Both strategies for investigation (computational and experimental) in structural and mechanistic Enzymology have developed to some extent independently. However, over the last few years a trend has emerged for strengthening their integration. This combination not only brings together computations and experiments focused on the same enzymatic problems, but also provides complementary insights into the investigated properties and has a powerful synergy effect. This thematic volume of "Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology" focuses on the recent success in structural and mechanistic enzymology and has its main emphasis on explaining the enzyme phenomena by using both the experimental and computational approaches. The selected contributions demonstrate how the application of a variety of experimental techniques and modeling methods helps further the understanding of enzyme dynamics, mechanism, inhibition, and drug design.

Focuses on the recent success in structural and mechanistic enzymology.

Has its main emphasis on explaining the enzyme phenomena by using both the experimental and computational approaches.

Demonstrates how the application of a variety of experimental techniques and modeling methods helps further the understanding of enzyme dynamics, mechanism, inhibition, and drug design.

Biologically Active Peptides: From Basic Science to Applications for Human Health stands as a comprehensive resource on bioactive peptide science and applications. With contributions from more than thirty global experts, topics discussed include bioactive peptide science, structure-activity relationships, best practices for their study and production, and their applications. In the interdisciplinary field of bioactive peptides, this book bridges the gap between basic peptide chemistry and human physiology, while reviewing recent advances in peptide analysis and characterization. Methods and technology-driven chapters offer step-by-step guidance in peptide preparation from different source materials, bioactivity assays, analysis and identification of bioactive peptides, encoding bioactive peptides. Later, applications across disease areas and medical specialties are examined in-depth, including the use of bioactive peptides in treating obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health disorders, food allergies, and joint health, among other disorders, as well as bioactive peptides for sensory enhancement, sports and clinical nutrition, lowering cholesterol, improving cardiovascular health, and driving advances in biotechnology.

Progress in molecular and cellular biology has greatly enhanced our ability to accurately diagnose diseases that are caused by gene mutations, changes in genome structures, and altered gene expression; increased emphasis is now placed on translational research the clinical treatment of these genetically determined diseases. Seeking Cures outlines the progress and implications of science's quest to identify therapeutic targets and initiate novel treatments at the gene, RNA, protein, and physiological levels. Also considered are aspects of treatment at the cellular level (e.g., those with hematopoietic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells). Topics covered in this text include: * outline of the processes typical for identifying disease-modifying therapies * examples of newer therapeutic approaches in use or under investigation to treat lysosomal storage diseases, inborn errors of metabolism, mitochondrial functional defects, and specific monogenic diseases * therapeutic designs for specific complex common diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and autism Through these specific examples, Seeking Cures provides a glimpse at the pursuit-and future-of personalized medicine.

Information molecules, such as Cortico-Releasing Factor (CRF), are ancient and widely distributed across diverse organs, playing various regulatory roles. CRF has been associated with a range of human conditions, including fear and anxiety, social contact, and most recently, addiction - in particular the euphoric feelings associated with alcohol consumption. Since its original discovery, research has unearthed that the role of this molecule is much broader than first thought. The scientific community now knows that CRF is a dynamic and diversely widespread peptide hormone that plays many roles and has many functions, in addition to its role as a releasing factor in the brain. This book explores the role of CRF, examining the relationship between location and function. It considers recurrent features that are linked to CRF - movement and change. CRF expression in regions of the brain is tied to paying attention to novel events and invoking movement in response to those events. Indeed, CRF provokes simple organized rhythmic behavior and can be mobilized under diverse conditions, including adversity. Examining the evolutionary origins of CRH, its neural functions, and its role in a variety of human characteristics and social behaviors, this book provides unique insights into CRF, and will be of interest to students and researchers in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Biology.

