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.

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.

"Calcium Binding Proteins" explains the unique and highly diverse functions of calcium in biology, which are realized by calcium binding proteins. The structures and physical characteristics of these calcium binding proteins are described, as well as their functions and general patterns of their evolution. Techniques that underlie the description of proteins are discussed, including NMR, circular dichroism, optical rotatory dispersion spectroscopy, calorimetry, and crystallography. The book discusses the patterns of bochmical phenomena such as calcium homeostasis, mineralization, and cell signaling that involve specific proteins. It summarizes ongoing research and presents general hypotheses that help to focus future research, and also provides a conceptual framework and a description of the underlying techniques that permits someone entering the field to become conversant.

21st Century Kinematics focuses on algebraic problems in the analysis and synthesis of mechanisms and robots, compliant mechanisms, cable-driven systems and protein kinematics. The specialist contributors provide the background for a series of presentations at the 2012 NSF Workshop. The text shows how the analysis and design of innovative mechanical systems yield increasingly complex systems of polynomials, characteristic of those systems. In doing so, it takes advantage of increasingly sophisticated computational tools developed for numerical algebraic geometry and demonstrates the now routine derivation of polynomial systems dwarfing the landmark problems of even the recent past. The 21st Century Kinematics workshop echoes the NSF-supported 1963 Yale Mechanisms Teachers Conference that taught a generation of university educators the fundamental principles of kinematic theory. As such these proceedings will provide admirable supporting theory for a graduate course in modern kinematics and should be of considerable interest to researchers in mechanical design, robotics or protein kinematics or who have a broader interest in algebraic geometry and its applications.

This volume explores the latest methods used to study various aspects of TET proteins and their biology. Chapters in this book are divided into five parts. Part One describes technologies aimed at detecting and quantifying DNA methylation turnover using massively parallel sequencing, ELISA, and mass spectrometry approaches. Part Two looks at data analyses protocols for distinguishing acting versus passive DNA demethylation and estimation of 5mC and 5hmC levels. Part Three deals with a new topic that takes advantage of modified CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems to target DNA demethylation activity to genomic loci of interest. Part Four discusses protocols that detail how to purify TET proteins and unravel their protein interactions, and Part Five looks at the assessment of TET protein function and activity in vivo and in vitro. 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 thorough, TET Proteins and DNA Demethylation: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that aims to help research scientists at all levels working in the fields of DNA demethylation dynamics. Chapters 3, 7 and 17 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Basics of proteins and proteomics techniques In-depth understanding of mass-spectrometry and quantitative proteomics An overview of interactomics and its application for translational research. Advancement in the field of proteomics and challenges in clinical applications.

This book examines detailed experimental and computational approaches for the analysis of many aspects vital to the understanding of membrane protein structure and function. Readers will receive guidance on the selection and use of methods for over-expression and purification, tools to characterize membrane proteins within different phospholipid bilayers, direction on functional studies, and approaches to determine the structures of membrane proteins. Detailed experimental steps for specific membrane proteins with critical notes allow the protocols to be modified to different systems. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of practical information and implementation advice that leads to excellent, reproducible results. Authoritative and up-to-date, Structure and Function Studies of Membrane Proteins serves as an ideal guide for biologists, biochemists, and biophysicists striving to further understand these essential proteins and their many biological roles.

Food Proteins Properties and Characterization Edited by Shuryo Nakai H. Wayne Modler Food Proteins covers the basic theory and fundamental concepts necessary for an understanding of modern food protein chemistry. The authors discuss the chemical and physical properties of food proteins, the variety of sources from which the nutrition of food proteins is derived, analytical methods for quantitating and characterizing food proteins, and methods for separating and purifying food proteins. They also explain the modification of food proteins using chemical and biological techniques, the functional properties required for preparing high quality food products, and the behavior of proteins during processing. This book is intended as a reference for food scientists and technicians, as well as a text for graduate students in food science and food-related areas.

An in-depth look at the latest research, methods, and applications in the field of protein bioinformatics This book presents the latest developments in protein bioinformatics, introducing for the first time cutting-edge research results alongside novel algorithmic and AI methods for the analysis of protein data. In one complete, self-contained volume, Algorithmic and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Protein Bioinformatics addresses key challenges facing both computer scientists and biologists, arming readers with tools and techniques for analyzing and interpreting protein data and solving a variety of biological problems. Featuring a collection of authoritative articles by leaders in the field, this work focuses on the analysis of protein sequences, structures, and interaction networks using both traditional algorithms and AI methods. It also examines, in great detail, data preparation, simulation, experiments, evaluation methods, and applications. Algorithmic and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Protein Bioinformatics: * Highlights protein analysis applications such as protein-related drug activity comparison * Incorporates salient case studies illustrating how to apply the methods outlined in the book * Tackles the complex relationship between proteins from a systems biology point of view * Relates the topic to other emerging technologies such as data mining and visualization * Includes many tables and illustrations demonstrating concepts and performance figures Algorithmic and Artificial Intelligence Methods for Protein Bioinformatics is an essential reference for bioinformatics specialists in research and industry, and for anyone wishing to better understand the rich field of protein bioinformatics.