The proteome consists of a complex mixture of proteins each of which need to be folded correctly in order to function for the health of the organism, and many of these proteins require molecular chaperones to reach the correct conformation and, in some cases, to remain in a folded form. In "Molecular Chaperones: Methods and Protocols," expert researchers address a wide variety of approaches to the study these mechanisms, featuring the workings of heat shock proteins and heat shock transcription factors, "in vitro" and "in vivo." Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters features 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 cutting-edge, "Molecular Chaperones: Methods and Protocols" serves as an ideal guide for all scientists who wish to pursue this vital biological action and its impact on human health and disease."

Few problems in protein biochemistry have proven to be as challenging and recalcitrant as the molecular description of nitrogenase, the catalyst of one of the most remarkable chemical transformations in biological systems: the nucleotide-dependent reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen to bioavailable ammonia. In "Nitrogen Fixation: Methods and Protocols," recognized experts in the field provide an up-to-date, in-depth overview of the methods that have been applied to studying the nitrogenase at a molecular level, ranging from genetic, biochemical, spectroscopic, and chemical methods to theoretical calculations. In addition, techniques used to study an enzyme system that is homologous to nitrogenase are described in this book. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, methods chapters include introductions to their respective chapters, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Practical and cutting-edge, "Nitrogen Fixation: Methods and Protocols" will be useful for anyone interested in nitrogenase research and willing to venture further toward addressing the remaining mechanistic and biosynthetic questions of this fascinating enzyme system."

From Nobel Prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan 'Beyond superb' Bill Bryson 'A wonderful book' Ian McEwan Everyone knows about DNA, the essence of our being, the molecule where our genes reside. But DNA by itself is useless without a machine to decode the genetic information it contains. The ribosome is that machine. Venki Ramakrishnan tells the story of the race to uncover its enormously complex structure, a fundamental breakthrough that resolves an ancient mystery of life itself.

This volume explores some of the most exciting recent advances in basic research on molecular assembly in natural and engineered systems and how this knowledge is leading to advances in the various fields.
* 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

Cell death is an essential process in development, and a major contributor to a wide range of human diseases. Three major classifications of cell death, apoptosis, autophagic cell death and necrosis, have been described for years, and the existence of many more forms of cell death is now accepted. In, Necrosis: Methods and Protocols experts in the field provide a wide range of methods and techniques for the study of necrosis in vitro and in vivo. These include methods and techniques for the analysis of necrosis in mammalian cells, characterization of alternative forms of cell death: entosis and pyroptosis, and analysis of cell death in non-mammalian model sytems and mammalian tissues, including chapters on skin, brain, and heart. 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, Necrosis: Methods and Protocols describes techniques in an easy to follow manner, with details so that beginners can succeed with challenging techniques.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

Structural genomics is the systematic determination of 3D structures of proteins representative of the range of protein structure and function found in nature. The goal is to build a body of structural information that will predict the structure and potential function for almost any protein from knowledge of its coding sequence. This is essential information for understanding the functioning of the human proteome, the ensemble of tens of thousands of proteins specified by the human genome.
While most structural biologists pursue structures of individual proteins or protein groups, specialists in structural genomics pursue structures of proteins on a genome wide scale. This implies large-scale cloning, expression and purification. One main advantage of this approach is economy of scale.
Key Features
*Examines the three dimensional structure of all proteins of a given organism, by experimental methods such as X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy
* Looks at structural genomics as a foundation of drug discovery as discovering new medicines is becoming more challenging and the pharmaceutical industry is looking to new technologies to help in this mission

Since the discovery of a collagen-degrading protease in the tadpole tail in 1962, matrix metalloproteinase research has led to the discovery of more than twenty distinct vertebrate MMPs, along with a variety of homologues from diverse organisms such as the sea urchin, plants, insects, and nematode worms. Fully updating and adding to the popular first edition, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition includes a series of state-of-the-art techniques provided by eminent experts in the field. Beginning with a brief overview of the MMP arena, from how these enzymes fit into the larger degradome to what occurs when their expression and function in the mouse is modulated, the volume continues with sections on the expression and purification of MMPs and TIMPs, the detection of MMPs and TIMPs at both the protein and mRNA level, and our ability to assay MMP and TIMP activities in a wide variety of circumstances. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Matrix Metalloproteinase Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal source for many of the essential laboratory techniques for both novice and seasoned researchers alike collected in one convenient volume.

The publication of the extensive seven-volume work "Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science" provided a complete reference encompassing important developments and achievements in modern insect science. One of the most swiftly moving areas in entomological and comparative research is molecular biology, and this volume, "Insect Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, " is designed for those who desire a comprehensive yet concise work on important aspects of this topic.

