Cellular adhesion is a fundamental process that influences numerous biological activities such as morphogenesis, cell motility and division, as well as signalling. In addition, adhesion is a process important not only in normal physiology and development, but also in disease states such as tumourigenesis, cardiovascular disease, inflammation and infection. There are a plethora of proteins involved in adhesion-related events with a huge diversity in function. As a result, a wide variety of techniques exist to study adhesion related proteins and processes. In Adhesion Protein Protocols, Third Edition, chapters cover techniques to gain insight into the complex and incompletely understood processes that are involved in cellular adhesion. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Adhesion Protein Protocols, Third Edition will be useful for both those new to the field of adhesion protein research as well as the more experienced scientist.

The activity of many biopharmaceutical polymers is dependent on conformation, and the next several years will see increased interest in the conformational analysis of these polymers resulting from the development of biosimilar or "follow-on" biological products. While a wide variety of approaches to analysis exists, finding the most viable ones would be much easier with a consolidated reference that details the benefits and cost of each approach, with an emphasis on real results and real products. Explores the Growing Role of Conformational Analysis in Comparing Generic Biopharmaceuticals Approaches to the Conformational Analysis of Biopharmaceuticals gathers the most useful techniques and methods into a single volume, putting the greatest emphasis on those approaches that have proven the most fruitful. Rather than cover specific uses of techniques in detail, this book provides commercial biotechnologists and researchers with the information and references they need to make good choices about the technology they choose to use. With a large number of references that direct readers to primary source material, it includes studies drawn from the gamut of current literature, covering physical methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry, light scanning, and analytical ultracentrifugation. It also addresses chemical methods, such as hydrogen-deuterium exchange and trace labeling, along with infrared, ultraviolet, and Raman spectroscopy. Written by Roger Lundblad, a true pioneer in protein science, this volume supplies the necessary information researchers need to access when deciding on the most cost-effective approach, including: Comparability of biopharmaceuticals Characterization of follow-on biologics Quality attributes of protein biopharmaceuticals Confrontational analysis of biopharmaceutical products With a clear focus on relevant commercial biotechnology, this book belongs on the shelves of those serious researchers who are paving the way for the next generation of biopharmaceutical polymers.

This book provides a comprehensive coverage of the basic principles of structural biology, as well as an up-to-date summary of some main directions of research in the field. The relationship between structure and function is described in detail for soluble proteins, membrane proteins, membranes, and nucleic acids.There are several books covering protein structure and function, but none that give a complete picture, including nucleic acids, lipids, membranes and carbohydrates, all being of central importance in structural biology.The book covers state-of-the-art research in various areas. It is unique for its breadth of coverage by experts in the fields. The book is richly illustrated with more than 400 color figures to highlight the wide range of structures.

The Protein Reviews series serves as a publication vehicle for reviews that focus on crucial contemporary and vital aspects of protein structure, function, evolution and genetics. Volumes are published online first, prior to publication in a printed book. Chapters are selected according to their importance to the understanding of biological systems, relevance to the unravelling of issues associated with health and disease, or impact on scientific or technological advances and developments. Volume 21 presents eight review chapters authored by experts in the related fields. The first chapter covers the enzyme squalene monooxygenase and lipid levels and its relevance in health and disease. Chapter two presents a systematic analysis of the structural and functional aspects of heteromeric solute carriers. The third chapter provides a review of the role of CI- in type IV collagen assembly, function, and disease, including future directions for studies. This is followed by a summary in chapter four about the recent progress on defining the roles of the Slit-Robo signaling in bone metabolism and the possible roles of the interaction between Robo and neural epidermal growth factor-like proteins. Chapter five discusses recent data about the evolutionary aspects on structural differences between humans and the nematode in relation to previous knowledge of core proteins and GAG-attachment sites in Chn and CS proteoglycans of C.elegans and humans. The sixth chapter summarizes the immunochemical character of the IGHV1-69-derived RFs and the recognition mechanism of the IGHV1-69-derived RFs. Chapter seven covers regulated alternative translocation and its role as an emerging mechanism to regulate transmembrane proteins. Finally, chapter eight reviews current progress on IL-36 protein and biology and novel investigative tools. This volume is intended for research scientists, clinicians, physicians and graduate students in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology and genetics.

