It goes without saying that the principles and techniques of molecular biology are having and will continue to have a major impact on investigations into nervous system structure and func tion. It is becoming increasingly apparent to neuroscientists in all subdisciplines that a working knowledge of the language, approaches, and techniques of molecular biology is indispensable for their work. For these reasons, the editors have decided to devote this volume of Neuromethods to the techniques of molecular biology and their application to neural systems. There currently exist a number of excellent reference technical manuals that de scribe molecular neurobiological techniques in great detail, and many of these are cited within the chapters included in this volume. It was not the intention of the editors or authors of this volume to duplicate these efforts. Rather, our intention was to present to the neuroscientist who is relatively unfamiliar with these methodologies an understanding of how specific techniques are used to approach major molecular neurobiological problems as well as a set of techniques that work in the laboratories of the individuals writing the chapters. In some cases, there are duplica tions of techniques these have been retained to illustrate the range of variability of the technique and/or the flexibility of the method to study different types of problems. We hope that the chapters will provide the reader with an understanding of the methods and their applicability to neurobiological problems; and, perhaps, suggest new directions for the reader's research efforts. Anthony T.

In this timely book, internationally renowned experts review literally every aspect of cutting edge coronavirus research, providing the first coherent picture of this molecular and cellular biology since the outbreak of SARS in 2003. The book is divided into two sections. Part I focuses on the molecular biology of the virus itself and includes topics such as coronavirus binding and entry, replicase gene function, cis-acting RNA elements, coronavirus discontinuous transcription, reverse genetics, genome packaging, and molecular evolution. In Part II of the book, the focus is on molecular and cellular pathogenesis and infection control. This section includes reviews of the three prototype viruses, namely avian infectious bronchitis virus, feline coronavirus, and mouse hepatitis virus. Other topics include SARS-CoV virus pathogenesis, SARS-CoV interaction with the host INF and antiviral cytokines, the newly recognized bat coronaviruses and human coronavirus NL63, and strategies for corona

This third volume provides comprehensive protocols on pre-analytical, analytical, plasma, and serum proteomics. New and updated chapters are divided into nine sections, detailing blood processing and handling strategies, discovery- and targeted-based mass spectrometry, including workflows to aid in discovery and targeted data analysis, in addition to software and bioinformatics for the plasma proteome. This edition further integrates emerging areas in the development of technologies for plasma proteomics and assay platforms in biomarker discovery and translational proteomics, enrichment and detection strategies to understand the plasma proteome, and peptide, lipid and metabolite targeted assays. We also detail the emerging analysis of extracellular vesicles isolated from plasma. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each of the 33 chapters includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and methods, includes hints and tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Serum/Plasma Proteomics: Methods and Protocols, Third Edition aims to be comprehensive guide for researchers.

Specific biomolecular interactions occur in practically every bio- logical process, usually involving macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. Thus, it is not surprising that great attention has been devoted by biologists, chemists, and physical chemists to the general phenomenon of macromolecular recognition in order to gain a better understanding of the principles, forces, and energetics that de- termine the often remarkable specificities of such interactions as those of enzymes and their substrates and inhibitors, antibodies with anti- gens, hormones with their receptors, and DNA with drugs. These studies have allowed the unraveling of some basic principles of mol- ecular recognition, such as complementarity, specificity, and dynam- ics of the interacting species, and at the same time have led to development of analytical and separation techniques based on bio- logical specificity (e. g. , affinity chromatography and other bioaffinity methods). This volume was assembled to address current research and developing ideas in biomolecular recognition through the contribu- tions presented at the Conference on "Mechanisms of Recognition in Biological Macromolecules" held in Siena, Italy, September 4-6,1986. The Conference was cosponsored by the National Research Council of Italy, the Italian Biochemical Society, the University of Siena, and the International Interest Group in Biorecognition Technology.