This volume contains ten fully revised or rewritten chapters from the original series as well as five completely new chapters on topics such as insect immunology, insect genomics, RNAi, and molecular biology of circadian rhythms and circadian behavior. The topics included are key to an understanding of insect development, with emphasis on the cuticle, digestive properties, and the transport of lipids; extensive and integrated chapters on cytochrome P450s; and the role of transposable elements in the developmental processes as well as programmed cell death. This volume will be of great value to senior investigators, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and advanced undergraduate research students. It can also be used as a reference for graduate courses and seminars on the topic. Chapters will also be valuable to the applied biologist or entomologist, providing the requisite understanding necessary for probing the more applied research areas related to insect control.
Topics specially selected by the editor-in-chief of the original major reference workFully revised and new contributions bring together the latest research in the rapidly moving fields of insect molecular biology and insect biochemistry, including coverage of development, physiology, immunity and proteomicsFull-color provides readers with clear, useful illustrations to highlight important research findings

DNA methylation is essential for the normal development and functioning of organisms. This volume discusses the latest developments in this very active field of research. It presents the evolution of DNA methylation, mammalian DNA methyltransferases, DNA methylation and demethlyation, DNA methylation and silencing and the role it plays in medicine including cancer.

* Discusses new discoveries, approaches, and ideas * Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts * Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

This manual offers a stand-alone reading companion, unique in simplifying the practical components of Bioinformatics in a unique and user-friendly manner. It covers the practical component of syllabi used at most leading universities and discusses the most extensively used tools and methodologies in Bioinformatics. Research in the biological sciences has made tremendous strides in recent years due in part to the increased automation in data generation. At the same time, storing, managing and interpreting huge volumes of data has become one of the most challenging tasks for scientists. These two aspects have ultimately necessitated the application of computers, giving rise to a highly interdisciplinary discipline-Bioinformatics. Despite the richness of bioinformatics resources and methods, the exposure of life sciences undergraduates and postgraduates to bioinformatics is extremely limited. Though the internet offers various tools for free, and provides guides for using them, it fails to help users interpret the processed data. Moreover, most sites fail to update their help pages to accommodate software upgrades. Though the market is flooded with books discussing the theoretical concepts in Bioinformatics, a manual of this kind is rarely found. The content developed to meet the needs of readers from diverse background and to incorporate the syllabi of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at various universities.

A primary component of cell signaling research, this title covers the principal membrane-bound receptor families, including their structural organization. Written and edited by experts in the field, this book provides up-to-date research on transmembrane signaling entities and their initiating responses following extracellular stimulation.

Articles written and edited by experts in the field
Thematic volume covering effectors, cytosolic events, nuclear, and cytoplasmic events
Up-to-date research on signaling systems and mutations in transcription factors that provide new targets for treating disease

This book sheds new light on the physiology, molecular biology and pathophysiology of epithelial ion channels and transporters. It combines the basic cellular models and functions by means of a compelling clinical perspective, addressing aspects from the laboratory bench to the bedside. The individual chapters, written by leading scientists and clinicians, explore specific ion channels and transporters located in the epithelial tissues of the kidney, intestine, pancreas and respiratory tract, all of which play a crucial part in maintaining homeostasis. Further topics include the fundamentals of epithelial transport; mathematical modeling of ion transport; cell volume regulation; membrane protein folding and trafficking; transepithelial transport functions; and lastly, a discussion of transport proteins as potential pharmacological targets with a focus on the pharmacology of potassium channels.

This book contains research contributions from leading global scholars in nature-inspired computing. It includes comprehensive coverage of each respective topic, while also highlighting recent and future trends. The contributions provides readers with a snapshot of the state of the art in the field of nature-inspired computing and its application. This book has focus on the current researches while highlighting the empirical results along with theoretical concepts to provide a comprehensive reference for students, researchers, scholars, professionals and practitioners in the field of Advanced Artificial Intelligence, Nature-Inspired Algorithms and Soft Computing.

Biological interactions of visible light with photosensitizers have been studied for over a century while controlled clinical applications of light and photosensitizers to treat solid tumors, known as photodynamic therapy, have been evolving since the mid 1970's. In Photodynamic Therapy: Methods and Protocols, leading PDT scientists and clinicians provide the first comprehensive collection of methods and protocols specifically related to relevant mechanistic, dosimetric, preclinical, and clinical procedures used in current PDT research. Reflecting the growing number of studies demonstrating that immunological, tumor microenvironmental, and vascular responses are all contributing to PDT treatment outcomes, the contents of this volume move beyond the more traditional PDT concepts in order to investigate the numerous signal transduction and cell death pathways involved. 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 notes which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and cutting-edge, Photodynamic Therapy: Methods and Protocols is an ideal guide for new investigators just starting out in PDT research as well as seasoned investigators changing the direction of their research with the intention of exploring this vital field of study."