This detailed collection covers how the biological functions of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone acetyltransferases (HATs) can be detected in various experimental settings, both in vivo and in vitro. The book also covers the generation and specificity of deacetylase inhibitors and how such agents can be used to test experimental hypotheses. Written for the popular 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, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and practical, HDAC/HAT Function Assessment and Inhibitor Development: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to this vital area of study.

This book reviews the recent advances in the development of proteomics-based biomarkers for the non-invasive diagnosis of altitude sickness and explores the potential of antioxidant therapy for this sickness. The first chapters introduce the associated pathophysiology and provide mechanistic insights into the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which leads to an increase in oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. The book then highlights the current problems relating to the diagnosis and treatment of altitude sickness and summarizes novel approaches for identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutics. Lastly, it explores the therapeutic efficacy of antioxidant agents.

The aim of the Protein Reviews is to serve as a publication vehicle for review articles that focus on crucial current vigorous aspects of protein structure, function, evolution and genetics. The volumes will appear online before they are published in a printed book. Articles are selected according to their importance to the understanding of biological systems, their relevance to the unravelling of issues associated with health and disease or their impact on scientific or technological advances and developments. The chapters in volume 18 are authored by experts in the field. They deal with aspects of structure and/or biological activity of selected proteins. The chapters review current research of the following topics: the Mechanism of channel gating and regulation of the activity of calcium-activated chloride channel ANO1, Structure and function of the two-component cytotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus, Membrane Fusion and Infection involving the influenza virus hemagglutinin, The impact of arrhythmogenic mutations through the structural determination of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, Discussion of some open questions pertaining to histone post-translational modifications and nucleosome organization in transcriptional regulation, Regulation of the extracellular SERPINA5 (protein C inhibitor) penetration through cellular membranes, Coding of Class I and II aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, Nephrin phosphorylation in diabetes and chronic kidney injury, The structure-forming juncture in oxidative protein folding and the events in the ER, The polyspecificity of anti-lipid antibodies and its relevance to the development of autoimmunity. This volume is intended for research scientists, clinicians, physicians and graduate students in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology and genetics.

The Latest Developments on the Role of Dynamics in Protein Functions Computational Approaches to Protein Dynamics: From Quantum to Coarse-Grained Methods presents modern biomolecular computational techniques that address protein flexibility/dynamics at all levels of theory. An international contingent of leading researchers in chemistry, physics, and biology show how these advanced methods provide insights into dynamic aspects of biochemical processes. A particular focus is on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which lack a well-defined three-dimensional structure and function as dynamic ensembles. The book covers a wide spectrum of dynamics, from electronic structure-based to coarse-grained techniques via multiscaling at different levels. After an introduction to dynamics and historical overview of basic methodologies, the book addresses the following issues: Is there a quantitative relationship between enzymatic catalysis and protein dynamics? Which are the functionally relevant motions of proteins? How can structural properties and partner recognition mechanisms of IDPs be simulated? How can we speed up molecular dynamics? How can we describe conformational ensembles by the synergistic effort of computations and experiments? While dynamics is now considered essential for interpreting protein action, it is not yet an integral component in establishing structure-function relationships of proteins. Helping to reshape this classical view in biochemistry, this groundbreaking book explores advances in computational methodology and contributes to the new, ensemble way of studying proteins.

Protein folding and aggregation is the process by which newly synthesized proteins fold into the specific three-dimensional structures defining their biologically active states. It has always been a major focus of research in biochemistry and has often been seen as the unsolved second part of the genetic code. In the last 10 years we have witnessed a quantum leap in the research in this exciting area. Computational methods have improved to the extent of making possible to simulate the complete folding process of small proteins and the early stages of protein aggregation. Experimental methods have evolved to permit resolving fast processes of folding reactions and visualizing single molecules during folding. The findings from these novel experiments and detailed computer simulations have confirmed the main predictions of analytical theory of protein folding. In summary, protein folding research has finally acquired the status of a truly quantitative science, paving the way for more exciting developments in the near future. This unique book covers all the modern approaches and the many advances experienced in the field during the last 10 years. There is also much emphasis on computational methods and studies of protein aggregation which have really flourished in the last decade. It includes chapters in the areas that have witnessed major developments and are written by top experts including:computer simulations of folding, fast folding, single molecule spectroscopy, protein design, aggregation studies (both computational and experimental). Readers will obtain a unique perspective of the problems faced in the biophysical study of protein conformational behaviour in aqueous solution and how these problems are being solved with a multidisciplinary approach that combines theory, experiment and computer simulations. Protein Folding, Misfolding and Aggregation Classical Themes and Novel Approaches is essential reading for graduate students actively involved in protein folding research, other scientists interested in the recent progress of the field and instructors revamping the protein folding section of their biochemistry and biophysics courses.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

