Advances in fluorescent proteins, live-cell imaging, and superresolution instrumentation have ushered in a new era of investigations in cell biology, medicine, and physiology. From the identification of the green fluorescent protein in the jellyfish Aequorea victoria to the engineering of novel fluorescent proteins, The Fluorescent Protein Revolution explores the history, properties, and applications of these important probes. The book first traces the history of fluorescent proteins and the revolution they enabled in cellular imaging. It then discusses fluorescent proteins with novel photophysical properties. The book also covers several cutting-edge imaging applications. These include superresolution microscopy of cellular fine structures, FRET microscopy to visualize protein interactions and cell-signaling activities inside living cells, photobleaching and photoactivation techniques to visualize protein behaviors, techniques that exploit plant and algal photoreceptors to enable light-regulated control of enzymatic activities, and the noninvasive imaging of tumor-host interactions in living animals. In color throughout, this book presents the fundamental principles and latest advances in the field, including the associated development of imaging techniques that exploit fluorescent proteins. It is accessible to a broad audience, from optical imaging experts to novices needing an introduction to the field.

PTEN (Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog) is a dual-specificity phosphatase, and a member of the broad protein tyrosine phosphatase family. PTEN gene encode a phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate 3-phosphatase. It plays an important role in a variety of cellular process including cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell migration and cell death. When the PTEN enzyme functions properly, it acts as part of a pathway that signals cells to stop dividing and can cause cells to undergo programmed cell death when necessary. These functions prevent uncontrolled cell growth. When the PTEN enzyme function is disrupted, it can lead to human diseases, such as cancer, Cowden syndrome, chronic inflammatory syndromes, developmental defect and diabetes. Especially in cancer, PTEN is one of the most widely studied tumour suppresser genes. It has been found to be the second most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, second only to the tumour suppresser p53 gene. The goal of this book is to provide a wide-ranging forum in the PTEN research field, in particular, with a focus on the structure, mechanism of action and role in cell signalling and regulation. The authors contributing to this book, are all most active researchers in PTEN research field. They presented the most recent advances, approaches and future prospects on PTEN research. This book is suitable as both a professional reference and as a text for biological, medical, biomedical and pharmaceutical interest to scientists, clinicians, teachers and students.

Ribosomes are essential protein-RNA complexes that synthesize proteins according to the gene library of the cell in all living organisms. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the molecular structure, biological functions and implications for genetic disease of ribosomes. Topics include ribosomal alterations and immune-related illness; the role of ribosomes in mediating hypoxia response and tolerance in eukaryotes; the potential biomedical use of ribosome-inactivating proteins; coarse-graining the nano-machine ribosome to elucidate its functional dynamics; and structural aspects of ribosomal ligands interactions providing the work of the human translational machinery.

Proline might be the most studied amino acid in nature. Many authors have reviewed its many functions in cell homoeostasis. Not only it is essential in primary metabolism, but it is also involved in cell defence response to a variety of stresses. This book presents topical research data in the study of pro-line functions, including role of pro-line in plant subject to salinity, pro-line cycle and its role in secondary metabolite accumulation, role of pro-line in catalysing the asymmetric reaction, studies of polyproline peptides, structural characteristics and transition mechanisms of proline-rich peptides, functions of proline in behaviour of neonatal chicks and tumour suppressor activities of proline oxidase.

Over the last decade, major advances have been made in understanding the role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in cellular functions. They are universally expressed by all living organisms and are one of the oldest protective mechanisms cells have against environmental stress. The present book is an effort to provide the reader with an overview on the broad and diverse role of HSPs in normal as well as abnormal animal and human physiology. It covers topics ranging from the role of HSPs in immune system and cancer biology to their effects in regulating the reproductive cycle. Each chapter has been written by well-respected investigators in the field, providing a well-balanced concise review of the subject.

This book contains information on the latest research on linoleic acid composition, in a wide range of dietary sources, as well as advancements in food technology to ensure better nutritional quality of LA. Biochemists, nutritionists, dieticians, food industry technologists, clinicians, and allied health professionals will find the information in this book essential and immensely valuable. Topics discussed include: natural sources of linoleic acids (LA); variations in the LA content of plant and animal products; extraction methods for LA; plant adaptation in the polar region and its effect on LA composition in agricultural animals; the effect of geographical variation on consumer preferences for olive oil types; the influence of plant lipids on the LA composition of animal fat; the oxidation kinetics of LA; the potential benefits of LA isomers in treatment of obesity, ischemic stroke and atopic dermatitis; and the possible mechanisms linking LA with the development of various types of cancers.

