GW bodies are novel cytoplasmic foci that were discovered and named by Dr. Chan's group in 2002. These bodies are now known to be active cytoplasmic foci involved with the new gene regulation process mediated by microRNA that leads to translational repression and mRNA degradation. The detailed biological functions of these cytoplasmic structures are still being uncovered and the idea for this book is to provide the history of the discovery and the major work from different laboratories that has led to the characterization and elucidation of the structure and function of these new multiple subcellular structures.

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.

This book examines the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with aging. It comprehensively describes the genetic, epigenetic, biochemical and metabolic regulation of aging, as well as some important age-related diseases. Divided into two major sections, it takes readers through the various aspects of aging in a story-like manner and suggests various interventions for healthy aging, such as dietary restriction, regular exercise, nutrition and maintaining a balanced and a non-stressful lifestyle. It describes the implications of aging on the nervous system, metabolism, immunity and stem cells as well as care for the elderly. The book is an ideal companion for both new and established researchers in the field and is also useful for educators, clinicians and policy makers.

This detailed volume assembles a number of the most commonly used and state-of-the-art methodologies in the revolutionary field of mRNA processing in order to aid researchers in choosing the best method for their specific problems. Given that the vast majority of alternative mRNA processing events has yet to be explored, these techniques promise to breathe new life into the myriad new ideas currently underway. 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. Practical and easy to use, mRNA Processing: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists venturing into what's certain to be another explosive period of growth in this dynamic field of study. The chapter 'Robust, Cost-Effective Profiling of RNA Binding Protein Targets with Single-end Enhanced Crosslinking and Immunoprecipitation (seCLIP)' is published open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com.

In a simplified form, epigenetics refers to heritable changes in phenotype that are not due to changes in the underlying DNA sequence. In this book, epigenetic mechanisms of regulation and dysregulation in health and disease are explored in great depth. Detailed chapters on epigenetic processes including DNA methylation and chromatin post-translational modifications including potential interventions with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors are explored in initial chapters. These provide a detailed overview and important background to the entire field. The book is then focussed on epigenetic mechanisms involved in various diseases including anti-inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Important accounts relating to the effects of epigenetics in metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and asthma are the focus of subsequent chapters. The role of epigenetic dysregulation in malignancy is a current topic of interest and represents an intense field of research. A large component of this book is dedicated to the analysis of aberrant epigenetic processes in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Further, chapters are focused on emerging cancer prevention using nutritional components and anti-cancer therapies particularly with histone deacetylase inhibitors, which have already been approved for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The emerging role of nanoparticle preparations, especially in the context of delivering potential epigenetic therapies to target cells in various diseases, is also explored in this book. Overall, this book encompasses a wide range of topics related to epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease and would appeal to anyone with an interest in epigenetics, chromatin biology and emerging epigenetic interventions and therapies.

Transcription Factor Regulatory Methods details various techniques ranging from cutting-edge to general techniques use to study transcription factor regulatory networks. 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, Transcription Factor Regulatory Methods aids scientists in the further study into post-genomic or the personal genomic era.

This third edition provides new and updated chapters on gene therapeutic strategies of cancer. Chapters guide readers through suicide and oncolytic gene therapy, gene replacement and gene suppression therapy, vector development and refinement, immunogene therapy, TCR and CAR engineering, tumor vaccination using DNA or RNA vaccines, and antitumoral immune stimulation at different levels. 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, Gene Therapy of Cancer: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.

This second edition volume brings together the experiences of leading scientists in the discipline of cancer gene profiling. Because cancer genes can be profiled in many different ways, Cancer Gene Profiling: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition explores different techniques and approaches needed to understand the key stages of cancer development, as using only one technique would be insufficient. This book provides readers with an overview of the state-of-the-art methods that will enable them to perform these experiments, and demonstrates the kind of analysis that is possible in our current biomedical research. 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. Thorough and cutting-edge, Cancer Gene Profiling: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a great resource for any student or practitioner with an interest in cancer gene profiling, and can be used in any well-equipped research laboratory.

In this book, leading experts provide timely and comprehensive information on methods for conditional mutagenesis in the mouse and their application to model human physiology and pathophysiology. The book illustrates how sophisticated genetic manipulations of the mouse genome are employed to model human diseases and to identify underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, it considers the development of new drugs to treat human diseases.

