Protein phosphorylation analysis is a central theme in current analytical biochemistry, cell biology and systems biology. Due to its versatility, specificity and sensitivity, mass spectrometry has developed into a key technology in this field. A set of minor and major instrumental innovations mean that mass spectrometers now exhibit a level of performance, a stability of operation, a relative ease of use, and productivity, which would once have been hard to imagine. This book guides the reader through this prolific field by presenting a collection of personal views and selected examples which cover all the important principles with a focus on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. It covers: phosphorylation analysis at the peptide, protein and proteome level; manual and automated data evaluation; phosphopeptide enrichment; quantitative aspects; element mass spectrometry; individual analytical strategies, and hints to useful internet resources. This book provides students, graduate students, post-Docs and senior scientists from related areas with a better understanding on molecular protein phosphorylation analysis. Its highest aim is to strengthen the reader's ability to develop a personal, well-founded opinion on original manuscripts published in this field.

The general field of fundamental and applied biotechnology becomes increasingly important for the production of biologicals for human and veterinary use, by using prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. The papers in the present book are refereed articles compiled from oral and poster presentations from the EFB Meeting on Recombinant Protein Production with Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. A Comparative View on Host Physiology, which was organized in Semmering/A from 5th to 8th October 2000. A special feature of this meeting was the comparison of different classes of host cells, mainly bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, and animal cells, which made obvious that many physiological features of recombinant protein formation, like cell nutrition, stress responses, protein folding and secretion, or genetic stability, follow similar patterns in different expression systems. This comparative aspect is by far the point of most interest because such comparisons are rarely done, and if they are done, their results are most often kept secret by the companies who generated them. Audience: Presently, a comparable book does not exist because the compiling of manuscripts from all fields of biotechnology (prokaryotic as well as eukaryotic, up to animal cell biotechnology) is not done in general. This particularity makes this book very interesting for postgraduate students and professionals in the large field of biotechnology who want to get a more global view on the current state of the expression of recombinant biologicals in different host cell systems, the physiological problems associated with the use of different expression systems, potential approaches to solve such difficulties bymetabolic engineering or the use of other host cells, and the cooperation between process development and strain improvement, which is crucial for the optimisation of both the production strain and the process. This book should be in every library of an institution/organization involved in biotechnology.

The need for information in the understanding of membrane systems has been caused by three things - an increase in computer power; methodological developments and the recent expansion in the number of researchers working on it worldwide. However, there has been no up-to-date book that covers the application of simulation methods to membrane systems directly and this book fills an important void in the market. It provides a much needed update on the current methods and applications as well as highlighting recent advances in the way computer simulation can be applied to the field of membranes and membrane proteins. The objectives are to show how simulation methods can provide an important contribution to the understanding of these systems. The scope of the book is such that it covers simulation of membranes and membrane proteins, but also covers the more recent methodological developments such as coarse-grained molecular dynamics and multiscale approaches in systems biology. Applications embrace a range of biological processes including ion channel and transport proteins. The book is wide ranging with broad coverage and a strong coupling to experimental results wherever possible, including colour illustrations to highlight particular aspects of molecular structure. With an internationally respected list of authors, its publication is timely and it will prove indispensable to a large scientific readership.

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.

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.

Given the immense progress achieved in elucidating protein protein complex structures and in the field of protein interaction modeling, there is great demand for a book that gives interested researchers/students a comprehensive overview of the field. This book does just that. It focuses on what can be learned about protein protein interactions from the analysis of protein protein complex structures and interfaces. What are the driving forces for protein protein association? How can we extract the mechanism of specific recognition from studying protein protein interfaces? How can this knowledge be used to predict and design protein protein interactions (interaction regions and complex structures)? What methods are currently employed to design protein protein interactions, and how can we influence protein protein interactions by mutagenesis and small-molecule drugs or peptide mimetics? The book consists of about 15 review chapters, written by experts, on the characterization of protein protein interfaces, structure determination of protein complexes (by NMR and X-ray), theory of protein protein binding, dynamics of protein interfaces, bioinformatics methods to predict interaction regions, and prediction of protein protein complex structures (docking and homology modeling of complexes, etc.) and design of protein protein interactions. It serves as a bridge between studying/analyzing protein protein complex structures (interfaces), predicting interactions, and influencing/designing interactions.

