Iron is indispensable for the growth, development and well-being of almost all living organisms. Biological systems from bacteria, fungi and plants to humans have evolved systems for the uptake, utilisation, storage and homeostasis of iron. Its importance for microbial growth makes its uptake systems a natural target for pathogenic microorganisms and parasites. Uniquely, humans suffer from both iron deficiency and iron overload, while the capacity of iron to generate highly reactive free radicals, causing oxidative stress, is associated with a wide range of human pathologies, including many neurodegenerative diseases. Whereas some essential metal ions like copper and zinc are closely linked with iron metabolism, toxic metals like aluminium and cadmium can interfere with iron metabolism. Finally, iron metabolism and homeostasis are key targets for the development of new drugs for human health. The 4th edition of Iron Metabolism is written in a lively style by one of the leaders in the field, presented in colour and covers the latest discoveries in this exciting area. It will be essential reading for researchers and students in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology, nutrition and medical sciences. Other interested groups include biological inorganic chemists with an interest in iron metabolism, health professionals with an interest in diseases of iron metabolism, or of diseases in which iron uptake systems are involved (eg. microbial and fungal infections, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders), and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry interested in developing novel drugs targeting iron metabolism/homeostasis.

Practical Approaches to Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Second Edition, reviews the use of spectroscopic and related analytical techniques to investigate the complex structures and mechanisms of biological inorganic systems that contain metals. Each chapter presents an overview of the technique, including relevant theory, a clear explanation of what it is, how it works, and how the technique is actually used to evaluate biological structures. New chapters cover Raman Spectroscopy and Molecular Magnetochemistry, but all chapters have been updated to reflect the latest developments in discussed techniques. Practical examples, problems and many color figures are also included to illustrate key concepts. The book is designed for researchers and students who want to learn both the basics and more advanced aspects of key methods in biological inorganic chemistry.

Neurodegenerative diseases of the human brain appear in various forms, resulting in disorders of movement and coordination, cognitive deterioration and psychiatric disturbances. Many of the key factors leading to neurodegenerative diseases are similar, including the dysfunction of metal ion homeostasis, redox-active metal ions generating oxidative stress, and intracellular inclusion bodies.

"Metal-based Neurodegeneration" presents a detailed survey of the molecular origins of neurodegenerative diseases. Each chapter is dedicated to a specific disease, presenting the latest scientific findings, including details of their biochemical actors (proteins or peptides), their normal and pathological conformations, and a description of the diseases characteristics, with an emphasis on the role of metal-induced oxidative stress, which can result in the production of intracellular aggregates of target proteins and peptides.

Topics covered include: Brain function, physiology and the blood-brain barrierImmune system and neuroinflammationAging and mild cognitive impairment, MCIParkinson's DiseaseAlzheimer's DiseaseCreutzfelt-Jakob and related prion diseasesAlcoholic Brain DamageTherapeutic strategies to combat the onset and progression of neurological diseases

This extensively updated, full colour, second edition of "Metal-based Neurodegeneration" is an essential text for research scientists and clinicians working in gerontology, neuropathology, neurochemistry, and metalloprotein mechanisms.