The book Heat Shock Protein-Based Therapies provides the most up-to-date review on new heat shock protein-based mechanisms used in the therapy and treatment of various human disorders and diseases, including cancer, muscular atrophy, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis) and infectious diseases (HIV, periodontal disease). Written by leaders in the field of heat shock protein research, the chapters systematically and in a step wise fashion takes the reader through the fascinating sequence of events by which mechanisms dependent on heat shock proteins are targeted. The chapters also provide answers as to HSP biological significance to the host. This book is a must read for graduate and postgraduates in the field of Drug Development, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Industry, Phytomedicine, Biology (plant and mammal), Biochemistry (pro- and eukaryotic), Oncology, Immunology, Microbiology, Exercise Medicine, Physiology, Inflammatory diseases, Autoimmunity, Pharmacology and Pathology.

Leading researchers and innovators describe in step-by-step detail the latest techniques that promise to significantly impact the practice of proteomics, as well as its success in developing novel clinical agents. The methods span the entire spectrum of top-down and bottom-up approaches, including microarrays, gels, chromatography, and affinity separations, and address every aspect of the human proteome, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The techniques of protein detection utilized are diverse and range from fluorescence and resonance light scattering to surface plasmon resonance and mass spectrometry. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

With the completion of sequencing projects and the advancement of a- lytical tools for protein identification, proteomics-the study of the expressed part of the genome-has become a major region of the burgeoning field of functional genomics. High-resolution 2-D gels can reveal virtually all p- teins present in a cell or tissue at any given time, including posttranslationally modified proteins. Changes in the expression and structure of most cellular proteins caused by differentiation or external stimuli can be displayed and eventually identified using 2-D protein gels. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols covers all aspects of the use of 2-D protein electrophoresis for the analysis of biological problems. The contri- tors include many of the leaders in the fields of biochemistry and analytical chemistry who were instrumental in the development of high-resolution 2-D gels, immobilized pH gradients, computer analysis, and mass spectromet- based protein identification methodologies. This book is intended as a benchtop manual and guide both for novices to 2-D gels and for those aficionados who wish to try the newer techniques. Any group using protein biochemistry-especially in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology-should find this book eminently useful. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols takes the researcher through the c- plete process of working with 2-D protein gels from making the protein - tract to finally identifying the proteins of interest. It includes protocols for generating 2-D protein extracts from most of the standard model organisms, including bacteria, yeast, nematode, Drosophila, plants, mouse, and human.

This book consists of a series of 82 precise, easy-to-read articles by internationally renowned scientists and emphasizes the practical approach to HPLC with minimal theory, although the underlying principles for peptide and protein separations are clearly expressed. All of the major modes of microbore, ultrafast and analytical HPLC are discussed, including size-exclusion, ion-exchange, reversed-phase, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity and immunoaffinity chromatography. A section on preparative HPLC, including displacement techniques, is also presented. Problem-solving approaches to the separation of various classes of biologically active peptides and proteins are thoroughly explored, while the importance of peptide standards for monitoring column performance and for optimizing separation conditions is emphasized. Several articles focus on the choice of the correct detection method (electrochemical, UV, fluorescence), as well as the need for a proper knowledge of approaches to column and instrument maintenance and trouble-shooting. A section on predictive approaches deals with both computer simulation of peptide separations and peptide structure. The book also includes complementary techniques to HPLC, as well as other useful applications of HPLC. It enables both novice and experienced chromatographers to realize the full potential of this extremely powerful technique, in the process making an important contribution to scientific literature.

The breadth of modern biology is characterized by a comprehension of phenomena at many levels of organization. Such levels of understanding range from the organismal to the molecular. It is when all these levels can be discussed together that a sense of true achievement begins to be felt. The topical area of fatty acid transport and metabolism was the focus of the Third International Conference on Lipid-Binding Proteins held at the University of Minnesota in May 1997. This volume contains a sampling of the proceedings of this meeting.