Genome Engineering, Volume 52 in the Methods in Microbiology series, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters written by an international board of authors. Topics covered include Whole genome transplantation in Mollicutes, Natural transformation as a tool in Acinetobacter baylyi: evolution by amplification of gene copy number, Natural transformation as a tool in Acinetobacter baylyi: streamlined engineering and mutational analysis, Methods to characterize cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters in Streptomyces, Genome engineering in bacteria: current and prospective applications, Tools for activation and identification of cryptic biosynthesis pathways in Streptomyces.

Ionizing Radiation and the Immune Response, Volume 376, Part A reviews the latest updates on the immune response induced by ionizing radiations. Sections discuss the role of specific immune cells (macrophage, lymphocyte, NK cells...) and describe the effect of modern radiotherapy techniques (TRT, minibeams, flash-RT, proton therapy, heavy ions...) on immune response. Sample chapters cover NK functions in radio-induced immune response, TRT and immune response, Radio-induced immune response and lipid metabolism, Effect of protons and heavy ions on immune response, Effect of flashtherapy and mini beam on immune response, Radio-induced lymphopenia, CT to potentiate radio-induced immune response, and much. Other sections focus on the Effect of low dose radiation on radio-induced immune response, Role of Dendritic cells in radiation-induced immune response, Relationship between the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of the radiotherapy/immunotherapy combination+A23, Biomarkers of radiation induced response to optimize radio-immunotherapy combination.

Epigenetic Cancer Therapy, Second Edition provides a comprehensive discussion of healthy and aberrant epigenetic biology, along with new discoveries to improve our understanding of cancer epigenetics and therapeutics. The book encompasses large-scale intergovernmental initiatives, as well as recent findings across cancer stem cells, rational drug design, clinical trials, and chemopreventative strategies. As a whole, the work articulates and raises the profile of epigenetics as a therapeutic option in the future management of cancer. Since the publication of the first edition of this book, the field of epigenetics has undergone significant change. New epigenetic therapies have been designed and approved for clinical use. Our knowledge of the plasticity of the epigenome in cancer and disease has expanded dramatically, with increasing evidence linking pollution to epigenetic changes in cancer development. This second edition has been fully updated to address these changes, along with promising therapeutic programs such as CRISPR/Cas9 mediated approaches, CAR-T based therapies, epigenetic priming, histone modifications, and similar, transformative advances across synthetic biology and cellular engineering.

Glycoside Hydrolases: Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology provides a detailed overview of the biochemical, biophysical and protein engineering properties of glycoside hydrolases, a class of enzymes in growing use across various applications. Sections discuss the structural and catalytic mechanisms of specific glycoside hydrolases and their implications in biotechnological applications of different industrial sectors such as the food and feed industry, paper and pulp industry, the bioenergy sector and the pharmaceutical industry. The book's authors also consider how the application of glycoside hydrolases may boost industrial production of valued products and the broader environmental and sustainability goals of converting agrowaste into valued products. This book helps researchers and students across industry and academia gain deep knowledge of glycoside hydrolases to advance new experimental research and applications from biofuel to drug discovery.

Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients, and Related Methodology, Volume 48 encompasses review articles and database compilations that fall within one or more of the following five broad categories: Physical Profiles of Drug Substances and Excipients; Analytical Profiles of Drug Substances and Excipients; ADME Profiles of Drug Substances and Excipients; Methodology Related to the Characterization of Drug Substances and Excipients; Methods of Chemical Synthesis. There is no comparable book series that gives this crucial information in such a timely and relevant manner. The volume offers in-depth profiles of five drug compounds: Brimonidine, Cristine, Remdesivir, Vandetanib, and Lapatinib. It also includes an additional chapter that discusses Pharmaceutical-Based Cosmetic Serums.

