Mitochondria have traditionally been associated with metabolic functions; however recent research has uncovered a central role for these organelles in cell signaling, cell survival, and cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a factor in a myriad of pathophysiological conditions, including age-related neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Mitochondrial Signaling in Health and Disease examines themes essential for the maintenance of the mitochondrial redox (reduction-oxidation) energy axis.

With contributions from an impressive cadre of internationally recognized scientists, the book discusses coordinated mitochondrial functions that regulate cell function by discrete signaling pathways. Topics discussed include:

• Electron transport and energy production
• Mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics
• Mitochondrial signaling
• Apoptosis and autophagy
• Pharmacology signaling
• Epigenetic signaling: mitochondrial methylation and acetylation reactions

An essential resource for life and health scientists as well as pharmaceutical industry professionals, this volume highlights the importance of mitochondrial signaling and its role in establishing a harmonized communication between several cellular compartments. The information in this volume is critical to those developing mitochondrion-targeted therapies aimed at assuaging mitochondrial dysfunction or the specific factors contributing to its dysfunction.

Micronutrients and Brain Health addresses cutting-edge research related to processes of oxidative stress that affect brain function, an area of increasing significance for those concerned and involved with public health and translational medicine. Edited by four leading micronutrient researchers, the book brings together the investigative work of more than 70 leading researchers from across the world. Chapters identify brain-specific micronutrients that support function as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their neuroprotectant activity. These explore age-related metabolic pathways, mitochondrial nutrients, neurodegeneration and micronutrients, cell signaling, and neuronal functions. General chapters are included on brain structure, function, and metabolism, while several other chapters are devoted to the role of specific micronutrients. The book explores how brain micronutrients are found to be both metabolic and redox regulators, thereby establishing a cross-talk between the major pathways involved in modulation of cell signaling and gene expression. Specific areas of research covered include: Uses of nutritional interventions to target age-related neuronal and behavioral deficits Effects of various micronutrients on Alzheimer's disease, including lipoic acid, green tea, and Ginkgo biloba extracts Nutrients specific to essential mitochondrial functions Cognitive and behavioral consequences of iron deficiency with specific emphasis on women of reproductive age Omega-3 fatty acids and their relation to brain function in the elderly Challenges inherent in the development of neuroprotective-neurorescue drugs This book belongs to the groundbreaking CRC Press Series on Oxidative Stress and Disease. The series now includes more than two dozen volumes that address increasing evidence regarding the multiple ways that oxidative stress initiates and accelerates disease mechanisms. Most importantly, this book, like the series, offers invaluable information regarding nutritional and lifestyle choices, and pharmaceutical interventions that can be employed to prevent, control, and even ameliorate disease processes attributed to oxidative stress.

These new volumes of Methods in Enzymology (554 and 555) on Hydrogen Sulfide Signaling continue the legacy established by previous volumes on another gasotransmitter, nitric oxide (Methods in Enzymology volumes 359, 396, 440, and 441), with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field of hydrogen sulfide research. These volumes of Methods in Enzymology were designed as a compendium for hydrogen sulfide detection methods, the pharmacological activity of hydrogen sulfide donors, the redox biochemistry of hydrogen sulfide and its metabolism in mammalian tissues, the mechanisms inherent in hydrogen sulfide cell signaling and transcriptional pathways, and cell signaling in specific systems, such as cardiovascular and nervous system as well as its function in inflammatory responses. Two chapters are also devoted to hydrogen sulfide in plants and a newcomer, molecular hydrogen, its function as a novel antioxidant.

These new volumes of Methods in Enzymology (554 and 555) on Hydrogen Sulfide Signaling continue the legacy established by previous volumes on another gasotransmitter, nitric oxide (Methods in Enzymology volumes 359, 396, 440, and 441), with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field of hydrogen sulfide research. These volumes of Methods in Enzymology were designed as a compendium for hydrogen sulfide detection methods, the pharmacological activity of hydrogen sulfide donors, the redox biochemistry of hydrogen sulfide and its metabolism in mammalian tissues, the mechanisms inherent in hydrogen sulfide cell signaling and transcriptional pathways, and cell signaling in specific systems, such as cardiovascular and nervous system as well as its function in inflammatory responses. Two chapters are also devoted to hydrogen sulfide in plants and a newcomer, molecular hydrogen, its function as a novel antioxidant.

In the past few years there has been the increased recognition that the effects of oxidative stress are not limited to the damage of cellular constituents. There is now evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can alter cell function by acting upon the intermediates, or second messengers, in signal transductions. Such effects on signaling mechanisms probably account for the role of oxidative stress in inflammation, aging, and cancer. This volume brings together internationally recognized researchers in both the major areas covered by the book, oxidative stress and signal transduction. The work is organized in three sections. The first deals with the immediate cellular responses to oxidative stress and the production of second messengers. The second details the connection between second messengers and the gene. The third part looks more closely at the level of the gene.