This book provides an in depth review of our current knowledge on the role of telomeres and telomerase in ageing, disease and cancer. Telomere shortening results in telomere dysfunction, which represents one of the basic aspects of ageing contributing to the accumulation of DNA damage during ageing. The book describes cell intrinsic checkpoints (senescence and apoptosis) and environmental alterations that limit stem cell function during ageing and disease. The book focuses on experimental data in mouse models and cell lines and, in addition, provides and overview on telomere shortening in human diseases and ageing. The book also describes future directions in research on adult stem cell ageing, telomeres, and cancer. In addition, the book points to potential targets for molecular therapies aiming to improve regeneration and stem cell function during ageing or to impair cancer cell proliferation.

A special focus of the book is on adult stem cells. There is emerging evidence that adult stem cell ageing impairs organismal fitness and survival and contributes to cancer formation (cancer stem cells). The book summarizes basic mechanisms of adult stem cell ageing. Moreover, the authors describe consequences of telomere dysfunction on stem cell function involving cell intrinsic checkpoints as well as environmental alteration of the stem cell niche.

The above subjects appear to be of utmost importance to ageing researchers and physicians. Due to the advances in medicine, food supply and housing a growing percentage of humans reaches a long lifespan (>70 years). At this age molecular mechanisms of ageing limit organ maintenance, fitness and survival. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the ageing process is essential to further improve quality of life and health span in the ageing human populations.

In summary, this book provides an excellent basis for academic teachers, scientists, and students interested in the areas of stem cell ageing, telomeres & telomerase, regeneration, and cancer. In addition, the book is of interest for physicians since the development of molecular therapies targeting ageing stem cells represents a promising approach to improve regenerative reserve and organ function during ageing and could also serve to target cancer stem cells.

Covers research on gene drives in Anopheline mosquitoes for malaria control, including aspects from field trials, modelling, risk assessment, regulatory processes, and ethical/political considerations Includes contributions from international leaders in the field Illustrated throughout with figures and references

This volume gathers a selection of original articles and reviews on timely topics about the application of Taurine in human health written by members of the International Taurine Society, including COVID-19, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, among others. Chapters are written by Taurine experts across the globe in North and South America, Asia, and Europe. A majority of the articles are based on original studies recently carried out in individual laboratories worldwide. The book is divided into eight parts, each covering a unique aspect of Taurine. Each section will highlight new research findings on Taurine and its application in various human systems, including the nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system, to combat disease. The first section covers COVID-19, the dominant health event of 2020. Experts will explore and clarify the potential therapeutic effectiveness of Taurine against COVID-19. The volume will promote further research into the application of Taurine in human health, and will be of use to a wide audience, including basic and clinical scientists, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies, and libraries.

Genetics and Genomics for the Cardiologist is a concise, but comprehensive volume for the clinical cardiologist or medical student interested in learning how molecular genetics is now being applied to prevention and treatment of heart diseases, from DNA tests to pharmacogenomics and gene-based therapeutics. The volume, written in a plain language, contains detailed figures. A rich glossary, three appendices, many references and several URLs provide additional sources of information.

Basic Properties of the Actin Molecule and Actin-Based Microfilament Systems.- Vibrational Modes of G-Actin.- Combining Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Crystallography Data to Study the Structure of F-Actin and its Implications for Thin-Filament Regulation in Muscle.- Evidence for an F-Actin Like Conformation in the Actin: DNase I Complex.- Actin-Bound Nucleotide/Divalent Cation Interactions.- Influence of the High Affinity Divalent Cation on Actin Tryptophan Fluorescence.- C-Terminus on Actin: Spectroscopic and Immunochemical Examination of its Role in Actinomycin Interactions.- Actin Polymerization: Regulation by Divalent Metal Ion and Nucleotide Binding, ATP Hydrolysis and Binding of Myosin.- Actin-Associated Proteins and Control of Filament-Based Assembly-Disassembly.- Structural Requirements of Tropomyosin for Binding to Filamentous Actin.- Actin-Gelsolin Interaction.- Actin Regulation and Surface Catalysis.- Caldesmon: Possible Functions in Microfilament Reorganization During Mitosis and Cell Transformation.- Cytoskeleton, Motile Structures and Macromolecular Crowding.- Cellular Functions of the Microfilament System.- Actin Filament Dynamics in Cell Motility.- Changes in Adhesion Plaque Protein Levels Regulate Cell Motility and Tumorigenicity.- Induction of Collagen Synthesis in Response to Adhesion and TGF? is Dependent on the Actin-Containing Cytoskeleton.- Gelsolin Expression in Normal Human Keratinocytes is a Function of Induced Differentiation.- Actin Filaments and the Spatial Positioning of mRNA.- Redistribution of p52(PAI-l) mRNA to the Cytoskeletal Framework Accompanies Increased p52(PAI-l) Expression in Cytochalasin D-Stimulated Rat Kidney Cells.- Brush Border Myosin I Has a Calmodulin/Phosphatidylserine Switch and Tail Actin-Binding.- Control of p52(PAI-l) Gene Expression in Normal and Transformed Rat Kidney Cells: Relationship Between p52(PAI-l) Induction and Actin Cytoarchitecture.- Contributors

