This volume aims to describe a complementary range of molecular, cell biological, and in vivo protocols used to investigate the structure-function of nuclear receptors, together with experimental approaches that may lead to new drugs to selectively target nuclear receptor-associated diseases. The Nuclear Receptor Superfamily, Second Edition will benefit those starting out in the nuclear receptor research field as well as to more established researchers who wish to apply different methods to a particular receptor or research problem. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, The Nuclear Receptor Superfamily, Second Edition aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

In addition to updating important core techniques this third edition presents new chapters on assessing leukocyte involvement in angiogenesis, lymphatic cell and pericyte isolation techniques, spheroid and arterial ring based in vitro assays, and on pericyte involvement in angiogenesis. Angiogenesis Protocols, Third Edition also guides readers through new protocols on chorioallantoic membrane models, corneal pocket assays to assess angio- and lymphangiogenesis, models of muscle angiogenesis, and use of zebrafish embryos to study vascular angiogenesis and senescence. 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. Authoritative and practical, Angiogenesis Protocols, Third Edition provides not only a practical handbook for key techniques, but also an informative and enjoyable read for all those interested, no matter how directly, in angiogenesis.

This second edition volume expands on the first edition by providing up-to-date protocols to characterize nanomaterials used as drug delivery agents. The chapters in this book are divided into 5 parts and cover topics such as: advances and obstacles in nanomedicine research; methods to test sterility and endotoxin, physicochemical features, immunological effects, drug release, and in vivo efficacy. 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. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Characterization of Nanoparticles Intended for Drug Delivery, Second Edition is a valuable tool for researchers and pharmaceutical and biotechnology developers who are evaluating the clinical potential of nanomedicines in preclinical studies.>

This detailed volume presents a wide range of techniques that go beyond the standard assays typically used to assess Myogenesis. The content included addresses assays to analyze skeletal muscle gene expression, proliferating muscle cells, the process of myoblast fusion, muscle development (in vivo), as well as muscle repair. 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, Skeletal Muscle Development serves as an ideal guide to the study of this highly complex yet carefully regulated process.>

This book introduces time-stretch quantitative phase imaging (TS-QPI), a high-throughput label-free imaging flow cytometer developed for big data acquisition and analysis in phenotypic screening. TS-QPI is able to capture quantitative optical phase and intensity images simultaneously, enabling high-content cell analysis, cancer diagnostics, personalized genomics, and drug development. The authors also demonstrate a complete machine learning pipeline that performs optical phase measurement, image processing, feature extraction, and classification, enabling high-throughput quantitative imaging that achieves record high accuracy in label -free cellular phenotypic screening and opens up a new path to data-driven diagnosis.

Employing accessible language throughout, this book covers the history of psychiatric research, the current state-of-the art in psychiatric practice, the physiological systems affected by psychiatric illnesses, the whole-body nature of these diseases and the impact that this aspect has on emerging biomarker discoveries. Further, it provides descriptions of the major specific psychiatric disorders and the special challenges regarding the diagnosis and treatment of each. The book concludes with insights into the latest developments in hand-held biomarker test devices, which can provide diagnostic information in less than 15 minutes in point-of-care settings. This book investigates the emerging use of biomarkers in the study of psychiatric diseases, a topic of considerable importance for a broad range of people including researchers, clinicians, psychiatrists, university students and even those whose lives are affected in some way by a psychiatric illness. The last category is hardly trivial, since a staggering one in three people worldwide show the criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at some point in their lifetime.

The "omics" era has given a new perspective to the findings on the origin and evolution of the process of translation. This book provides insight into the evolution of the translation process and machinery from a modern perspective. Written by leading experts in molecular biology, this text looks into the origins and evolution of the protein synthetic machinery.

This book includes papers presented at the 2017 Joint meeting of Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section and Protein Crops Working Group of EUCARPIA-Oil and Protein Crops Section. The theme of the meeting "Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics" has been divided into six parts: (1) Utilisation of genetic resources and pre-breeding, (2) Genetic improvement of quality and agronomic traits, (3) Breeding for enhanced stress tolerance (4) Implementation of phenomics and biometrics, (5) Development of genomic tools and bioinformatics and (6) Reports of Parallel Sessions.