Dendrites are complex neuronal structures that receive and integrate synaptic input from other nerve cells. They therefore play a critical role in brain function. Although dendrites were discovered over a century ago, due to the development of powerful new techniques there has been a dramatic resurgence of interest in the properties and function of these beautiful structures. This is the third edition of the first book devoted exclusively to dendrites. It contains a comprehensive survey of the current state of dendritic research across a wide range of topics, from dendritic morphology, evolution, development, and plasticity through to the electrical, biochemical and computational properties of dendrites, and finally to the key role of dendrites in brain disease. The third edition has been thoroughly revised, with the addition of a number of new chapters and comprehensive updates or rewrites of existing chapters by leading experts. "Dendrites" will be of interest to researchers and students in neuroscience and related fields, as well as to anyone interested in how the brain works.

This book came about as a result of a review I had written earlier on fea tures of cellular changes occurring during anuran metamorphosis. Only a limited treatment of this subject was possible in such a circumscribed work and only specific examples of organic change were dealt with. Thus the sins of omission weighed heavily, for so much information could not be included to provide a more comprehensive and authenticated account of the elaborate, complex, and far-reaching changes that an aquatic larva undergoes to become a terrestrial froglet. A good deal of my working life has been spent investigating amphib ians, especially their larval developmental morphology during metamor phosis, first at the level of light microscopy and in later years by electronmicroscopy. Initially I was particularly concerned with morpho logical homologies of a variety of larval structures, such as the cranial and pharyngeal skeleton and the nerves and musculature, in order to learn more about amphibian phylogeny, for during my pre-and early postgrad uate years G. R. Beer and D. M. S. Watson inspired an undying interest in and respect for vertebrate comparative anatomy. However, it now seems to be that amphibian phylogenetic relationships are best dealt with by the paleontologists, so ably demonstrated by D. M. S. Watson and A. S. Romer and the contemporary enthusiasts in this field like A. L. Panchen, R. L. Carroll, E. Jarvik, and K. S. Thompson among a host of others, particularly in the USA."

This detailed volume provides state-of-the-art methodologies and reviews of important topics in the field of homology modeling. From homology modeling in the twilight zone and improving accuracy through sequence space analysis to approaches to construct multi-protein complex models, the book explores a wide variety of uses and applications of this valuable technique. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, the chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary programs, webservers, and databases, step-by-step and readily reproducible protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.  Authoritative and practical, Homology Modeling: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to recent homology modeling procedures, assumptions made, and model quality assessment that will illuminate the black box of homology modeling for novice readers and broaden the knowledge of this methodology for professionals.

Illnesses resulting from foodborne pathogens occur at least 6 million times each year and cause an estimated 9,000 deaths. For decades, food microbiologists have developed various effective methods of food protection. However, the constant development of multi-facet food processing technologies and the emergence of potent foodborne pathogens, compromised the efficacy of many antimicrobial interventions. Most technologies also fail to address the problem of bacterial debris remaining on the food surface. Furthermore, some bacteria have the ability to develop resistance to antimicrobial interventions. All such factors contribute to the continuously growing concern of keeping our food safe. Lactoferrin: Natural o Multifunctional o Antimicrobial presents the scientific background on use of this naturally occurring microbial blocking agent as an effective food antimicrobial intervention. THE SOURCE FOR APPLIED SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON LACTOFERRIN AS A NATURAL ANTIMICROBIAL INTERVENTION Lactoferrin: Natural o Multifunctional o Antimicrobial details microbial blocking technology to protect foods from harmful microbes. Recently, researchers at the Center for Antimicrobial Research, California State Polytechnic University at Pomona found that lactoferrin, when activated, functions as a potent antimicrobial intervention. It protects food by removing harmful bacteria from the surface, and by starving bacteria before they can multiply and produce harmful toxins and it also prevents bacteria from re-attaching to food surfaces. As a result this substance has potential to help the agribusiness and food industry supply safer food products to consumers. WHY LACTOFERRIN? Studied for 50 years, lactoferrin is known to have many beneficial biological properties as an integral component of the mammalian innate defense system. Lactoferrin is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial known to inhibit proliferation of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Some of its current applications include: dietary supplement, ingredient in infant formula, and a medical treatment to boost the immune system. Because lactoferrin occurs naturally in milk products, it has a long track record of being safely consumed by humans. Convenient and affordable, lactoferrin could revolutionize the field of food antimicrobial science and technology and the way we protect ourselves from foodborne pathogens.