In the past few years there has been the increased recognition that the effects of oxidative stress are not limited to the damage of cellular constituents. There is now evidence that reactive oxygen species (ROS) can alter cell function by acting upon the intermediates, or second messengers, in signal transductions. Such effects on signaling mechanisms probably account for the role of oxidative stress in inflammation, aging, and cancer. This volume brings together internationally recognized researchers in both the major areas covered by the book, oxidative stress and signal transduction. The work is organized in three sections. The first deals with the immediate cellular responses to oxidative stress and the production of second messengers. The second details the connection between second messengers and the gene. The third part looks more closely at the level of the gene.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This is the third of three volumes on hydrogen peroxide and cell signaling, and includes chapters on such topics as the biological chemistry of hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species in the activation of MAP kinases, and investigating the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating autophagy.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers hydrogen peroxide and cell signalingContains chapters on such topics as the biological chemistry of hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species in the activation of MAP kinases, and investigating the role of reactive oxygen species in regulating autophagy

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This is the second of three volumes on hydrogen peroxide and cell signaling, and includes chapters on such topics as the cellular steady-state of H2O2, evaluating peroxiredoxin sensitivity towards inactivation by peroxide substrates, and peroxiredoxins as preferential targets in H2O2-induced signaling.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers hydrogen peroxide and cell signalingContains chapters on such topics asthe cellular steady-state of H2O2, evaluating peroxiredoxin sensitivity towards inactivation by peroxide substrates, and peroxiredoxins as preferential targets in H2O2-induced signaling
"

This volume, along with its companion (volume 475), presents methods and protocols dealing with thiol oxidation-reduction reactions and their implications as they relate tocell signaling. This firstinstallment of Cadenas and Packer's two-volume treatment specifically deals with glutathionylation and dethiolation, and peroxide removal by peroxiredoxins/thioredoxins and glutathione peroxidases. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for40 years, "Methods in Enzymology" is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike.Over 450volumes have been published to date, and much of the material is relevant even today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
*Along with companion volume, provides a full overview of techniques necessary to the study of thiol redox in relation to cell signaling
* Gathers tried and tested techniques from global labs, offering both new and tried-and-true methods
* Relevant background and reference information given for procedures can be used as a guide to developing protocols in a number of disciplines"

The Nobel Prize was awarded in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 to Louis J. Ignarro, Robert F. Furchgott and Ferid Murad for demonstrating the signaling properties of nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the few gaseous signaling molecules and is a key biological messenger that plays a role in many biological processes. NO research has led to new treatments for treating heart as well as lung diseases, shock and impotence. (Sildenafil, popularly known by the trade name Viagra, enhances signaling through nitric oxide pathways.) Scientists are currently testing whether NO can be used to stop the growth of cancerous tumors, since the gas can induce programmed cell death, apoptosis.
This is another "must-have" volume packed with robust methods from authors around the globe. Researchers interested in the detailed biochemistry of nitric oxide and its synthesis will have this indispensable volume on their shelves.
*Essential resource for every laboratory involved in NO-related work
*Gathers tried and tested techniques from global labs which eliminates searching through many different sources and avoids pitfalls so the same mistakes are not made over and over.
* Aids researchers in the design of medically important therapies for heart disease and cancer

The discovery that nitrogen monoxide or nitric oxide (NO)is a biologically produced free radical has revolutionized our thinking about physiological and pathological processes. This discovery has ignited enormous interest in the scientific community. When generated at low levels, NO is a signaling molecule, but at high concentration, NO is a cytotoxic molecule. The physiological and pathological processes of NO production and metabolism and its targets, currently areas of intensive research, have important pharmacologic implications for health and disease.

This new volume of "Methods in Enzymology" continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This is the first of three volumes on hydrogen peroxide and cell signaling, and includes chapters on such topics as photooxidation of amplex red to resorufin, boronate-based fluorescent probes, and visualization of intracellular hydrogen peroxide with HyPer.
Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers hydrogen peroxide and cell signalingContains chapters on such topics as photooxidation of amplex red to resorufin, boronate-based fluorescent probes, and visualization of intracellular hydrogen peroxide with HyPer

This volume, along with its companion (volume 474), presents methods and protocols dealing with thiol oxidation-reduction reactions and their implications as they relate tocell signaling. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for40 years, "Methods in Enzymology" is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike.Over 450volumes have been published to date, and much of the material is relevant even today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
*Along with companion volume, provides a full overview of techniques necessary to the study of thiol redox in relation to cell signaling
* Gathers tried and tested techniques from global labs, offering both new and tried-and-true methods
* Relevant background and reference information given for procedures can be used as a guide to developing protocols in a number of disciplines"

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.
Key Features
* Presents information on nitrosothiols and nitric oxide in cell signaling
* Details nitric oxide and mitochondrial functions
* Explains nitric oxide synthases