Given the immense progress achieved in elucidating protein protein complex structures and in the field of protein interaction modeling, there is great demand for a book that gives interested researchers/students a comprehensive overview of the field. This book does just that. It focuses on what can be learned about protein protein interactions from the analysis of protein protein complex structures and interfaces. What are the driving forces for protein protein association? How can we extract the mechanism of specific recognition from studying protein protein interfaces? How can this knowledge be used to predict and design protein protein interactions (interaction regions and complex structures)? What methods are currently employed to design protein protein interactions, and how can we influence protein protein interactions by mutagenesis and small-molecule drugs or peptide mimetics? The book consists of about 15 review chapters, written by experts, on the characterization of protein protein interfaces, structure determination of protein complexes (by NMR and X-ray), theory of protein protein binding, dynamics of protein interfaces, bioinformatics methods to predict interaction regions, and prediction of protein protein complex structures (docking and homology modeling of complexes, etc.) and design of protein protein interactions. It serves as a bridge between studying/analyzing protein protein complex structures (interfaces), predicting interactions, and influencing/designing interactions.

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.

Human cells produce at least 30,000 different proteins. Each has a specific function characterized by a unique sequence and native conformation that allows it to perform that function. While research in this post-genomic era has created a deluge of invaluable information, the field has lacked for an authoritative introductory text needed to inform researchers and students in all of those fields now concerned with protein research. Introduction to Peptides and Proteins brings together some of the most respected researchers in protein science to present a remarkably coherent introduction to modern peptide and protein chemistry. The first sections of the book delve into - Basic peptide and protein science from assembly through degradation Traditional and emerging research methods including those used in bioinformatics and proteomics New computational approaches and algorithms used to find patterns in the vast data collected by sequencing projects After providing a foundation in tools and methods, the authors closely examine six protein families, including representative classes such as enzymes, cell-surface receptors, antibodies, fibrous proteins, and bioactive peptide classes. They concentrate on biochemical mechanisms and where possible indicate therapeutic or biotechnical possibilities. Then focusing on clinical aspects, the authors investigate misfolding as found in prion diseases, miscleavage as found in Alzheimer's, and mis-sequencing as found with some cancers. Drawing from some of their own research, the authors summarize recent achievements and emerging applications. They discuss the use of proteins and peptides as drugs and the solid-phase synthesis required for drug production. They also look at the use of peptides as functional biomolecules and research tools. No longer just th

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.

Experimental protein engineering and computational protein design are broad but complementary strategies for developing proteins with altered or novel structural properties and biological functions. By describing cutting-edge advances in both of these fields, Protein Engineering and Design aims to cultivate a synergistic approach to protein science. Experimental Protein Engineering The first half of the book discusses experimental approaches to protein engineering and starts by describing several high-throughput screening platforms for protein engineering. Key techniques used for diversity generation are also discussed. The next few chapters present examples of therapeutics, enzymes, biomaterials, and other proteins that have been engineered by rational or combinatorial approaches. The section finishes with a chapter on the use of non-natural amino acids in protein engineering. Computational Protein Design The second half of the book introduces computational protein design, beginning with a chapter on computational and informatics algorithms used in protein engineering. Core components of computational protein design are then discussed in detail, and examples of heuristic protein design are provided. Subsequent chapters present examples of how computational design has played a critical role in advancing the field of protein engineering. Concluding with a chapter outlining current challenges in the field, this book makes computational protein design and diversity-oriented protein engineering widely accessible to a broad audience in academia and industry alike.

Often considered the workhorse of the cellular machinery, proteins are responsible for functions ranging from molecular motors to signaling. The broad recognition of their involvement in all cellular processes has led to focused efforts to predict their functions from sequences, and if available, from their structures. An overview of current research directions, Computational Protein-Protein Interactions examines topics in the prediction of protein-protein interactions, including interference with protein-protein interactions and their design. Explores Computational Approaches to Understanding Protein-Protein Interactions Outlining fundamental and applied aspects of the usefulness of computations when approaching protein-protein interactions, this book incorporates different views of the same biochemical problem from sequence to structure to energetics. It covers protein-protein interaction prediction and dynamics, design, drug design for inhibition, and uses for the prediction of function. The text provides general chapters that overview the topic and also includes advanced material. The chapters detail the complexity of protein interaction studies and discuss potential caveats. Addresses the Next Big Problem in Molecular Biology While it is important to predict protein associations, this is a daunting task. Edited by two experts in the field and containing contributions from those at the forefront of research, the book provides a basic outline of major directions in computational protein-protein interactions research at the heart of functional genomics and crucial for drug discovery. It addresses the next big problem in molecular biology: how to create links between all the pieces of the cell jigsaw puzzle.