Prions, probably the most fascinating proteins ever studied, have been in the spotlight for the last 30 years. However, their history is much older. Indeed, the symptoms of what are now known as prion diseases were first described in Europe in sheep in 1730 and called "scrapie" in England, "vertige" in France and "Traberkrankheit" in Germany. This book discusses the development of prions and their various diseases.

Histones are DNA-binding proteins that help in the packaging of DNA to fit into the cell nucleus in a hierarchy of organization. During the packaging and unfolding process, histones are involved in crucial biological activities at the molecular level. This book presents research in the study of histone class, structure and function, including the roles of linker histones in chromatin structure, the post-translational modifications of histones and the importance of chromatin structure and epigenetics in gene regulation and carcinogenesis. (Imprint: Nova)

Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions. Proteins are vital parts of living organisms, as they are the main components of the physiological metabolic pathways of cells. The proteome is the entire complement of proteins, including the modifications made to a particular set of proteins, produced by an organism or system. This book presents and discusses various topical data on proteomics, including: proteomic technologies used in celiac disease, protein location in plant proteomics, the prediction of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) using proteomics, proteomic studies of mild cognitive impairment, among others.

This book examines the effects of the interactions between membrane and proteins on the separation of whey proteins. These interactions can be modulated by modifying the chemical environment of the feed solution, for example, by changing the pH. In the experimental set-up, a tubular ceramic cross-flow ultrafiltration membrane was installed and continuous diafiltration was selected as operational mode. pH was found to be a crucial process variable since a wide variety of responses were obtained in permeate flow and protein transmission when this input was altered. As a conclusion, these results provide useful information for the design of filtration strategies in which particular whey fractions are targeted.

This volume serves to aid researchers working in the recombinant protein production field by describing a wide number of protocols and examples. Chapters describe recombinant protein production in different expression systems, prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems, purification protocols, characterization of insoluble proteins and a general overview of interesting applications of insoluble proteins. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Insoluble Proteins: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.

Thorough Overview Identifies and Addresses Critical Gaps in the Treatment of Several Chronic Diseases With increasing numbers of patients suffering from Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases (IMIDs), and with the increasing reliance on biopharmaceuticals to treat them, it is imperative that researchers and medical practitioners have a thorough understanding of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) of therapeutic proteins as well as translational pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling for them. This comprehensive volume answers that need to be addressed. Featuring eighteen chapters from world-renowned experts and opinion leaders in pharmacology, translational medicine and immunology, editors Honghui Zhou and Diane Mould have curated a much-needed collection of research on the advanced applications of pharmacometrics and systems pharmacology to the development of biotherapeutics and individualized treatment strategies for the treatment of IMIDs. Authors discuss the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases in addition to both theoretical and practical aspects of quantitative pharmacology for therapeutic proteins, current translational medicine research methodologies and novel thinking in treatment paradigm strategies for IMIDs. Other notable features include: - Contributions from well-known authors representing leading academic research centers, specialized contract research organizations and pharmaceutical industries whose pipelines include therapeutic proteins - Chapters on a wide range of topics (e.g., pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases, biomarkers in ulcerative colitis, model-based meta-analysis use in the development of therapeutic proteins) - Case studies of applying quantitative pharmacology approaches to guiding therapeutic protein drug development in IMIDs such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and lupus Zhou and Mould's timely contribution to the critical study of biopharmaceuticals is a valuable resource for any academic and industry researcher working in pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, or biotechnology as well as the many clinicians seeking the safest and most effective treatments for patients dealing with chronic immune disorders.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics provides a cohesive introduction to this biological macromolecule and its many applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering.

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the fields of materials, (bio-)engineering, physics, chemistry and biology will gain an understanding of the structure and mechanical behavior of type I collagen and collagen-based tissues in vertebrates, across all length scales from the molecular (nano) to the organ (macro) level. Written in a clear and didactic manner, this volume includes current knowledge on the hierarchical structure, mechanical properties, in addition to a review of deformation and strengthening mechanisms.

Collagen: Structure and Mechanics is an excellent reference for new researchers entering this area and serves as a basis for lecturing in the interdisciplinary field of biological materials science.

Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR) was first developed by William Coblentz in 1905 for analytical purposes. It has been established as a powerful analytical method to analyze a wide range of materials. The most convenient way to analyze the molecular structure was to prepare KBr pellets with small amount of chemical species. Currently, the development of the Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance (UATR) allows the use of ZnSe-Diamond crystal to acquire FTIR spectra directly from the sample with no special preparation. These traditional FTIR analyses have been made with devices capable of performing single measurements, thus, providing a single IR spectrum of the sample. Recent major technological development in FTIR instrumentation was development of microscopes and imaging systems. These devices are now capable of imaging larger sample area, providing not only spectroscopic information but also spatial distributional information. In addition, the development of Focal Point Array (FPA) has made FTIR imaging an emerging area of chemical imaging research. The aim of this book is to summarize in a single document the research work that is being performed using UATR and IR imaging in selected emerging applications in plant materials and biological samples. This book provides the readers new knowledge, updates information, emerging applications, and understanding of the potential use of FTIR Microspectroscopy.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines co-ordinate immune, physiological, metabolic and behavioural responses that are collectively termed the acute phase reaction. In addition to their role in immunoregulation of inflammatory processes, pro-inflammatory cytokines represent the major communication link between peripheral immunity and the central nervous system. Studies in animals have demonstrated that acute activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signalling in the brain in response to peripheral immune activation is associated with deficits in hippocampal-dependent memory. This book presents and discusses human and animal models studies of the role of cytokines in learning and memory.

Introduction to Computational Proteomics introduces the field of computational biology through a focused approach that tackles the different steps and problems involved with protein analysis, classification, and meta-organization. The book starts with the analysis of individual entities and works its way through the analysis of more complex entities, from protein families to interactions, cellular pathways, and gene networks. The first part of the book presents methods for identifying the building blocks of the protein space, such as motifs and domains. It also describes algorithms for assessing similarity between proteins based on sequence and structure analysis as well as mathematical models, such as hidden Markov models and support vector machines, that are used to represent protein families and classify new instances. The second part covers methods that investigate higher order structure in the protein space through the application of unsupervised learning algorithms, such as clustering and embedding. The book also explores the broader context of proteins. It discusses methods for analyzing gene expression data, predicting protein-protein interactions, elucidating cellular pathways, and reconstructing gene networks. This book provides a coherent and thorough introduction to proteome analysis. It offers rigorous, formal descriptions, along with detailed algorithmic solutions and models. Each chapter includes problem sets from courses taught by the author at Cornell University and the Technion. Software downloads, data sets, and other material are available at biozon.org

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body's cells. It is transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. This book focuses on the two main types of lipoproteins- low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. If too much LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can cause atherosclerosis and/or clotting. HDL is known as "good cholesterol" because a high HDL level seems to protect against a heart attack. About one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol is carried by HDL. This book focuses on ways to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels, and therefore reduce the risk of serious health problems. Other factors that affect cholesterol levels, such as cigarette smoking and diabetes, are looked at as well. Different treatments, such as pharmacological therapies for high or low cholesterol levels are also examined.

The reproduction and spread of a virus during an epidemic proceeds when the virus attaches to a host cell and viral genetic material (VGM) (protein, DNA, RNA) enters the cell, then replicates, and perhaps mutates, in the cell. The movement of the VGM across the host cell outer membrane and within the host cell is a spatiotemporal dynamic process that is modeled in this book as a system of ordinary and partial differential equations (ODE/PDEs). The movement of the virus proteins through the cell membrane is modeled as a diffusion process expressed by the diffusion PDE (Fick's second law). Within the cell, the time variation of the VGM is modeled as ODEs. The evolution of the dependent variables is computed by the numerical integration of the ODE/PDEs starting from zero initial conditions (ICs). The departure of the dependent variables from zero is in response to the virus protein concentration at the outer membrane surface (the point at which the virus binds to the host cell). The numerical integration of the ODE/PDEs is performed with routines coded (programmed) in R, a quality, open-source scientific computing system that is readily available from the Internet. Formal mathematics is minimized, e.g., no theorems and proofs. Rather, the presentation is through detailed examples that the reader/researcher/analyst can execute on modest computers. The ODE/PDE dependent variables are displayed graphically with basic R plotting utilities. The R routines are available from a download link so that the example models can be executed without having to first study numerical methods and computer coding. The routines can then be applied to variations and extensions of the ODE/PDE model, such as changes in the parameters and the form of the model equations.

This volume provides comprehensive protocols on experimental and computational methods that are used to study probe protein folding reactions and mechanisms. Chapters divided into five parts detail protein engineering, protein chemistry, experimental approaches to investigate the thermodynamics and kinetics of protein folding transitions, probe protein folding at the single molecule, analysis and interpretation of computer simulations, procedures and tools for the prediction of protein folding properties. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Protein Folding: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.