Non-vesicular intracellular cholesterol transport is an important mechanism for maintaining membrane cholesterol homeostasis. Recent reports of studies directed at soluble cholesterol transport proteins indicate that aberrant expression of the START proteins may contribute to disease states associated with disorders in cholesterol homeostasis. This is an exciting new direction in the field and the purpose of this book will be to highlight the current research directed at potential roles for the START family in diabetes, cancer, and atherogenesis. This book also provides a personal and historical perspective of the discovery-to-publication journey that the authors had for their particular START domain family member. The goal will be to provide perspectives to graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and endocrinology fellows on the research discovery process.

This book is devoted to the fascinating superfamily of plant ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters and their variety of transported substrates. It highlights their exciting biological functions, covering aspects ranging from cellular detoxification, through development, to symbiosis and defense. Moreover, it also includes a number of chapters that center on ABC transporters from non-Arabidopsis species.

ABC proteins are ubiquitous, membrane-intrinsic transporters that catalyze the primary (ATP-dependent) movement of their substrates through biological membranes. Initially identified as an essential aspect of a vacuolar detoxification process, genetic work in the last decade has revealed an unexpectedly diverse variety of ABC transporter substrates, which include not only xenobiotic conjugates, but also heavy metals, lipids, terpenoids, lignols, alkaloids and organic acids.

The discovery that members of the ABCB and ABCG family are involved in the movement of phytohormones has further sparked their exploration and provided a new understanding of the whole family. Accordingly, the trafficking, regulation and structure-function of ABCB-type auxin transporters are especially emphasized in this book.

Colorectal cancer has for more than two decades served as the paradigm for the multi-step concept of cancer initiation and progression. Perhaps more than any other organ site, cancer of the colon is extensively characterized at the molecular level. We are now entering a time when molecular classification, rather than histologic classification, of cancer subtypes is driving the development of clinical trials with emerging targeted therapies. The book will focus on the progression from the identification of mutations that drive colorectal cancer initiation and progression to the search for novel therapies to treat the disease.

This volume provides an overview on the influence of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) on tumor progression. It covers topics such as signaling induced by structural ECM proteins including collagen and fibronectin, the control of ECM deposition and the turnover in tumors. Also discussed are the migration of cells through basement membranes and the function of proteoglycans including lumican and veriscan in tumor progression. Biomaterial-based in-vitro models as well as C. elegans models of the tumor microenvironment are used to show how these models can lead to a greater understanding of the disease mechanisms that promote cancer progression. The book addresses researchers working on cancer biology or ECM, and oncologists alike.

This detailed volume explores newly-developed methods in PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) research, methods currently applied to other ncRNAs involved in nuclear regulation which can be used to study piRNAs, and piRNA methods applied in non-classical organisms. It also includes several bioinformatic and biophysical methods related to piRNA studies, consistent with the increasing importance of high-throughput sequencing and computational methods. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, piRNA: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to elucidate the numerous mysteries of this area of multicellular biology.

This edited book provides the first comprehensive overview on conventional and emerging processing technologies for the extraction and purification of proteins and/or peptides from plant sources with a special focus on subsequent product development. The book opens with an introduction to the most conventional processing technologies used in industry today: the alkaline extraction followed by isoelectric precipitation, and air classification. The book also focusses on novel extraction and purification technologies, covering the most recent green emerging technologies based on enzymatic processes, solvents, high-pressure processing, barometric membrane technologies, and microwave-assisted extraction, among others. The final chapters bridge the gap between the presented methods and product development and highlight how these technologies can alter protein functionality and nutritional quality of the extracted protein, and thereby, impact human health. In the context of rising consumer interest in foods from plant-protein ingredients and the United Nations targets for Sustainable Development Goal 12 on 'Responsible Consumption and Production', this book will provide an indispensable resource for students, engineers and researchers in academia and industry, working in the area of food science, food technology and plant-based product development.