Since the conceptualization of the electromagnetic spectrum and development of the magnetron, microwave energy has been utilized in many aspects and disciplines of science. Although adopted by multiple industries over the past quarter of a century, it is only within the past few years that microwave irradiation has been evaluated as a useful tool for the biochemical and chemical preparation of proteins and other bio-molecules for proteomics and in particular mass spectrometric analysis. This book is an introduction to microwave-assisted bio-analytical methods with an emphasis on sample preparation for proteomic analyses. Its objective is to provide a history and background for the methods described and the book summarizes the development and application of these protocols from both the literature in this field as well as from the experiences of a variety of laboratories conducting microwave-assisted protocols. It describes the evolution and integration of microwave energy into the biosciences with particular emphasis on the proteomic arena and an in depth evaluation of a variety of techniques within the field of proteomics which benefit from microwave-irradiation is given. In addition to describing the evolution of the microwave-assisted methodologies, the book also offers a concise protocol section with practical advice on how to implement these methods in any laboratory. Mechanisms of action as well as an overview of the types of instrumentation available are described to help the reader develop the best experimental design for their own budget and experimental aims. Microwave-assisted proteomics is a rapidly evolving field and this book captures the main areas that fall under this emerging arena.

This unique text introduces students and researchers to the world of misfolded proteins, toxic oligomers, and amyloid assemblages, and the diseases of the brain that result. During the past few years the connections between failures in protein quality control and neurological disorders have been reinforced and strengthened by discoveries on multiple fronts. These findings provide novel insights on how amyloidogenic oligomers and fibrils form, interconvert from one state to another, and propagate from cell to cell and region to region. Starting with protein folding and protein quality control basics, the reader will learn how misfolded proteins can cause diseases ranging from prion diseases to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease to Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Authoritative but written in a clear and engaging style, Fundamentals of Neurodegeneration and Protein Misfolding Disorders addresses one of today's forefront areas of science and medicine. The text emphasizes the new groundbreaking biophysical and biochemical methods that enable molecular-level explorations and the conceptual breakthroughs that result. It contains separate chapters on each of the major disease classes. Special emphasis is placed on those factors and themes that are common to the diseases, especially failures in synaptic transmission, mitochondrial control, and axonal transport; breakdowns in RNA processing; the potential role of environmental factors; and the confounding effects of neuroinflammation. The book is ideal for use in teaching at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, and serves as a comprehensive reference for a broad audience of students and researchers in neuroscience, molecular biology, biological physics and biomedical engineering.

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.

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.

Protein misfolding is a key feature of many disorders in humans, given that over twenty proteins are known to misfold and cause disease. In "Protein Folding, Misfolding, and Disease: Methods and Protocols," experts in the field present a collection of current methods for studying the analysis of protein folding and misfolding, featuring strategies for expressing and refolding recombinant proteins which can then be utilized in subsequent experiments. This detailed volume also covers methods for analyzing the formation of amyloid, protocols for determining the size and structure of native and misfolded proteins, as well as specific examples of where misfolded proteins can be examined using state-of -the-art technologies. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Up to date and authoritative, "Protein Folding, Misfolding, and Disease: Methods and Protocols" offers researchers the tools necessary to move ahead in this vital field."

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 22 presents six review chapters authored by experts in related fields. The first chapter covers carotenoid-protein interactions. Chapter two addresses the non-continuum of eukaryotic transcriptional regulation. The third chapter reviews the structure of the regulatory and catalytic domains of the photoreceptor phosphodiesterase (PDE6) holoenzyme. Chapter four reviews the current knowledge on small molecule compounds that have been evaluated as rhodopsin modulators to be considered as leads for the development of novel therapies for retinitis pigmentosa. Chapter five deals with Plasticity-associated functionality and inhibition of the HIV protease. Finally, chapter six covers single-run catalysis and kinetic control of human telomerase holoenzyme. 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 book presents pioneering findings on the characterization of cellular regulation and function for three recently identified protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs): lysine malonylation (Kmal), glutarylation (Kglu) and crotonylation (Kcr). It addresses three main topics: (i) Detecting Kmal substrates using a chemical reporter, which provides important information regarding the complex cellular networks modulated by Kmal; (ii) Identifying Kglu as a new histone PTM and assessing the direct impact of histone Kglu on chromatin structure and dynamics; and (iii) Revealing Sirt3's value as a regulating enzyme for histone Kcr dynamics and gene transcription, which opens new avenues for examining the physiological significance of histone Kcr. Taken together, these studies provide information critical to understanding how these protein PTMs are associated with various human diseases, and to identifying therapeutic targets for the dysregulation of these novel protein markers in various human diseases.

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.