This volume shares technologies that detect common epigenetic changes which are very important in the early detection, progression, and prognosis of cancer as well as the design of new therapeutic tools against cancer cells. Beginning with a bit of background on epigenetic mechanisms, Cancer Epigenetics: Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis continues with cancer specific type epigenetic change, methods and technologies used for detecting epigenetic changes, factors that influence epigenetic changes in cancer, as well as a final section on future directions in the field. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters in this volume include the kind of detailed implementation advice that guarantees easily reproducible results. Comprehensive and practical, Cancer Epigenetics: Risk Assessment, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prognosis provides the most up-to-date knowledge of epigenetics and its implication in cancer prevention by risk assessment and screening and cancer control by treatment.

The study of molecular events leading to cellular transformation and cancer has progressed considerably during the 1990s. It has become apparent that many genes subject to modification in cancer are, in fact, transcription factors that govern the execution of the genetic programme of the cell. Transcription factors can behave either as oncogenes or as tumor supressor genes. To date only a very limited number of transcription factors have been associated with cancer. This volume gives molecular information on several oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes or chromosomal translocations. Each chapter contains a description of the structure of such transcription factors, the nature of target genes, the regulation of their activities and an explaination of how they can deregulate cell growth and differentiation. This book should be suitable for the specialist scientist and the advanced student

This volume introduces software used for gene prediction with focus on eukaryotic genomes. The chapters in this book describe software and web server usage as applied in common use-cases, and explain ways to simplify re-annotation of long available genome assemblies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary computational requirements, step-by-step, readily reproducible computational protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Gene Prediction: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers and research groups working on the assembly and annotation of single species or small groups of species. Chapter 3 is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.

This book is aimed at analyzing the foundations of medical ethics by considering different moral theories and their implications for judgments in clinical practice and policy-making. It provides a review of the major types of ethical theory that can be applied to medical and bioethical issues concerning reproductive genetics. In response to the debate on the most adequate ethical doctrine to guide biomedical decisions, this book formulates views that capture the best elements in each, bearing in mind their differences and taking into account the specific character of medicine. No historically influential position in ethics is by itself adequate to be applied to reproductive decisions. Thus, this book attempts to offer a pluralistic approach to biomedical research and medical practice. One usually claims that there are some basic principles (non-maleficence, beneficence, confidentiality, autonomy, and justice) which constitute the foundations of bioethics and medical ethics. Yet these principles conflict with each other and one needs some criteria to solve these conflicts and to specify the scope of application of these principles. Exploring miscellaneous ethical approaches as introduced to biomedicine, particularly to reproductive genetics, the book shall elucidate their different assumptions concerning human nature and the relations between healthcare providers, recipients, and other affected parties (e.g. progeny, relatives, other patients, society). The book attempts to answer the question of whether the tension between these ethical doctrines generates conflict in the field of biomedicine or if these competing approaches could in some way complement each other. In this respect, lecturers and researchers in bioethics would be interested in this reading this book.