The mucins (mucus glycoproteins) have long been a complex corner of glycoprotein biology. While dramatic advances in the separation, structural an- ysis, biosynthesis, and degradation have marked the progress in general glycop- tein understanding, the mucins have lagged behind. The reasons for this lack of progress have always been clear and are only now being resolved. The mucins are very large molecules; they are difficult to separate from other molecules present in mucosal secretions or membranes; they are often degraded owing to natural protective functions or to isolation methodology and their peptide and oligos- charide structures are varied and complex. Understanding these molecules has demanded progress in several major areas. Isolation techniques that protect the intact mucins and allow dissociation from other adsorbed but discrete molecules needed to be developed and accepted by all researchers in the field. Improved methods for the study of very large molecules with regard to their aggregation and polymerization were also needed. Structural analysis of the peptide domains and the multitude of oligosaccharide chains was required for smaller sample sizes, for multiple samples, and in shorter time. In view of these problems it is perhaps not surprising that the mucins have remained a dilemma, of obvious biological importance and interest, but very difficult to analyze.

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 volume explores a wide variety of applications of yeast surface display, an extensively used protein engineering technology. Beginning with detailed protocols for the construction and efficient selection/screening of yeast surface display libraries, as well as for the analysis of individual yeast-displayed protein variants, the book continues with protocols describing the selection of yeast surface display libraries for binding to mammalian cells or to extracellular matrix as well as protocols for a broad spectrum of specialized yeast surface display applications, demonstrating the versatility of this display platform. 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 methodologies, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Yeast Surface Display serves as a comprehensive resource that enables the implementation of this powerful and versatile technique in virtually any molecular biology laboratory, even in the absence of any prior yeast surface display experience.

The development of new methodologies has played a key role in the advancement of all areas of research. Specifically, the initial advances in our understanding of lipoprotein structure and metabolism were made possible by the development of ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic techniques. More recently, the advent of molecular biological techniques opened possibilities that were unthinkable just a few decades ago. The use of the analytical ult- centrifuge to study plasma lipoproteins began in the 1940s with the work of Mutzenbecher, McFarlene, Pedersen, Gofman, Lindgren, and Elliot. Another crucial step, during the 1950s, was the development of this tool as a prepa- tive technique by Havel, Eder, and Bragdon, among others. This technolo- cal progress allowed investigators to "dig" deeper into the structure of these complex macromolecules made of lipids and proteins, and permitted inves- gators to continue unraveling the physical and chemical characteristics of the proteins associated with lipoprotein particles (apolipoproteins) and the enzymes involved in their processing. This information led to both a better understanding of the biological functions of the lipoprotein fractions and their constituents, and creation of a more comprehensive overall scheme for plasma lipoprotein metabolism. Several gaps in this puzzle were filled through the work of Goldstein and Brown, who elucidated the structure and role of the low-density lipoprotein - ceptor. This was the first identified among a profusion of receptors that are key for the cellular catabolism of these particles.

Upon completion of the human genome project over 800 G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPCR) genes, subdivided into five categories, were identified. These receptors sense a diverse array of stimuli, including peptides, ions, lipid analogues, light and odour, in a discriminating fashion. Subsequently, they transduce a signal from the ligand-receptor complex into numerous cellular responses. The importance of GPCRs is further reflected in the fact that they constitute the most common target for therapeutic drugs across a 2 wide range of human disorders. Phylogenetic analysis of GPCRs produced the GRAFS classification system, which subdivides GPCRs into five discrete families: glutamate, rhodopsin, adhesion, frizzled/taste2 and secretin receptors. The adhesion-GPCR family 2 can be further subdivided into eight groups. The field of adhesion-GPCR biology has indeed become large enough to require a volume dedicated solely to this field. The contributors to this book have made a courageous effort to address the key concepts of adhesion-GPCR biology, including the evolution and biochemistry of adhesion-GPCRs; there are extensive discussions on the functional nature of these receptors during development, the immune response and tumourgenesis. Finally, there are chapters dedicated to adhesion-GPCR signalling, an area of intense investigation.

