Advances in biochemistry now allow us to control living systems in ways that were undreamt of a decade ago. This volume guides researchers and students through the full spectrum of experimental protocols used in biochemistry, plant biology and biotechnology.

This book compiles recent research on the modification of nucleic acids. It covers backbone modifications and conjugation of lipids, peptides and proteins to oligonucleotides and their therapeutic use. Synthesis and application in biomedicine and nanotechnology of aptamers, fluorescent and xeno nucleic acids, DNA repair and artificial DNA are discussed as well.

This open access volume presents state-of-the-art inference methods in population genomics, focusing on data analysis based on rigorous statistical techniques. After introducing general concepts related to the biology of genomes and their evolution, the book covers state-of-the-art methods for the analysis of genomes in populations, including demography inference, population structure analysis and detection of selection, using both model-based inference and simulation procedures. Last but not least, it offers an overview of the current knowledge acquired by applying such methods to a large variety of eukaryotic organisms. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, pointers to the relevant literature, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Statistical Population Genomics aims to promote and ensure successful applications of population genomic methods to an increasing number of model systems and biological questions.

Protein Homeostasis Diseases: Mechanisms and Novel Therapies offers an interdisciplinary examination of the fundamental aspects, biochemistry and molecular biology of protein homeostasis disease, including the use of natural and pharmacological small molecules to treat common and rare protein homeostasis disorders. Contributions from international experts discuss the biochemical and genetic components of protein homeostasis disorders, the mechanisms by which genetic variants may cause loss-of-function and gain-of-toxic-function, and how natural ligands can restore protein function and homeostasis in genetic diseases. Applied chapters provide guidance on employing high throughput sequencing and screening methodologies to develop pharmacological chaperones and repurpose approved drugs to treat protein homeostasis disorders.

Systems biology is a vigorous and expanding discipline, in many ways a successor to genomics and perhaps unprecedented in its combination of biology with a great many other sciences, from physics to ecology, from mathematics to medicine, and from philosophy to chemistry. Studying the philosophical foundations of systems biology may resolve a longer standing issue, i.e., the extent to which Biology is entitled to its own scientific foundations rather than being dominated by existing philosophies.
* Answers the question of what distinguishes the living from the non-living
* An in-depth look to a vigorous and expanding discipline, from molecule to system
* Explores the region between individual components and the system

This book reviews the recent research into biological aspects of suicide behavior and outlines each of the varied, recent approaches to prevent suicide. Suicidal behavior, perhaps, is the most complex behavior that combines biological, social, and psychological factors. A new frontier and new opportunities are opening with the technologies of data acquisition and data analysis. Personalized models based on digital phenotype could provide promising strategies for preventing suicide.

Streptomycetes are unusually complex bacteria that are abundant in soil. They grow as branching filaments and form chains of spores. Most importantly, they have an extraordinary ability to make antibiotics, for which they are the main industrial source, as well as other metabolites with medicinal properties. In recent years, the search for new antibiotics and other drugs in streptomycetes has been augmented by genomic studies, genome mining, and new biotechnological approaches. With contributions from some of the leading scientists in the field, this book documents recent research and development in streptomycetes genomics, physiology, and metabolism. With a focus on biotechnology and genomics, the book provides an excellent source of up-to-date information. Topics include: genome architecture * conjugative genetic elements * differentiation * protein secretion * central carbon metabolic pathways * regulation of nitrogen assimilation * phosphate control of metabolism * gamma-butyrolactones and their role in antibiotic regulation * clavulanic acid and clavams * genome-guided exploration * gene clusters for bioactive natural products * genomics of cytochromes p450. The book is essential reading for research scientists, biotechnologists, graduate students, and other professionals involved in streptomycetes research, antibiotic and antimicrobial development, drug discovery, soil microbiology and related fields. It is a recommended text for all microbiology laboratories.

Electrophoresis is a straightforward but informative analytical method used in biochemistry, biology and medicine. This book combines a detailed discussion of theory and technical application with an elaborate section on troubleshooting and problem solving in electrophoresis. Therefore the book is an important guide for both students and scientists.

This book highlights new advances in biometrics using deep learning toward deeper and wider background, deeming it "Deep Biometrics". The book aims to highlight recent developments in biometrics using semi-supervised and unsupervised methods such as Deep Neural Networks, Deep Stacked Autoencoder, Convolutional Neural Networks, Generative Adversary Networks, and so on. The contributors demonstrate the power of deep learning techniques in the emerging new areas such as privacy and security issues, cancellable biometrics, soft biometrics, smart cities, big biometric data, biometric banking, medical biometrics, healthcare biometrics, and biometric genetics, etc. The goal of this volume is to summarize the recent advances in using Deep Learning in the area of biometric security and privacy toward deeper and wider applications. Highlights the impact of deep learning over the field of biometrics in a wide area; Exploits the deeper and wider background of biometrics, such as privacy versus security, biometric big data, biometric genetics, and biometric diagnosis, etc.; Introduces new biometric applications such as biometric banking, internet of things, cloud computing, and medical biometrics.

This detailed volume compiles state-of-the-art protocols that will serve as recipes for scientists researching collagen, an abundant protein with great importance to health and disease, as well as in applications like food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic surgery, artificial skin, and glue. Beginning with a section on in vitro models for the characterization of collagen formation, the book continues by highlighting large-scale analysis of collagen with mass spectrometry in order to elucidate the proteomics, degradomics, interactomes, and cross-linking of collagen, high resolution imaging approaches for collagen by the use of scanning electron microscopy and multiphoton imaging, as well as the role of collagen during physiological and pathological conditions. 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 practical, Collagen: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide to high quality and repeatable protocols in this vital field of study.