This book spans diverse aspects of modified nucleic acids, from chemical synthesis and spectroscopy to in vivo applications, and highlights studies on chemical modifications of the backbone and nucleobases. Topics discussed include fluorescent pyrimidine and purine analogs, enzymatic approaches to the preparation of modified nucleic acids, emission and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for studying nucleic acid structure and dynamics, non-covalent binding of low- and high-MW ligands to nucleic acids and the design of unnatural base pairs. This unique book addresses new developments and is designed for graduate level and professional research purposes.

This book aims to bridge the gap in understanding how protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which carry out the reverse reaction of tyrosine phosphorylation, feature in cancer cell biology. The expertly authored chapters will first review the general features of the PTP superfamily, including their overall structure and enzymological properties; use selected examples of individual PTP superfamily members, to illustrate emerging data on the role of PTPs in cancer; and will review the current status of PTP-based drug development efforts. Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Cancer,from renowned researchers Benjamin Neel and Nicholas Tonks, is invaluable reading for researchers in oncology, stem cell signaling,and biochemistry.

Aimed at both beginners and experienced researchers unfamiliar with the technique, this book provides a concise and easy-to-understand guide to using immunohistochemistry. It identifies the proper place and purpose of each component of immunohistochemistry, emphasizes the components that are of critical importance, and explains the logistics of experimental approaches. Understanding the principles of immunohistochemistry allows for the identification and localization of protein targets and is of crucial use in the following experiments: * producing transgenic animals * studying the effects of drug treatments * electrophysiological studies * animal surgery * isolating and differentiating stem cells * super-resolution microscopy Immunohistochemistry for the Non-Expert is aimed at a wide audience, including molecular biologists, pharmacologists, immunologists, chemists, cell biologists, physiologists, and researchers involved with animal anatomy studies.

This volume contains protocols specifically designed for studying programmed cell death, and also discusses recent advances in techniques that span broader areas of biology that have been recently used or that have potential to be incorporated into cell death research. The protocols are mostly described in the context of mammalian systems, but also cover other systems such as plants, Drosophila, and yeast. Programmed Cell Death: Methods and Protocols is comprised of 20 chapters: Chapters 1-5 describe apoptosis detection techniques; Chapter 6-9 describe methods for studying apoptosis associated with various pathologies in different organs including the lymphoid compartment, intestinal epithelium, granulocytes, and cardiomyocytes; Chapter 11-13 cover protocols and techniques for studying apoptosis in non-mammalian systems; Chapters 14-16 cover biochemical and biophysical methods for studying Bcl-2 family protein dynamics and protein-protein interactions during apoptosis; and the last four chapters explore protocols that are useful not only in apoptosis research but in wider areas of biological research, such as genome editing, inducible transgenes, and proteomics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology aeries format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary material and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocol, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Programmed Cell Death: Methods and Protocols is a comprehensive and valuable resource for researchers, ranging from beginner to expert, in their studies on programmed cell death.

This thesis focuses on the development of gold- and non-classical platinum-based anti-cancer agents that display distinctively different anti-cancer mechanisms compared to the commonly used cisplatin. These metal complexes contain N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands which are able to form strong M-C(NHC) bonds, conferring high stability and favorable lipophilicity, reactivity and binding specificity of metal complexes on biomolecules. The author demonstrates significant advances made in anti-cancer gold(III), gold(I) and platinum(II) complexes. Detailed chemical synthesis, in vitro and/or in vivo anti-cancer activities are clearly presented including: (i) a class of Au(III) complexes containing a highly fluorescent N^N^N ligand and NHC ligand that simultaneously act as fluorescent thiol "switch-on" probes and anti-cancer agents; (ii) a dinuclear gold(I) complex with a mixed diphosphine and bis(NHC) ligand displaying favorable stability and showing significant inhibition of tumor growth in two independent mice models with no observable side effects; and (iii) a panel of stable luminescent cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes exhibiting high specificity to localize to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) domain, inducing ER stress and cell apoptosis. These works highlight the clinical potential that gold and platinum complexes offer for cancer treatment.