This book explores the broad and diverse biological and physiological impacts of established and newly discovered cyclic di-nucleotide second messenger signaling systems, while also providing descriptions of the intriguing biochemical characteristics of multiple turnover enzymes and receptors. The respective chapters discuss the commonalities and diversity of cyclic di-GMP, cyclic di-AMP and recently discovered cyclic GMP-AMP signaling systems in manifold Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The global human pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the facultative human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, global plant pathogens as exemplified by Xanthomonas campestris and Burkholderia spp., and the omnipresent probiotic Lactobacilli, as well as environmentally important photoautotrophic cyanobacteria, the multicellular Myxococcus xanthus, and chemolithotrophic Acidithiobacillus are among the representatives of the microbial kingdom that are described. In turn, the various aspects of bacterial physiology affected by these signaling systems- e.g. biofilm formation and dispersal, the cell cycle, motility, virulence, production of antimicrobials, fundamental metabolism and osmohomeostasis - are discussed in detail in the context of different microorganisms. Dedicated chapters focus on the population diversity of cyclic dinucleotide signaling systems, their tendency to be horizontally transferred, the cyclic di-GMP signaling system in the social amoeba Dictyostelium, honorary cyclic (di)nucleotides, and the development of strategies for interfering with cyclic dinucleotide signaling in order to manipulate microbial behavior. Taken together, the chapters provide an authoritative source of information for a broad readership: beginners and advanced researchers from various disciplines; individuals seeking a broad overview of cyclic di-nucleotide signaling; and those who want to learn more about specific aspects. Also featuring reviews with a forward-looking perspective, the book offers a valuable source of inspiration for future research directions.

DNA (sometimes referred to as the molecule of life), is the most interesting and most important of all molecules. Electrochemistry of Nucleic Acids and Proteins: Towards Electrochemical Sensors for Genomics and Proteomics is devoted to the electrochemistry of DNA and RNA and to the development of sensors for detecting DNA damage and DNA hybridization. Volume 1, in the brand new series Perspectives in Bioanalysis, looks at the electroanalytical chemistry of nucleic acids and proteins, development of electrochemical sensors and their application in biomedicine and in the new fields of genomics and proteomics. The authors have expertly formatted the information for a wide variety of readers, including new developments that will inspire students and young scientists to create new tools for science and medicine in the 21st century.
* Covers highly sophisticated methods of electrochemical analysis of nucleic acids and proteins
* Summarises the present state of electrochemical analysis of nucleic acids and proteins
* Includes future trends in the electrochemical analysis in genomics and proteomics

Proteomics and peptidomics is the detailed understanding of the role that proteins and peptides play in health and disease and is a necessary compliment to genetic analysis. The functional expression analysis of both proteins and peptides plays a central role in modern drug discovery as well as drug development, and is also a key research area in systems biology. Proteomics and Peptidomics captures the width as well as the depth within the area and exemplifies the variety as well as the traditional basis of analytical chemistry that is needed in order to move forward in expression analysis studies. As a fast emerging field, it gives and overview of parts within the field combined with highly specialized and dedicated topics that are intended to compliment each other.

Utilizing high speed computational methods to extrapolate to the rest of the protein universe, the knowledge accumulated on a subset of examples, protein bioinformatics seeks to accomplish what was impossible before its invention, namely the assignment of functions or functional hypotheses for all known proteins. The Ten Most Wanted Solutions in Protein Bioinformatics considers the ten most significant problems occupying those looking to identify the biological properties and functional roles of proteins. -Problem One considers the challenge involved with detecting the existence of an evolutionary relationship between proteins. -Two and Three studies the detection of local similarities between protein sequences and analysis in order to determine functional assignment. -Four, Five, and Six look at how the knowledge of the three-dimensional structures of proteins can be experimentally determined or inferred, and then exploited to understand the role of a protein. -Seven and Eight explore how proteins interact with each other and with ligands, both physically and logically. -Nine moves us out of the realm of observation to discuss the possibility of designing completely new proteins tailored to specific tasks. -And lastly, Problem Ten considers ways to modify the functional properties of proteins. After summarizing each problem, the author looks at and evaluates the current approaches being utilized, before going on to consider some potential approaches. introbul Features

Using a geometric perspective, Protein Geometry, Classification, Topology, and Symmetry reviews and analyzes the structural principals of proteins with the goal of revealing the underlying regularities in their construction. It also reviews computer methods for structure analysis and the automatic comparison and classification of these structures with an analysis of the statistical significance of comparing different shapes. Following an analysis of the current state of protein classification, the authors explore more abstract geometric and topological representations, including the occurrence of knotted topologies. The book concludes with a consideration of the origin of higher-level symmetries in protein structure. The authors focus on simple geometric methods that are deterministic rather than probabilistic and on the more abstract simplifications of protein structure that allow a better understanding of the overall fold of the structure. Most of the methods described in this book have corresponding computer programs. These can be found (as C source code) at the ftp site of the Division of Mathematical Biology at the National Institute for Medical Research. This collection of ideas contains pedagogical material that make it ideal for post-graduate courses as well as new ideas and results essential for researchers investigating protein structures.