"In this remarkably broad and far-reaching work, editor Mark Rothstein and his distinguished list of contributors have laid out an impressive framework for the field. Beginning with a survey of public attitudes, and progressing through scientific, clinical, governmental, legal, economic, and societal issues, the text builds to a final provocative epilogue on consequences for public policy."
—from the Foreword by Francis S. Collins

Pharmacogenomics promises to revolutionize medicine by enabling the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases at the genome level. While a substantial amount of public and private research focuses on new pharmacogenomic applications, notably less attention has been directed to the ethical, legal, and social implications of "individualized medicine." Mark Rothstein’s timely anthology reduces that scholarship deficit, presenting a multidisciplinary analysis of the scientific, clinical, economic, ethical, social, and legal implications of pharmacogenomics.

Assembling an all-star cast of bioethical scholars, medical researchers, legal scholars, and social scientists, Mark Rothstein examines the promises, questions, and concerns these revolutionary therapies implicitly present. Among other features, Pharmacogenomics:

• Reports for the first time the results of the first detailed, national survey of public attitudes regarding pharmacogenomics
• Covers informed consent, privacy, confidentiality, and risk—benefit evaluations
• Analyzes the potentially enormous changes in the standard of care and the approach to treatment with the development and application of pharmacogenomic technology
• Addresses practical considerations of education, training, oversight, guidelines and protocols, and continuing education requirements
• Recommends approaches to respond to the more complex issues of safety, efficacy, and quality in the distribution and development of individualized therapies
• Explores the new legal standards and implementation challenges
• Offers a policy framework that balances the benefits and risks and considers the wide range of legislative, regulatory, and professional options

Biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers and regulators, health care professionals and students, and academics and policymakers will find Pharmacogenomics to be a valuable resource.

This book provides a unique overview on the most recent developments in initially diverse areas of behavioral genomic research that now start to intertwine to provide more detailed insights into the complex nature of behavior in health and disease. It focuses on our current understanding of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of brain function and how they contribute to the complex formation of behavioral traits and psychiatric disorders. Readers experience diverse perspectives of the contributing authors starting from the genetic viewpoint and the effort to establish functional connection between genetic variants and behavioral phenotypes. Particular attention is given to the broad spectrum of epigenetic mechanisms and behavior. The chapter 'Role of MicoRNAs in Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders' is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

This book illustrates the activities of mammalian sirtuin SIRT6 in connection with DNA damage repair and premature aging. It mainly presents research on the nuclear lamin A, notably the upregulation of p53 and acetylation etc. Taken together, these studies reveal the various regulatory roles of SIRT6, which are of substantial biological relevance in DNA damage repair, aging and longevity, and can have significant implications in devising therapeutic strategies to combat age-associated pathologies. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of genetics, cell biology, molecular biology etc.

Epigenetic mechanisms (DNA modifications, histone alterations and non-coding RNAs) are crucial for transcriptional regulation and alterations of the "physiological epigenome" are increasingly associated with human diseases. During the last decade the emerging field of neuroepigenomics have started to impact tremendously in areas such learning and memory, addiction or neurodegeneration. This expert volume covers the role of epigenetic molecular mechanism in regulation of central nervous system's function, one of the most exciting areas of contemporary molecular neuroscience. The book describes the current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of human disease covering the complete lifespan: from neurodevelopment/childhood (Rett Syndrome, Rubinstein-Taybi, autism), adolescence (eating disorders, drug addiction, anxiety), adulthood (depression, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease) and elderly (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease). The book also covers the three major players on neuroepigenomic mechanisms: histones alterations, DNA modifications and non-coding RNAs, their roles at the molecular and cellular level and the impact of their alterations on neuronal function and behavior. Finally, a special chapter on state-of-the-art technologies helps the reader not only to understand epigenetic driven changes in human cognition and diseases but also the methodology that will help to generate paradigm shifts on our understanding of brain function and the role of the neuroepigenome in human diseases.

This detailed volume guides readers through strategic planning and user-friendly guidelines in order to select the most suitable CRISPR-Cas system and target sites with high activity and specificity. Methods covering CRISPR gRNA design, CRISPR delivery, CRISPR activity quantification (indel quantification), and examples of applying CRISPR gene editing in human pluripotent stem cells, primary cells, gene therapy, and genetic screening are included. Written for the highly successful 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 invaluable, CRISPR Gene Editing: Methods and Protocols will assist undergraduates, graduates, and researchers with detailed guidelines and methods for the vitally important CRISPR gene editing field. Chapter 3 is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.