"Have you tried peptides? Small proteins, the best in the land! Won't you try peptides? Keep all your body processes in hand! For labor and lactation oxytocin you must buy! Enkephalin always gives a good runner's high! So won't you try peptides? Small proteins, the best in the land!" The above words [1], penned by Gary Gisselman to open Peptide Angst: La Triviata, the opera which made its world premiere on July 1, 1999, also serve as a fitting charge to the th 16 American Peptide Symposium. This latest edition of a premier biennial series was held under the auspices of the American Peptide Society, June 26-July 1, 1999, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis,Minnesota, with the undersigned serving as Co-Chairs. The fortunate coincidence of the calendar allowed us to set as the theme "Peptides for the New Millennium", and in our judgment, the approximately 1200 participants [2] who converged in the Twin Cities from academic and industrial institutions in 36 countries were treated to an exciting and stimulating conference that left most everyone with an enthusiastic vision for the future of our field. The present Proceedings volume should serve as a handy reference source and succinct snapshot of peptide science at essentially its century mark - the clock having started with the initial contributions of Emil Fischer and Th. Curtius.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Series provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic. A volume can focus on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones. A hormone is interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others can be reviewed. This volume focuses on nociceptin opioid.

The rapid advances in recombinant DNA technology and the increasing availability of peptides and proteins with therapeutic potential are a challenge for pharmaceutical scientists who have to formulate these compounds as drug products.

Pharmaceutical Formulation Development of Peptides and Proteins, Second Edition discusses the development of therapeutic peptides and proteins, from the production of active compounds via basic pre-formulation and formulation to the registration of the final product.

Providing integrated solutions, this book discusses:

• The synthesis of peptides and the biotechnological production of proteins through recombinant DNA technology
• The physicochemical characteristics and stability of peptides and proteins
• The formulation of proteins as suspensions, solutions, and (mostly freeze-dried) solids
• The opportunities and challenges of non-parenteral delivery of peptides and proteins
• Risk factors, specifically the development of an unwanted immune response
• A simulation approach to describe the fate of peptides and proteins upon administration to a biological system
• The documentation required to register a protein-based drug

Scientists in the pharmaceutical industry and academia as well as postgraduate students in pharmaceutical science will find this a valuable resource.

Structural Glycobiology covers the experimental, theoretical, and alternative technologies used in the study of the structural basis for the diverse biological roles of carbohydrates. The book overviews the application of specialized technologies to the study of carbohydrates in biology, reviews relevant and current research in the field, and is illustrated throughout by specific examples of how research investigations have yielded key structural and associated biological data on carbohydrates and glycolipids. In particular, the book focuses on:

• X-ray crystallography and small-angle scattering, NMR, and cryo-electron microscopy techniques
• Theoretical (modeling-based) approaches, such as molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, free energy calculations, and carbohydrate docking
• Alternative techniques for yielding structural information on carbohydrates from complex biological samples
• Carbohydrates in medicine, specifically in areas that have been directly impacted by our understanding of the structural role of carbohydrates in immune recognition: cancer, organ transplantation, and infection

This book discusses the European Union's approach to governance reform in its development assistance relationships with various groups of developing countries. A group of expert authors outline the general features of the position on governance taken by the EU, which is currently the major multilateral donor of development assistance, and discuss the implementation of EU policies in a set of cases: the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD), Southeastern Europe, Central Asia, the Euro-Mediterranean, Latin America and fragile states. The contributions to the book argue that the EU's position on governance reform, particularly since the adoption of the European Consensus on Development in 2005, has had distinctly neoliberal overtones. The EU's governance-related strategies have been instrumental to deepening market-based reform in aid-receiving countries. Policies on state-building adopted by the EU reflect mainly the interests of and ideas embraced by the EU and its member states. To an important extent, the rhetoric accompanying EU policies does not match with the political and social dynamics inherent in governance structures on the ground in many of its aid-recipient partner countries. This book was published as a special issue of Third World Quarterly.