Recent years have seen spectacular advances in the field of circadian biology. These have attracted the interest of researchers in many fields, including endocrinology, neurosciences, cancer, and behavior. By integrating a circadian view within the fields of endocrinology and metabolism, researchers will be able to reveal many, yet-unsuspected aspects of how organisms cope with changes in the environment and subsequent control of homeostasis. This field is opening new avenues in our understanding of metabolism and endocrinology. A panel of the most distinguished investigators in the field gathered together to discuss the present state and the future of the field. The editors trust that this volume will be of use to those colleagues who will be picking up the challenge to unravel how the circadian clock can be targeted for the future development of specific pharmacological strategies toward a number of pathologies.

This book covers the state-of-the-art of microalgae physiology and biochemistry (and the several -omics). It serves as a key reference work for those working with microalgae, whether in the lab, the field, or for commercial applications. It is aimed at new entrants into the field (i.e. PhD students) as well as experienced practitioners. It has been over 40 years since the publication of a book on algal physiology. Apart from reviews and chapters no other comprehensive book on this topic has been published. Research on microalgae has expanded enormously since then, as has the commercial exploitation of microalgae. This volume thoroughly deals with the most critical physiological and biochemical processes governing algal growth and production.

This book constitutes the proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference on Research in Computational Molecular Biology, RECOMB 2018, held in Paris, France, in April 2018. The 16 extended and 22 short abstracts presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 193 submissions. The short abstracts are included in the back matter of the volume. They report on original research in all areas of computational molecular biology and bioinformatics.

This volume provides insights into current research on fungal populations, communities and their interactions with other organisms. It focuses on fungal responses to the physical environment; interactions with bacteria, other fungi, invertebrates and plants; the role of fungi in ecosystem processes such as decomposition and nutrient cycling; and aspects of biogeography and conservation. Since the publication of the second edition of Volume IV in 2007, the massive use of "omics" methods has revolutionized our understanding of fungal lifestyles. Highlighting these advances, the third edition has been completely updated and revised. Several chapters deal with various applications of genomics and transcriptomics in biological pest control, as well as interactions with other living systems. This is an invaluable source of information both for scientists who wish to update their knowledge of current advances and for graduate students interested in obtaining a comprehensive introduction to this field of research.

This handbook focuses on the entire development process of biomedical microsystems that promote special interactions with cells. Fundamentals of cell biology and mechanobiology are described as necessary preparatory input for design tasks. Advanced design, simulation, and micro/nanomanufacturing resources, whose combined use enables the development of biomedical microsystems capable of interacting at a cellular level, are covered in depth. A detailed series of chapters is then devoted to applications based on microsystems that offer enhanced cellular control, including microfluidic devices for diagnosis and therapy, cell-based sensors and actuators (smart biodevices), microstructured prostheses for improvement of biocompatibility, microstructured and microtextured cell culture matrices for promotion of cell growth and differentiation, electrophoretic microsystems for study of cell mechanics, microstructured and microtextured biodevices for study of cell adhesion and dynamics, and biomimetic microsystems (including organs-on-chips), among others. Challenges relating to the development of reliable in vitro biomimetic microsystems, the design and manufacture of complex geometries, and biofabrication are also discussed.

This book encompasses the most updated and recent account of research and implementation of Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) from pioneers and experienced researchers in the field who have been working on the interface between electrochemistry and microbiology/biotechnology for many years. It provides a holistic view of the METs, detailing the functional mechanisms, operational configurations, influencing factors governing the reaction process and integration strategies. The book not only provides historical perspectives of the technology and its evolution over the years but also the most recent examples of up-scaling and near future commercialization, making it a must-read for researchers, students, industry practitioners and science enthusiasts. Key Features: Introduces novel technologies that can impact the future infrastructure at the water-energy nexus. Outlines methodologies development and application of microbial electrochemical technologies and details out the illustrations of microbial and electrochemical concepts. Reviews applications across a wide variety of scales, from power generation in the laboratory to approaches. Discusses techniques such as molecular biology and mathematical modeling; the future development of this promising technology; and the role of the system components for the implementation of bioelectrochemical technologies for practical utility. Explores key challenges for implementing these systems and compares them to similar renewable energy technologies, including their efficiency, scalability, system lifetimes, and reliability.