Dictyostelium discoideum Protocols presents a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge molecular biological protocols for studying D. discoideum, with emphasis on its utility in the study of fundamental cellular processes including signal transduction, chemotaxis, cell motility, cytokinesis, phagocytosis, and aspects of development such as cell sorting, pattern formation, and cell type differentiation. Written by experts in the field, this important guide provides easy access to current methods and techniques for the study of D. discoideum. For the newcomer to the field, it offers a complete and inclusive introduction to this important model organism. The book is divided into four main parts, which include an introduction to the organism that provides integral community resources and genome-wide approaches; basic methods and available molecular genetic techniques for study of the organism; imaging and localization methods; and a discussion of D. discoideum, with emphasis on its unique advantages as a model system.
This in-depth guide provides a complete introduction to and thorough handbook for the study of D. discoideum, including a discussion of the implications of the recently-completed Dictyostelium genome project in strengthening the position of D. discoideum as a model organism for studying fundamental cell processes and aspects of development. Researchers at all levels of experience will benefit from the presentations throughout of the most current, useful and innovative techniques for the study of D. discoideum from leading Dictyostelium scientists.

Cyanobacteria are a fascinating and versatile group of bacteria of immense biological importance. Thought to be amongst the first organisms to colonize the earth, these bacteria are the photosynthetic ancestors of chloroplasts in eukaryotes, such as plants and algae. In addition, they can fix nitrogen, survive in very hostile environments (e.g. down to -60-degreesC), are symbiotic, have circadian rhythms, exhibit gliding mobility, and can differentiate into specialized cell types called heterocysts. This makes them ideal model systems for studying fundamental processes, such as nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis. In addition, cyanobacteria produce an array of bioactive compounds, some of which could become novel anti-microbial agents, anti-cancer drugs, UV protectants, etc. The amazing versatility of cyanobacteria has attracted huge scientific interest in recent years. Given that 24 genomes sequences have been completed and many more projects are currently underway, the point has been reached where there is an urgent need to summarize and review the current molecular biology, genomics, and evolution of these important organisms. This volume brings together the expertise and enthusiasm of an international panel of leading cyanobacterial researchers to provide a state-of-the art overview of the field. Topics covered include: evolution, comparative genomics, gene transfer, molecular ecology and environmental genomics, stress responses, bioactive compounds, circadian clock, structure of the photosynthetic apparatus, membrane systems, carbon acquisition, nitrogen assimilation, C/N balance sensing, and much more. This book will be essential for anyone with an interest in cyanobacteria, bacterial photosynthesis, bacterial nitrogen fixation, and symbiosis.

Over the past 40 years the field of molecular simulations has evolved from picosecond studies of isolated macromolecules in vacuum to studies of complex, chemically heterogeneous biological systems consisting of millions of atoms, with the simulation time scales spanning up to milliseconds. In Biomolecular Simulations: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers illustrate many of the methods commonly used in molecular modelling of biological systems, including methods for electronic structure calculations, classical molecular dynamics simulations and coarse-grained techniques. A selection of advanced techniques and recent methodological developments, which rarely find coverage in traditional textbooks, is also introduced. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include general introductions to well-established computational methodologies, applications to real-world biological systems, as well as practical tips and general protocols on carrying out biomolecular simulations. Special emphasis is placed on simulations of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Authoritative and practical, Biomolecular Simulations: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid scientists in further simulation studies of biological systems.