Mitochondrial Medicine: A Primer for Health Care Providers and Translational Researchers is an applied, holistic resource that addresses the evolving and multidisciplinary area of mitochondrial disease. The book discusses the fundamentals of mitochondrial medicine in humans, as well as the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial diseases. Three all-inclusive sections examine the role of mitochondria in common medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure and the full range of inherited mitochondrial diseases. Sections cover the genetic and biochemical basis of both mitochondrial DNA deletion syndromes and point mutation syndromes, their clinical presentation, treatment plans, genetic counseling, prenatal testing, and ongoing research. While providing a solid foundation in its topic area, each chapter in the book is written in an accessible format with illustrative case studies, thus making it a quick bedside or clinical laboratory reference.

This book consists of 3 volumes: Basic Science (Volume 1), Clinical Science (Volume 2) and Technology and Methodology (Volume 3). Volume 2 focuses on the clinical aspects of autophagy research, discussing the role of autophagy in neuropsychiatric disorders, the cardiovascular, immune, digestive and endocrine systems, as well as tumors, infection, the kidney, and the respiratory and hematological systems. It also addresses autophagy-related drug development. Written and edited by a team of 90 experts, and presenting the state of the art in autophagy research, this book is a valuable reference resource for researchers and clinicians alike. It can also be used as supplementary material for graduate students majoring in biology and medicine

A valuable new reference on insect behavior, this exceptional new text delves into the primary sensory communication system used by most insects -- their sense of smell. This important text covers how insects produce pheromones and how they detect pheromones and plant volatiles. Since insects rely on pheromone detection for both feeding and breeding, a better understanding of insect olfaction and pheromone biosynthesis could help curb the behavior of pests without the use of harmful pesticides and even help to reduce the socio-economic impacts associated to human-insect interactions.
* Covers biochemistry and molecular biology of insect pheromone production
* Explains pheromone production in moths, beetles, flies, and social insects
* Describes pheromone and plant volatile reception

Salmonellae are important pathogens, responsible for an estimated one million deaths and 100 million human infections annually. Their genomes are mosaic puzzles, results of lateral transfer events that occur within a stable genetic background. Extraordinary diversity of host ranges and pathogenicity traits between different strains are the consequence of both specific genome insertions/deletions and minute changes in genome composition. Genomic information decoded from a multitude of different Salmonella strains and new dramatic insights into pathogenic processes emphasize the fact that Salmonella research is currently at a very exciting juncture. In addition to their fascinating resilience in both the environment and eukaryotic hosts, Salmonella prefer tumors over any other location within the human host (by a factor of 1000 or more). This ability could propel Salmonella into future use as a therapeutic delivery agent to control and/or cure cancers. In this book, internationally accla

This second edition shows how long non-coding RNAs (lnc)RNAs have emerged as a new paradigm in epigenetic regulation of the genome. Thousands of lncRNAs have been identified and observed in a wide range of organisms. Unlike mRNA, lncRNA have no protein-coding capacity. So, while their function is not entirely clear, they may serve as key organizers of protein complexes that allow for higher order regulatory events. Advances in the field also include better characterization of human long non-coding RNAs, novel insights into their roles in human development and disease, their diverse mechanisms of action and novel technologies to study them.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a fundamental tool in scientific research and clinical testing. Real-time PCR, combining both amplification and detection in one instrument, is a rapid and accurate method for nucleic acid detection and quantification. Although PCR is a very powerful technique, the results achieved are valid only if the appropriate controls have been employed. In addition, proper optimization of PCR conditions is required for the generation of specific, repeatable, reproducible, and sensitive data. This book discusses the strategies for preparing effective controls and standards for PCR, when they should be employed, and how to interpret the information they provide. It highlights the significance of optimization for efficiency, precision, and sensitivity of PCR methodology and provides essential guidance on how to troubleshoot inefficient reactions. Experts in PCR describe design and optimization techniques, discuss the use of appropriate controls, explain the significance of standard curves, and explore the principles and strategies required for effective troubleshooting. The book highlights the importance of sample preparation and quality, primer design, controlling inhibitors, avoiding amplicon and environmental contamination, optimizing reagent quality and concentration, and modifying the thermal cycling protocol for optimal sensitivity and specificity. In addition, specific chapters discuss the history of PCR, the choice of instrumentation, the applications of PCR in metagenomics, high resolution melting analysis, the MIQE guidelines, and PCR at the microliter scale. The strategies, tips and advice contained in this concise volume will enable the scientist to optimize and effectively troubleshoot a wide range of techniques, including PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, real-time PCR, and quantitative PCR. It will be an essential book for anyone using PCR technology.

This book introduces "network pharmacology" as an emerging frontier subject of systematic drug research in the era of artificial intelligence and big data. Network Pharmacology is an original subject of fusion system biology, bioinformatics, network science and other related disciplines. It emphasizes on starting from the overall perspective of the system level and biological networks, the analysis of the laws of molecular association between drugs and their treatment objects, reveals the systematic pharmacological mechanisms of drugs, and guides the research and development of new drugs and clinical diagnosis and treatment. After it was proposed, network pharmacology has been paid attention by researchers, and it has been rapidly developed and widely used. In order to systematically reveal the biological basis of diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine, we proposed a new concept of "network target" for the first time, which has become the core theory of "network pharmacology". The core principle of a network target is to construct a biological network that can be used to decipher complex diseases. The network is then used as the therapeutic target, to which multicomponent remedies are applied. This book mainly includes four parts: 1) The concept and theory of network pharmacology; 2) Common analysis methods, databases and software in network pharmacological research; 3) Typical cases of traditional Chinese medicine modernization and modern drug research based on network pharmacology; 4) Network pharmacology practice process based on drugs and diseases.