Over the last two decades advances in genotyping technology, and the development of quantitative genetic analytical techniques have made it possible to dissect complex traits and link quantitative variation in traits to allelic variation on chromosomes or quantitative trait loci (QTLs). In Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs):Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail methods and techniques that focus on specific components of the entire process of quantitative train loci experiments. These include methods and techniques for the mapping populations, identifying quantitative trait loci, extending the power of quantitative trait locus analysis, and case studies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results in the laboratory. Thorough and intuitive, Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs):Methods and Protocols aids scientists in the further study of the links between phenotypic and genotypic variation in fields from medicine to agriculture, from molecular biology to evolution to ecology.

Soil salinity is destroying several hectares of arable land every minute. Because remedial land management cannot completely solve the problem, salt tolerant crops or plant species able to remove excessive salt from the soil could contribute significantly to managing the salinity problem. The key to engineering crops for salt tolerance lies in a thorough understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the adaptive responses of plants to salinity. Plant Salt Tolerance: Methods and Protocols describes recent advances and techniques employed by researchers to understand the molecular and ionic basis of salinity tolerance and to investigate the mechanisms of salt stress perception and signalling in plants. With chapters written by leading international scientists, this book covers nearly 30 different methods, such as microelectrode and molecular methods, imaging techniques, as well as various biochemical assays. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Plant Salt Tolerance: Methods and Protocols serves as an essential read for every student or researcher tackling various aspects of the salinity problem.

Understanding organogenesis is central to current efforts to direct stem cell differentiation and function in the context of a complex organ. Defects in organogenesis are often the major manifestations of human genetic disease syndromes. This volume describes the development of 10 major organ systems, reviewed by experts in each, to provide an up-to-date overview for researchers within and outside the field, students, teachers and clinicians.

Summarizes the key morphological and cellular events

Emphasizes up-to-date research relating to molecular control mechanisms

Draws on a range of model vertebrates and contemporary experimental approaches, including lessons learnt from human developmental disease

Distils common themes and differences for comparative studies

Highlights key remaining questions and sets the agenda for future research

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, expert researchers in the field detail many of the methods which are now commonly used to study this fascinating microorganism. Chapters include microbiological methods to high-throughput molecular techniques that have been developed over the last decade. 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, Pseudomonas aeruginosa aids in the continuing study of new and cutting edge findings.

Single molecule tools have begun to revolutionize the molecular sciences, from biophysics to chemistry to cell biology. They hold the promise to be able to directly observe previously unseen molecular heterogeneities, quantitatively dissect complex reaction kinetics, ultimately miniaturize enzyme assays, image components of spatially distributed samples, probe the mechanical properties of single molecules in their native environment, and "just look at the thing" as anticipated by the visionary Richard Feynman already half a century ago. This volume captures a snapshot of this vibrant, rapidly expanding field, presenting articlesfrom pioneers in the fieldintended to guide both the newcomer and the expert through the intricacies of getting single molecule tools.

* Includestime-tested coremethods and new innovationsapplicable to any researcher employing single molecule tools * Methods included are useful to both establishedresearchers and newcomers to the field * Relevant background and reference information given for procedures can be used as a guide to developing protocols in a number of disciplines"

Advances in molecular biology over the last several decades are being steadily applied to our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer, and these advances in knowledge are being translated into the clinical practice of oncology. This volume explores some of the most exciting recent advances in basic research on the molecular biology of cancer and how this knowledge is leading to advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

* 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

Understanding how digestive organs develop, their physiology and structure is important for determining new therapies to combat diseases of the digestive organs. This volume reviews the latest research and developments in this field.

* Discusses new discoveries, approaches, and ideas * Contributions from leading scholars and industry experts * Reference guide for researchers involved in molecular biology and related fields

The book is based on lectures presented on the International Summer School on Biophysics held in Croatia in September 2009. The advantage of the School is that it provides advanced training in very broad scope of areas related to biophysics contrary to other similar schools or workshops that are centered mainly on one topic or technique. In this volume, tenth in the row, the papers in the field of biophysics are presented. The topics are biological phenomena from single protein to macromolecular aggregations structure by using variant physical methods (NMR, EPR, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, etc.). The interrelationship of supramolecular structures and their functions is enlightened by applications of principals of these physical methods in the biophysical and molecular biology context.

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a family of linear polysaccharides that arefound in all animal tissues. Several are used as biomaterials, including heparin, heparin sulfate, keratan sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and chondroitin sulfate.

This volume discusses the role of GAGs in development, health and disease.

* 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"

This volume reviews the most important recent findings of the studies on pathogenic E. coli providing a timely overview of the field. The topics covered include epidemiology of the disease in humans and animals and the biological mechanisms that shaped the pathogenic types of E. coli; shiga toxins; subtilase cytotoxin; cell cycle modulating toxins; the heat stable and heat labile exterotoxins; and much more.