expand the natural characteristics of OMPs by modifying their geometry and properties. The present book is oriented towards a broad group of readers including graduate students and advanced researchers. It gives a general introduction to the field of OMP based nano-component development as well as the state of the art of the involved research. On the example of the E. coli FhuA the transformation of an OMP into a tailored nano-channel will be outlined. An exhaustive description of the scientific strategy, including protein selection, analytical methods and "in-silico" tools to support the planning of protein modifications for a targeted application, consideration on the production of a custom made OMP, and an overview on technological applications including membrane/polymersome technology, will be provided.

The field of toxicogenomics is moving rapidly, so it is impossible at the timeofthiswritingtocompileaclassicmethodstextbook.Instead,wechose to identify experts in all aspects of this field and challenged them to write reviews, opinion pieces, and case studies. This book covers the main areas important to the study and use of toxicogenomics. Chapter 1 speaks to the convergenceofclassicapproachesalongsidetoxicogenomics.Chapter2deals withtheusefulnessoftoxicogenomicstoidentifythemechanismoftoxicity. Chapter3callsattentiontotheissuesthataffectthequalityoftoxicogenomics experiments, as well as the implications of using microarrays as diagnostic devices. The need for appropriate statistical approaches to genomic data is discussed in Chapter 4, and Chapters 5 and 6 describe the use of genomic datatobuildtoxicogenomicmodelsandprovideinsightsfromtheapproaches oftwocompanies.Theimportanttopicofstoringthedatageneratedinsuch experiments and the correct annotation that must accompany such data is considered in Chapter 7. The discussion in Chapter 8 speaks to the use of toxicogenomicstoidentifyspeciessimilaritiesanddifferences.Chapters9and 10dealwiththeuseofgenomicstoidentifybiomarkerswithinthepreclinical andclinicalarenas. Biomarkerswillonlybeusefulifthecommunityatlarge acceptsthemasmeaningful.Consortiaareimportanttodrivethisfunction,and Chapter11discussescurrenteffortsinthisarea.Lastbutnotleast,Chapter12 presentsaperspectiveontheregulatoryimplicationsoftoxicogenomicdataand someofthehurdlesthatcanbeseeninitsimplicationinGLPstudies.Although thisbooktendstofocusonpharmaceuticals,theissuesfacingtoxicologyare sharedbythechemicalmanufacturers,thetobaccoindustry,andtheirregulators. We want to thank our contributors for their generous time and energy in providingtheirinsights.Sadly,wemustnotetheunexpectedpassingofone ofourauthors,Dr.JosephHackettoftheFDA.Joe'scontributionservesasa testimonytohisaccomplishmentsinthisfield,andhisinsightwillbemissed intheyearstocome.

This volume will explore the epidemiology and the basic mechanisms of each of these prenatal phenomena, in an attempt to explain the role of the prenatal environment in promoting postnatal weight gain. This information will contribute to resolving the nature-nurture controversy. This information provides guidance to clinical practitioners involved in both prenatal and postnatal care. This volume further stimulates research into underlying mechanisms and prevention and treatment of this phenomenon.

Genetic toxicology is recognized by geneticists and researchers concerned with the genetic impact of man-made chemicals. In "Genotoxicity Assessment: Methods and Protocols," expert researchers in the field provide comprehensive genetictoxicology protocols. These include in vitro and in vivo protocols on mutation assays, cytogenetic techniques, and primary DNA damage, assays in alternate to animal models, and updated ICH guidelines. Written in the highly successful"Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, the chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as key tips ontroubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Authoritative and cutting-edge, "Genotoxicity Assessment: Methods and Protocols" seeks to aid research students and scientists working in regulatory toxicology as well as biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences."

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 book examines how post-transcriptional mechanisms control endocrine function. This includes newly identified regulatory mechanisms involved in hormone biosynthesis, control of hormone receptors and the outputs of hormone mediated signal transduction. Chapters address endocrine hormones including protein peptide/peptide, steroid, and non-steroidal hormones. The impacts of these mechanisms on disease and health are covered, providing a novel update to the scientific literature. Post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms play an essential role in controlling dynamic gene expression. The outcome of this regulation includes control of the amount, timing, and location of protein expression. Regulation is mediated by cis-acting RNA sequences and structures and transacting RNA binding proteins and non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs. Recent advances in characterization of these regulatory factors have revealed enormous regulatory potential.