Glycans play a vital role in modulating protein structure and function from involvement in protein folding, solubility and stability to regulation of tissue distribution, recognition specificity, and biological activity. They can act as both positive and negative regulators of protein function, providing an additional level of control with respect to genetic and environmental conditions. Due to the complexity of glycosylated protein forms, elucidating structural and functional information has been challenging task for researchers but recent development of chemical biology-based tools and techniques is bridging these knowledge gaps. This book provides a thorough review of the current state of glycoprotein chemical biology, describing the development and application of glycoprotein and glycan synthesis technologies for understanding and manipulating protein glycosylation.

Bread, pasta, noodles ... some of the many ways in which humans consume wheat after processing has taken place. The gluten proteins of wheat grain, which determine the processing properties of wheat flour, have been the subject of intensive study for many years. The structures, genetics and functional properties of this unique group of proteins are the focus of this book. Providing a unique "snapshot" of the most exciting current research in the area, this wide-ranging book encompasses topics such as biotechnology; analysis, purification and characterization; quality testing; and environmental impacts. Contributions come from academia, government laboratories and industry throughout the world, and will be welcomed by practitioners in a variety of fields including the food, biological and agricultural sciences.

Although introduction of amino acid chelates in mineral nutrition initially met considerable skepticism and controversy, the greater absorption and bioavailability of amino acid chelated minerals compared to nonchelated minerals have been well-documented for decades. Amino Acid Chelation in Human and Animal Nutrition compiles published chemical, nutritional, and clinical studies with new unpublished research. It interprets the combined data for the first time to explain why the body responds to an amino acid chelate differently than it does to inorganic metal salts. Focusing on digestion, the book follows how chelates are absorbed from the stomach and intestines into the mucosal tissue, their movement from the mucosal tissue into the blood, and uptake into tissue and organ cells. Amino Acid Chelation in Human and Animal Nutrition compares amino acid chelate absorption and metabolism and that of inorganic salts of the same minerals. This book mainly focuses on the ingestion of amino acid metal chelates as a way to optimize mineral absorption, but it also provides a fundamental discussion of chelation chemistry. The author includes his own results, as well as alternate interpretations of the results of numerous studies of animal and human amino acid mineral chelate digestion and absorption. The views published in this book are solely the author's views and do not reflect the views of his company, Albion Laboratories.

With potentially high specificity and low toxicity, biologicals offer promising alternatives to small-molecule drugs. Peptide therapeutics have again become the focus of innovative drug development efforts backed up by a resurgence of venture funds and small biotechnology companies. What does it take to develop a peptide-based medicine? What are the key challenges and how are they overcome? What are emerging therapeutics for peptide modalities? This book answers these questions with a holistic story from molecules to medicine, combining the themes of design, synthesis and clinical applications of peptide-based therapeutics and biomarkers. Chapters are written and edited by leaders in the field from industry and academia and they cover the pharmacokinetics of peptide therapeutics, attributes necessary for commercially successful metabolic peptides, medicinal chemistry strategies for the design of peptidase-resistant peptide analogues, disease classes for which peptide therapeutic are most relevant, and regulatory issues and guidelines. The critical themes covered provide essential background information on what it takes to develop peptide-based medicine from a chemistry perspective and views on the future of peptide drugs. This book will be a valuable resource not only as a reference book for the researcher engaged in academic and pharmaceutical setting, from basic research to manufacturing and from organic chemistry to biotechnology, but also a valuable resource to graduate students to understand discovery and development process for peptide-based medicine.

Since the publication of the first edition of Chemistry of Protein Conjugation and Cross-Linking in 1991, new cross-linking reagents, notably multifunctional cross-linkers, have been developed and synthesized. The completion of the human genome project has opened a new area for studying nucleic acid and protein interactions using nucleic acid cross-linking reagents, and advances have also been made in the area of biosensors and microarray biochips for the detection and analysis of genes, proteins, and carbohydrates. In addition, developments in physical techniques with unprecedented sensitivity and resolution have facilitated the analysis of cross-linked products.