Molecular Tools and Infectious Disease Epidemiology examines the opportunities and methodologic challenges in the application of modern molecular genetic and biologic techniques to infectious disease epidemiology. The application of these techniques dramatically improves the measurement of disease and putative risk factors, increasing our ability to detect and track outbreaks, identify risk factors and detect new infectious agents. However, integration of these techniques into epidemiologic studies also poses new challenges in the design, conduct, and analysis. This book presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiology; discusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conduct; considers the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studies; and provides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field. The book is recommended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying infectious disease epidemiology and molecular epidemiology; and for the epidemiologist wishing to integrate molecular techniques into his or her studies.

Oligonucleotides represent one of the most significant pharmaceutical breakthroughs in recent years, showing great promise as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for malignant tumors, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral infections, and many other degenerative disorders. The Handbook of Analysis of Oligonucleotides and Related Products is an essential reference manual on the practical application of modern and emerging analytical techniques for the analysis of this unique class of compounds. A strong collaboration among thirty leading analytical scientists from around the world, the book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used analytical techniques and their advantages and limitations in assuring the identity, purity, quality, and strength of an oligonucleotide intended for therapeutic use. Topics discussed include: Strategies for enzymatic or chemical degradation of chemically modified oligonucleotides toward mass spectrometric sequencing Purity analysis by chromatographic or electrophoretic methods, including RP-HPLC, AX-HPLC, HILIC, SEC, and CGE Characterization of sequence-related impurities in oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry and chromatography Structure elucidation by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, MS) as well as base composition and thermal melt analysis (Tm) Approaches for the accurate determination of molar extinction coefficient of oligonucleotides Accurate determination of assay values Assessment of the overall quality of oligonucleotides, including microbial analysis and determination of residual solvents and heavy metals Strategies for determining the chemical stability of oligonucleotides The use of hybridization techniques for supporting pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism studies in preclinical and clinical development Guidance for the presentation of relevant analytical information towards meeting current regulatory expectations for oligonucleotide therapeutics This resource provides a practical guide for applying state-of-the-art analytical techniques in research, development, and manufacturing settings.

Non-canonical Autophagy: Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications outlines the differences between 'canonical' and 'non-canonical' forms of autophagy, highlighting the discoveries concerning the molecular mechanisms underlying these unconventional forms of autophagy and the advancements in pathophysiological features of 'non-canonical' autophagy. The book discusses all forms of 'non-canonical' autophagy and the complexity of autophagy-dependent cell death. Readers will gain a better understanding of mechanisms underlying 'non-canonical' autophagy so that they can interpret the biological effects of autophagy correctly and identify reliable, novel and effective treatment strategies.

A number of genes have been identified that are associated with an increased Body Mass Index (BMI), the standard measurement of obesity. By analyzing these genes, researchers hope to gain a better understanding of what causes obesity and develop ways to tackle the problem. The study of genes and obesity could lead to new treatments.

This volume reviews the latest developments in the field.

* This series provides a forum for discussion of new discoveries, approaches, and ideas * Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts * Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

Protocols in Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry offers clear, applied instruction to fundamental biochemistry methods and protocols, from buffer preparation to nucleic acid purification, protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and enzyme testing, and clinical testing of vitamins, glucose and cholesterol levels, among other diagnostics. Each protocol is illustrated with step-by-step instructions, labeled diagrams, and color images, as well as a thorough overview of materials and equipment, precursor techniques, safety considerations and standards, analysis and statistics, alternative methods and troubleshooting.

Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: A Guide to Mathematics in the Laboratory, Second Edition, provides an introduction to the myriad of laboratory calculations used in molecular biology and biotechnology. The book begins by discussing the use of scientific notation and metric prefixes, which require the use of exponents and an understanding of significant digits. It explains the mathematics involved in making solutions; the characteristics of cell growth; the multiplicity of infection; and the quantification of nucleic acids. It includes chapters that deal with the mathematics involved in the use of radioisotopes in nucleic acid research; the synthesis of oligonucleotides; the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; and the development of recombinant DNA technology. Protein quantification and the assessment of protein activity are also discussed, along with the centrifugation method and applications of PCR in forensics and paternity testing.