A TIMES ENVIRONMENT AND SCIENCE BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022 'The ideal guide to what is not just a fiendishly complex area of science but also an ethical minefield' Mail on Sunday A new gene editing technology, invented just seven years ago, has turned humanity into gods. Enabling us to manipulate the genes in virtually any organism with exquisite precision, CRISPR has given scientists a degree of control that was undreamt of even in science fiction. But CRISPR is just the latest, giant leap in a long journey to master genetics. The Genetic Age shows the astonishing, world-changing potential of the new genetics and the possible threats it poses, sifting between fantasy and the reality when it comes to both benefits and dangers. By placing each phase of discovery, anticipation and fear in the context of over fifty years of attempts to master the natural world, Matthew Cobb, the Baillie-Gifford-shortlisted author of The Idea of the Brain, weaves the stories of science, history and culture to shed new light on our future. With the powers now at our disposal, it is a future that is almost impossible to imagine - but it is one we will create ourselves.

GENETICS AND GENOMICS FOR NURSING brings together the genetics and genomics knowledge nurses need to provide safe and effective care in today's "genomic era." It teaches through small, modular units, each with pretests, section quizzes, and post-tests. Answers are provided to help students check their knowledge, and Emerging Evidence and Critical Thinking checkpoints encourage them to apply it. The text first places modern genetics in context, introduces its essential principles, and outlines its deep ethical, legal, social, and public policy implications. Next, readers learn how to take family genetic histories and assess risks; utilize immunogenetics and cancer genetics in cancer prevention and treatment; apply genetics in public health promotion; recognize the role of genes in psychiatric illnesses and in aging; and much more.

Methods to Describe Fish Stocks; R. Guyomard. Spatial Organization of Pacific Salmon; B.E. Riddell. Status of Biodiversity of Taxa and Nontaxa of Salmonid Fishes; R.J. Behnte. Requirements for Genetic Data on Adaptations to Environment and Habitats of Salmonids; C.D. Levingo. Impacts of Fishing on Genetic Structure of Salmonid Populations; J.E. Thorpe. Genetic Change in Hatchery Populations; G.A.E. Gall. Potential Impacts of Transgenic and Genetically Manipulated Fish on Natural Populations; E. Hallerman, A. Kapuscinski. The Reproductive Containment of Genetically Altered Salmonids; E.M. Donalson, et al. Germplasm Repositories for Plants; R.L. Clark. Advances in Cryopreservation of Embryos and Prospects for Application to the Conservation of Salmonid Fishes; W.F. Rall. Genetic Resource Banks and Reproductive Technology for Wildlife Conservation; D.E. Wildt, et al. Cryopreservation of Fish Spermatozoa; B. Harvey. 14 additional articles. Index.

The rapidly developing field of systems biology is influencing many aspects of biological research and is expected to transform biomedicine. Some emerging offshoots and specialized branches in systems biology are receiving particular attention and are becoming highly active areas of research. This collection of invited reviews describes some of the latest cutting-edge experimental and computational advances in these emerging sub-fields of systems biology. In particular, this collection focuses on the study of mammalian embryonic stem cells; new technologies involving mass-spectrometry proteomics; single cell measurements; methods for modeling complex stochastic systems; network-based classification algorithms; and the revolutionary emerging field of systems pharmacology.

The best-selling author of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs returns. In 2012, Nobel Prize winning scientist Jennifer Doudna hit upon an invention that will transform the future of the human race: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA. Known as CRISPR, it opened a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions. It has already been deployed to cure deadly diseases, fight the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and make inheritable changes in the genes of babies. But what does that mean for humanity? Should we be hacking our own DNA to make us less susceptible to disease? Should we democratise the technology that would allow parents to enhance their kids? After discovering this CRISPR, Doudna is now wrestling these even bigger issues. THE CODE BREAKERS is an examination of how life as we know it is about to change - and a brilliant portrayal of the woman leading the way.