Updated to reflect the advances of the 21st century, this book offers:

• An overview of the chemical principles underlying the processes of cross-linking and conjugation
• A thorough list of cross-linking reagents published in the literature since the first edition, covering monofunctional, homobifunctional, heterobifunctional, multifunctional, and zero-length cross-linkers
• Reviews of the use of these reagents in studying protein tertiary structures, geometric arrangements of subunits within complex proteins and nucleic acids, near-neighbor analysis, protein-to-protein or ligand-receptor interactions, and conformational changes of biomolecules
• Discusses the application of immunoconjugation for immunoassays, immunotoxins for targeted therapy, microarray technology for analysis of various biomolecules, and solid state chemistry for immobilizations

Glutamine: Biochemistry, Physiology, and Clinical Applications describes the different functions of glutamine (Gln) in animals and humans. Gln is both a nutrient and a signaling molecule, and its functions go beyond those of a simple metabolic fuel or protein precursor. This book has gathered together, in an unbiased and critical manner, all the available evidence and research on Gln including pathology (neurological diseases, intestinal diseases, critical illness, and cancer), physiology (successful aging), catabolic states, immunity, and exercise. Special attention is given to the potential benefit of Gln in states of insulin resistance and the role of Gln as a "conditionally essential" amino acid. The contributors are either pioneers or experts in the area of Gln from all around the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, China, and the United States. This book is a valuable source of information for nutrition scientists, medical doctors, sports scientists, food scientists, dietitians, and anyone interested in nutrition. It is also a valuable resource for students in these fields and will be an important addition to university libraries.

How Proteins Work is an up-to-date and authoritative account of protein function in living systems, explained within the governing parameters of physics, chemistry, and evolution. This text will enable advanced undergraduate students in biochemistry and biophysics to understand the relationships among protein function, structure, and dynamics. It will also serve as a valuable resource for graduate students and researchers looking for a reference on the fundamentals underlying protein function. By providing an integrated view of proteins at both a cellular and systemic level, this textbook shows how evolution drives proteins to adopt domain structures that combine to achieve biological outcomes. The association of proteins into dimers, molecular machines, and multi-enzymatic complexes enables them to achieve catalytic and functional efficiency.

The adipokines (also called adipocytokines), are a group of peptides secreted by adipose tissue. They have diverse roles, from the cell to the whole body. The book is designed for health scientists, doctors, physiologists, immunologists, biochemists, college and university teachers and lecturers, undergraduates and graduates. The chapters are written either by experts or specialists in their field.

Translational Urinomics provides an overview of urine analysis using proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics or any combination thereof for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases related to the urinary system and the kidneys. The text approaches urine biomarkers from a new perspective, incorporating up-to-date studies of mass-spectrometry-based biomarker discovery as well as the latest advances in personalized medicine. The integration of technology-driven techniques, such as OMICS also provides a unique opportunity for improved diagnostics accuracy of urinary-related diseases. For nephrologists and urologists looking for new approaches to well-known problems, this edited volume serves as a valuable guide.

The role of metal ions in protein folding and structure is a critical topic to a range of scientists in numerous fields, particularly those working in structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry, those studying protein folding and disease, and those involved in the molecular and cellular aspects of metals in biological systems. Protein Folding and Metal Ions: Mechanisms, Biology and Disease presents the contributions of a cadre of international experts who offer a comprehensive exploration of this timely subject at the forefront of current research. Divided into four sections, this volume: Provides case study examples of protein folding and stability studies in particular systems or proteins that comprise different metal ions of co-factors Reviews the proteins that shuttle metal ions in the cell to a particular target metalloprotein Illustrates how metal binding can be connected to pathological protein conformations in unrelated diseases, from cancer to protein deposition disorders such as Parkinson's disease Addresses protein redesign of metal-containing proteins by computational methods, folding simulation studies, and work on model peptides - dissecting the relative energetic contribution of metals sites to protein folding and stability Together, the 13 chapters in this text cogently describe the state of the science today, illuminate current challenges, propose future possibilities, and encourage further study in this area that offers much promise especially with regard to novel approaches to the treatment of some of the most challenging and tragic diseases.