Cilia: From Mechanisms to Disease, Part A, Volume 175 in the Methods in Cell Biology series, offers a range of techniques and protocols that can be used to study aspects of this interesting cellular organelle both in vitro and in vivo. In this volume, different study models are used, such as human cell lines, Mus musculus, Danio rerio, Paramecium caudatum or Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Besides, protocols to study the genesis, morphology, composition and function of cilia will be addressed. In this book, the ciliary study will be realized by using different techniques such as flow cytometry, time-lapse images of fluorescent ciliary proteins, the use of organoids, the evaluation of the ciliary-GPCR dynamics or genetic modulation by using CRISPR/Cas9.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells, Volume 378, includes comprehensive and detailed reviews on the current advances in myeloid derived suppressor cells, an immature, heterogenous cell population from the myeloid lineage that has been extensively described in the last decades due to its potent immunosuppressive activity in a variety of pathologies. Reviews maintain a high standard by publishing invited articles on important and timely topics authored by prominent researchers. The articles published in IRCMB have a high impact. IRCMB ranks high amongst scientific journals dealing with cell biology.

Advances in Microbial Physiology serial highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.

In this volume, internationally recognized 'Neurospora' experts critically review the most important research and demonstrate the breadth of applications to industrial biology, biofuels, agriculture, and human health.

High-throughput measurements of gene expression and genetic marker data facilitate systems biologic and systems genetic data analysis strategies. Gene co-expression networks have been used to study a variety of biological systems, bridging the gap from individual genes to biologically or clinically important emergent phenotypes.

The replacement of fossil-derived compounds by bio-based fuels and chemicals is crucial for the implementation of a sustainable bioeconomy. In this context, microorganisms are key players for biofuels' production from renewable sources. Biotechnological biofuel production processes require conversion microorganisms capable of both efficiently assimilating renewable low-cost carbon sources and diverting their metabolisms towards the specific biofuel. Exploring the wide diversity of microorganisms available on Earth will surely aid to make the production of green fuels a reality. This book gives a wide overview of different microbial-based processes for green fuels production. The book also includes techno-economic analysis and highlights strategic, commercial and environmental interests in promoting green fuels. All these facts make this book very valuable not only for the scientific community but also for biofuel companies and policy makers.

The Fifth International Lymphokine Workshop was convened in Clearwater Beach, Florida, January 11-15, 1987. The theme chosen for the meeting was 'The Molecular Basis of Lymphokine Action," which reflected the opinion of the organizers as to how far the field had moved since the first Lymphokine Workshop only eleven years ago. As was evident at the last Lymphokine Workshop held in 1985, the contribution of molecular biology, particularly in the cloning of lymphokine genes, continues to play an important role in clarifying the structure of lymphokines, providing recombinant (read "pure") proteins for biological studies, and suggesting directions for studies of the molecular basis of lymphokine activity. The most recent lymphokines to yield to molecular cloning meth odology were the B-cell growth and differentiation factors, in partic ular BSF-1 or, as it is sometimes termed, interleukin 4. One of the surprises from this research is the broad spectrum of activities that can be attributed to this molecule, aside from its effects on B-cells, thus perhaps justifying its being called an interleukin. The interleukin 2 symposium demonstrated that even in a well-established research area, controversy and excitement can continue, when evidence was presented by several investigators indicating the presence of a second "converter" protein that changes the affinity of the now classical Tac antigen from a low to a high affinity IL-2 receptor."

This second edition provides updated and expanded chapters covering a broad sampling of useful and current methods in the rapidly developing and expanding field of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics, Volume II: Structure, Function, and Applications, Second Edition is comprised of three sections: Structure, Function, Pathways and Networks; Applications; and Computational Methods. The first section examines methodologies for understanding biological molecules as systems of interacting elements. The Applications section covers numerous applications of bioinformatics, focusing on analysis of genome-wide association data, computational diagnostic, and drug discovery. The final section describes four broadly applicable computational methods that are important to this field. These are: modeling and inference, clustering, parameterized algorithmics, and visualization. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters feature the kind of detail and expert implementation advice to ensure positive results. Comprehensive and practical, Bioinformatics, Volume II: Structure, Function, and Applications is an essential resource for graduate students, early career researchers, and others who are in the process of integrating new bioinformatics methods into their research.