THE STATE oF HoRMONE AcTioN levels were induced in concert with ligand occupa tion of certain membrane receptors and this second AND MoLECULAR REGULATION messenger (cAMP) was postulated to initiate intra cellular phosphorylation of unknown targets. At Molecular Endocrinology and Regulation is a this point, the field ofPeptide Hormone Action also burgeoning field, having experienced a remarkable came into being. period of growth since the late 1960s. At that time, These fields developed together for much ofthe there was no field of Hormone Action. The prevail next decade. Hormone Action Conferences invari ing view of how hormones worked ranged from ably contained talks on both types of receptors and effects on membrane transport of nutrients and progress was rapid and in concert with the explo precursors for RNA and protein synthesis, to effects sion molecular biology. In the steroid field, on the translation of mRN A at the level of ribo progress was more rapid initially, but by the mid somes. Therewas, however, asmallcadreofvoices 1980s, the peptide field attained equal mechanistic that predicted a possible nuclear action on mRN A status and the source of specialized conferences of synthesis. The first such paper was presented at the national endocrine meetings in 1967 and dealt with its own. Steroid hormone action investigators concen hormonal stimulation of oviductal protein synthe tratedonfirst understanding the "pathway" of action sis. It was about this time that a small group of for their hormones."

Volume 30 examines the prominent role of calcium as an intracellular second messenger. Leading investigators review a wide variety of studies on how calcium enters and moves through cells, how it interacts with its many binding proteins, and how calcium and its intracellular receptor, calmodulin, control vital cellular processes. Coverage includes a detailed analysis of the mechanisms by which calcium bound to calmodulin regulates contractile proteins in smooth muscle cells. Close attention is given to the roles of calcium and calmodulin-dependent protein kinases and phosphatases in synaptic signal transduction, protein synthesis, gene expression, programmed cell death, activation of T-lymphocytes, and control of cell division cycles. Other chapters discuss studies using genetically manipulable nonmammalian organisms to further proble the functions of calcium and calmodulin.

Hormones and Signaling focuses on the mechanism of gene regulation at the cellular level. It also covers the way hormones act to modulate gene regulation and animal development.
Key Features
* Includes information on:
* Nuclear receptors, coactivators, and corepressors
* Membrane receptors, kinases, and phosphorylation on cascades
* Hormonal regulation of development
* Calcium channels and neurotransmitters
* Chromatin, transcription factors, and regulation of gene expression
* JAK/STAT pathways
* Hormone-regulated development and gene "knock-out"

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, 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. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, 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. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.