This updated volume explores a wide variety of clinical applications of PCR such as detecting DNA methylation, detection of viruses and protozoa in infectious diseases, estimation of gene copy number aberrations, primer extension coupled with mass spectroscopy, and high throughput NGS techniques. The application of PCR has shown incredible value in the study of genomics and transcriptomics, not only for discovery but also for routine clinical applications, and it forms the cornerstone of personalized medicine. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include brief 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 authoritative, Clinical Applications of PCR, Third Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers aiming to understand the principles behind each application and for their implementation in the laboratory.

This volume describes different up-to-date methodological approaches, ranging from physiological assays to imaging and molecular techniques, to study a wide variety of plant responses to environmental cues. Environmental Responses in Plants: Methods and Protocols is divided into four sections: Tropisms, Photoperiodism and Circadian Rhythms, Abiotic Stress Responses, and Plant-Pathogen Interactions. The chapters in these sections include detailed protocols to investigate some of the many key biological processes underlying plant environmental responses, mostly in the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, but also in Physcomitrella patens and in different crop species such as rice, potato, barley, or tomato. 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. Authoritative and practical, Environmental Responses in Plants: Methods and Protocols, is a great resource for plant physiologists, biochemists, and cell and molecular scientists interested in this exciting and fast-growing research topic.

This volume details our current understanding of the architecture and signaling capabilities of the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) in health and disease. The first chapters review new insights into the assembly of BCR components and their organization on the cell surface. Subsequent contributions focus on the molecular interactions that connect the BCR with major intracellular signaling pathways such as Ca2+ mobilization, membrane phospholipid metabolism, nuclear translocation of NF-kB or the activation of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase and MAP kinases. These elements orchestrate cytoplasmic and nuclear responses as well as cytoskeleton dynamics for antigen internalization. Furthermore, a key mechanism of how B cells remember their cognate antigen is discussed in detail. Altogether, the discoveries presented provide a better understanding of B cell biology and help to explain some B cell-mediated pathogenicities, like autoimmune phenomena or the formation of B cell tumors, while also paving the way for eventually combating these diseases.

This book provides an overview of single-cell isolation, separation, injection, lysis and dynamics analysis as well as a study of their heterogeneity using different miniaturized devices. As an important part of single-cell analysis, different techniques including electroporation, microinjection, optical trapping, optoporation, rapid electrokinetic patterning and optoelectronic tweezers are described in detail. It presents different fluidic systems (e.g. continuous micro/nano-fluidic devices, microfluidic cytometry) and their integration with sensor technology, optical and hydrodynamic stretchers etc., and demonstrates the applications of single-cell analysis in systems biology, proteomics, genomics, epigenomics, cancer transcriptomics, metabolomics, biomedicine and drug delivery systems. It also discusses the future challenges for single-cell analysis, including the advantages and limitations. This book is enjoyable reading material while at the same time providing essential information to scientists in academia and professionals in industry working on different aspects of single-cell analysis. Dr. Fan-Gang Tseng is a Distinguished Professor of Engineering and System Science at the National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan. Dr. Tuhin Subhra Santra is a Research Associate at the California Nano Systems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, USA.

This, the second of two volumes on personalized medicine in lung cancer, touches upon the recent progress in targeted drug development based on genomics; emerging biomarkers and therapeutic targets such as EMT, cancer stem cells, and the tumor microenvironment; current personalized clinical management and radiation therapy for lung cancers; and the promise of epigenetics and next-generation sequencing for the advancements towards personalized therapy of lung cancer patients. With chapters on state-of-the-art therapies and technologies written by leading experts working to develop novel companion diagnosis tools for the personalized treatment of lung cancer patients, this volume brings readers up-to-date by presenting the current knowledge on the efforts to make personalized management of lung cancer patients a reality.

This book introduces zero-effort technologies (ZETs), an emerging class of technologies that require little or no effort from the people who use them. ZETs use advanced computing techniques, such as computer vision, sensor fusion, decision-making and planning, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to autonomously perform the collection, analysis, and application of data about the user and/or his/her context. This book begins with an overview of ZETs, then presents concepts related to their development, including pervasive intelligent technologies and environments, design principles, and considerations regarding use. The book discusses select examples of the latest in ZET development before concluding with thoughts regarding future directions of the field.