This book covers liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, the three main separation techniques lately available, applied to key omic sciences, such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and foodomics. The fundamentals of each technique are not covered herein. Instead, the recent advances in such techniques are presented focusing on the application to omics analyses and unique aspects in each case. This volume intends to offer wide ranging options available to researchers on omics sciences, and how to integrate them in order to achieve the comprehension of a biological system as a whole. Omic sciences have been of ultimate importance to comprehend the complex biochemical reactions and related events that occurs upon a biological system. The classical central dogma of molecular biology, which states that genetic information flows unidirectionally from DNA to RNA and then to proteins, has been gradually replaced by the systems biology approach. This book presents a multidisciplinary approach that explains the biological system as a whole, where the entire organism is influenced by a variety of internal events as well as by the environment, showing that each level of the biological information flux may influence the previous or the subsequent one.

This book focuses on both high-density lipoproteins (HDL) metabolism and related diseases from the perspectives of the world-class experts in HDL. Several chapters in this book provide the overall information about HDL metabolism via detailed discussion of HDL structures as well as several key molecules involved in its functions, such as SR-B1 and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibitors and so on. The rest of this book illustrates the connection between HDL and several diseases that are the major concerns of people's health in many countries, and devotes to exploring the therapies of HDL related diseases. With a better understanding of the HDL metabolism and diseases, this book will benefit the audiences with interest in HDL from biomedicine to clinical practice.

This new edition describes the role of heat shock proteins in the life cycle of malaria parasites, particularly in the context of intracellular parasite stages. Thoroughly revised, this work provides a general introduction to the structural and functional features of heat shock proteins with a special focus on their role as molecular chaperones in ensuring protein quality control. The emphasis is on the heat shock protein families from Plasmodium falciparum, and their role in proteostasis and the development of malaria pathology. Moreover, the authors explore the latest prospects of targeting heat shock proteins in antimalarial drug discovery either directly or in combination therapies. Readers will experience a functional analysis of the individual families of heat shock proteins and their cooperation in functional networks, including both the parasite-resident proteome and the exportome released into host cells during intracellular stages. Subcellular and extracellular organelles such as the apicoplast and the Maurer's Clefts associated with Plasmodium species are discussed in detail. The book highlights the role of heat shock proteins in the development and function of these structures. Biochemical expertise and the inclusion of novel therapeutic solutions make this collection a unique reference for experts in heat shock protein research, parasitology and infectious diseases, cell stress, molecular biology and drug discovery. Not least, advances in malaria control will contribute to ending epidemics and ensuring healthy lives in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This detailed book explores the technical breakthroughs with biophysical and cell biological approaches that have advanced the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and transduction of the hedgehog (HH) signal, indicating the important role of sterols in this pathway. Within its pages, the volume examines techniques involving several key protein components in this pathway, including HH, the signaling ligand; Dispatched, a HH secretion regulator; Patched, the receptor of HH; Smoothened, the signal transducer used to transduce the HH signal across the plasma membrane; and GLI, the transcription factor to turn on HH target genes. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters feature introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Hedgehog Signaling: Methods and Protocols provides researchers in clinical and basic science with a fresh and reliable reference for analyzing HH signal transduction through cell biological, biochemical, and biophysical approaches.

Proteins are large organic compounds made of amino acids arranged in a linear chain and joined together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of adjacent amino acid residues. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is defined by a gene and encoded in the genetic code. Although this genetic code specifies 20 'standard' amino acids, the residues in a protein are often chemically altered in post-translational modification: either before the protein can function in the cell, or as part of control mechanisms. Proteins can also work together to achieve a particular function, and they often associate to form stable complexes. Like other biological macromolecules such as polysaccharides and nucleic acids, proteins are essential parts of organisms and participate in every process within cells. Many proteins are enzymes that catalyse biochemical reactions, and are vital to metabolism. Proteins also have structural or mechanical functions, such as actin and myosin in muscle, and the proteins in the cytoskeleton, which forms a system of scaffolding that maintains cell shape. Other proteins are important in cell signalling, immune responses, cell adhesion, and the cell cycle. Protein is also a necessary part of animals' diets, since they cannot synthesise all the amino acids and must obtain essential amino acids from food. Through the process of digestion, animals break down ingested protein into free amino acids that can be used for protein synthesis. This new book presents the latest research in the field.

This volume describes methods and protocols for the fragment-based screening of proteins using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The initial chapter of the book discusses the principle of SPR for the identification of biomolecular interactions, while the subsequent chapters introduce methods for labelling proteins with different tags including, histidine and biotin tags. It also discusses techniques and factors that affect the amine and biotin-streptavidin coupling and methods to optimize the interactions. Next, it describes fragment preparation for screening in SPR and presents methods to calculate equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) and ligand efficiency (LE). It reviews techniques of next-generation injections that improve the efficiency of the characterization process over traditional SPR by determining the kinetics and affinity in a single step. Finally, the book elucidates a comprehensive yet representative description of challenges associated with the molecular interaction of proteins using SPR.