Microbiome Metabolic Pathways and Disease provides insight into the interaction of microbial metabolic pathways in the human body and the impact these can have on a variety of diseases. By analyzing these pathways the book seeks to investigate how these metabolic processes can be targeted and manipulated in order to treat various disorders and diseases. Topics covered in the book include microbial shikimate pathways, protein biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolites, microbiome metabolic engineering, fecal microbiota transplantation, and virulence factors. Additionally, a variety of conditions are covered, such as disorders associated with metabolic syndromes, serotonin syndromes, Alzheimer's disease, and Covid-19, providing a detailed overview of how metabolic pathways of microbiome can impact health and disease in the human body.

Molecular Docking for Computer-Aided Drug Design: Fundamentals, Techniques, Resources and Applications offers in-depth coverage on the use of molecular docking for drug design. The book is divided into three main sections that cover basic techniques, tools, web servers and applications. It is an essential reference for students and researchers involved in drug design and discovery.

Clinical Bioenergetics: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Translation provides recent developments surrounding the etiology and pathophysiology of inherited and acquired energy-delated disorders. Across 40 chapters, world leaders in bioenergetics and mitochondrial medicine discuss novel methodologies designed to identify deficiencies in cellular bioenergetics, as well as the safety and efficacy of emerging management strategies to address poor cellular bioenergetics. Topics discussed include the omics landscape of impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, hormones, tissue bioenergetics and metabolism in humans. Disease-specific case studies, modes of analysis in clinical bioenergetics, and therapeutic opportunities for impaired bioenergetics, addressing both known treatment pathways and future directions for research, are discussed in-depth. Diseases and Disorders examined include brain injury, chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, pulmonary fibrosis, neurodegenerative disorders, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and insulin resistance, among others.

Although the phenomenon of lateral gene transfer has been known since the 1940's, it was the genomics era that has really revealed the extent and many facets of this evolutionary/genetic phenomenon. Even in the early 2000s with but a handful of genomes available it became clear that the nature of microorganisms is full of genetic exchange between lineages that are sometimes far apart. The years following this saw an explosion of genomic data, which shook the "tree of life" and also raised doubts about the most appropriate species concepts for prokaryotes. This book attempts to represent the many-fold contributions of LGT to the evolution of micro and, to an extent, macro-organisms by focusing on the areas where the Editor felt it had the largest impact: metabolic innovations and adaptations and speciation.

This book reviews important aspects of polycystic kidney diseases, the latest scientific understanding of the diseases and syndromes, along with the therapies being developed. Cystic kidney diseases comprise a spectrum of genetic syndromes defined by renal cyst formation and expansion with variable extrarenal manifestations. The most prevalent disorder is the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It is the most common monogenetic disorder in humans and accounts for 4.4% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cases in the U.S. Patients inevitably progress to ESRD and require renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis or transplantation. Through advancements in genomics and proteomics approaches, novel genes responsible for cystic diseases have been identified, further expanding our understanding of basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. The hallmark among all cystic genetic syndromes is the formation and growth of fluid-filled cysts, which originate from tubular epithelia of nephron segments. Cysts are the disease, and treatment strategies are being developed to target prevention or delay of cyst formation and expansion at an early stage, however no such therapy is currently approved.

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.

In studying biology, one of the more difficult factors to predict is how parents' attributes will affect their children and how those children will affect their own children. Organizing and calculating those vast statistics can become extremely tedious without the proper mathematical and reproductive knowledge. Attractors and Higher Dimensions in Population and Molecular Biology: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a collection of innovative research on the methods and applications of population logistics. While highlighting topics including gene analysis, crossbreeding, and reproduction, this book is ideally designed for academics, researchers, biologists, and mathematicians seeking current research on modeling the reproduction process of a biological population.