The importance of polyamines for all living cells has been recognized since spermine was discovered in human semen more than 300 years ago. Polyamine research intensified when analytical methods were developed for their determination, particularly in tissues and biological fluids. Discovering their close correlation with cancer, and that polyamine concentrations change during the cell cycle, gave reason for further research in this topic. Polyamines in Health and Nutrition concentrates on the direction of polyamine research which has the capacity to influence and benefit our health and which can explain some of the discrepancies and failures of earlier research. It is important to recognize the dietary contribution to the polyamine body pool and to investigate how the polyamine content of the diet can be changed, with the ultimate aim of using this information to improve our health.

"This volume explores numerous techniques used to study the ubiquitin proteasome system. The chapters in this book are organized into five parts and cover topics such as determining the mechanisms of action for E2s, E3s, and DUB enzymes; the latest advances to study the formation of poly-ubiquitin chains as well as their linkage types; the binding partners of proteins in the UPS; methods for structure determination by x-ray crystallography, cryo electron microscopy and SAXS; screening assays to select for degrons or modulators of E3s and DUBs; proteomics approaches in the ubiquitin field and methods to study 26S proteasome function. 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. Thorough and authoritative, The Ubiquitin Proteasome System: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both experienced and novice scientists who are interested in expanding their knowledge in this field.

"Bioinformatics of Human Proteomics" discusses the development of methods, techniques and applications in the field of protein bioinformatics, an important direction in bioinformatics. It collects contributions from expert researchers in order to provide a practical guide to this complex field of study. The book covers the protein interaction network, drug discovery and development, the relationship between translational medicine and bioinformatics, and advances in proteomic methods, while also demonstrating important bioinformatics tools and methods available today for protein analysis, interpretation and predication. It is intended for experts or senior researchers in the fields of clinical research-related biostatistics, bioinformatics, computational biology, medicine, statistics, system biology, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers, or drug discovery and development. Dr.Xiangdong Wang works as a distinguished professor of Respiratory Medicine at Fudan University, Shanghai, China. He serves as Director of Biomedical Research Center, Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital and adjunct professor of Clinical Bioinformatics at Lund University, Sweden. His main research is focused on the role of clinical bioinformatics in the development of disease-specific biomarkers and dynamic network biomarkers, the molecular mechanism of organ dysfunction and potential therapies.

Excess of homocysteine, a product of the metabolism of the essential amino acid methionine, is associated with poor health, is linked to heart and brain diseases in general human populations, and accelerates mortality in heart disease patients. Neurological and cardiovascular abnormalities occur in patients with severe genetic hyperhomocysteinemia and lead to premature death due to vascular complications. Although it is considered a non-protein amino acid, studies over the past dozen years have discovered mechanisms by which homocysteine becomes a component of proteins. Homocysteine-containing proteins lose their normal biological function and become auto-immunogenic and pro-thrombotic. In this book, the author, a pioneer and a leading contributor to the field, describes up-to date studies of the biological chemistry of homocysteine-containing proteins, as well as pathological consequences and clinical implications of their formation. This is a comprehensive account of the broad range of basic science and medical implications of homocysteine-containing proteins for health and disease.

A prerequisite for elucidating the structure and function of any protein is the prior purification of that protein. This necessity has led to the development of many purification schemes and chromatographic methods for the isolation of native proteins from complex sources. In Protein Chromatography: Methods and Protocols, leading researchers present clear protocol-style chapters that are suitable for newcomers and experts alike. The book opens with vital topics in protein biochemistry, addressing such areas as protein stability and storage, avoiding proteolysis during chromatography, protein quantitation methods including immuno-qPCR, and the contrasting challenges that microfluidics and scale-up production pose to the investigator, and then it segues into key methods involving the generation and purification of recombinant proteins through recombinant antibody production and the tagging of proteins, amongst other means, as well as many variations on classic techniques such as ion-exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, protocols chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Protein Chromatography: Methods and Protocols will greatly aid scientists in establishing these essential techniques in their own laboratories and furthering our understanding of the many imperative functions of proteins.

The book entitled "Prospects in Bioscience: Addressing the issues" is a collection of selected research papers presented at the International Conference on Advances in Biological Sciences (ICABS) organized by the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology and the Inter University Centre for Bioscience, Kannur University, Kerala, India. ICABS witnessed a unique spectrum of Scientific Programmes on the most recent and exciting developments in modern biology. The conference displayed the numerous breakthroughs and significant developments in the important areas of modern biology and their relevance to the welfare of global society. The Book contains 50 well written chapters, each one discussing scientifically organized findings of original research work done in reputed laboratories. Needless to say, they deal with advances in various disciplines of modern biology including Cell and Molecular Biology, Structural Biology, Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, Food and Agricultural Biotechnology and Medical Biotechnology. As the title rightly indicates, the chapters project the prospects in the respective areas and the issues in them. Specific issues discussed in the book includes development of transgenic plants, bioremediation of toxic industrial effluents, biotransformation for novel antibiotics, biofertilizer development, molecular drug designing and structure elucidation, molecular identification of pathogens, production of anti microbials, biocontrol agents and bioactive molecules, cancer biology, plant breeding and hybrid seed production etc. The book with its contents spreading across the vast arena of modern biology is expected to cater to the need of researchers, technologists and students.

This book surveys the current knowledge concerning the expression and function of stress proteins in different organisms, ranging from prokaryotes to humans. It provides an overview of the diversity and complex evolutionary history of cell stress proteins and describes their function and expression in different eukaryote models. The book will appeal to researchers and scientists in biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, immunology, and genetics.

Helps researchers in proteomics and oncology work together to understand, prevent, and cure cancer

Proteomic data is increasingly important to understanding the origin and progression of cancer; however, most oncologic researchers who depend on proteomics for their studies do not collect the data themselves. As a result, there is a knowledge gap between scientists, who devise proteomic techniques and collect the data, and the oncologic researchers, who are expected to interpret and apply proteomic data. Bridging the gap between proteomics and oncology research, this book explains how proteomic technology can be used to address some of the most important questions in cancer research.

"Proteomic Applications in Cancer Detection and Discovery "enables readers to understand how proteomic data is acquired and analyzed and how it is interpreted. Author Timothy Veenstra has filled the book with examples--many based on his own firsthand research experience--that clearly demonstrate the application of proteomic technology in oncology research, including the discovery of novel biomarkers for different types of cancers.

The book begins with a brief introduction to systems biology, explaining why cancer is a systems biology disease. Next, it covers such topics as: Mass spectrometry in cancer researchApplication of proteomics to global phosphorylation analysisSearch for biomarkers in biofluidsRise and fall of proteomic patterns for cancer diagnosticsEmergence of protein arraysRole of proteomics in personalized medicine

The final chapter is dedicated to the future prospects of proteomics in cancer research.

By guiding readers through the latest proteomic technologies and their applications in cancer research, "Proteomic Applications in Cancer Detection and Discovery" enhances the ability of researchers in proteomics and researchers in oncology to collaborate in order to better understand cancer and develop strategies to prevent and treat it.

This volume brings together cutting-edge laboratory protocols to characterize the novel fluorescent proteins (FPs) and approaches based on fluorescent proteins that aim to answer some of the key cell biological questions. The book covers topics ranging from the database of fluorescent proteins to their characterization and adaptation to a wide range of biological systems. 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 and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Fluorescent Proteins: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for students and academicians enthusiastic about the recent progress in the practical application of fluorescent protein technology.