This book consists of a series of reviews on selected topics within the rapidly and vastly expanding field of membrane biology. Its aim is to highlight the most significant and important advances that have been made in recent years in understanding the structure, dynamics, and functions of cell membranes. The progress that is being made in research in this field is due to the application of integrated experimental ap- proaches, utilizing sophisticated and novel techniques in molecular biology, cell biology, biophysics and biochemistry. Due to the advances made, many problems have been or are being solved at the molecular level. With the help of an Editorial Advisory Board consisting of Jean-Pierre Changeux (Paris), Paolo Comoglio (Torino), Rainer Jaenicke (Regens- burg), Sten Orrenius (Stockholm), Lorenzo Pinna (Padova), Konrad Sandhoff (Bonn), and Gottfried Schatz (Basel), we have selected a number of topics in areas in which progress has been particularly rapid, and have invited internationally acknowledged experts in the field to review these topics. The areas covered in this monograph are: 1) Signal transduction; 2) Membrane traffic: Proteins and lipids; 3) Bioenergetics: Energy transfer and membrane transport; 4) Cellular ion homeostasis; 5) Growth factors and adhesion molecules; 6) Structural analysis of mem- brane proteins; and 7) Membranes and disease.

Protein kinases play a critical role in cellular processes that impact overall organismal health and function. Of the kinases that collectively make up the Human Kinome, CK2 has garnered special attention because of its significant role in the generation of the human phosphoproteome. The role CK2 plays in the development of cancer and other disease has also made it of significant interest for its potential role in future therapeutics. "Protein Kinase CK2" comprehensively brings together the varied work being done on this critical enzyme.

"Protein Kinase CK2" is logically divided into three sections. The first section reviews key molecular and structural aspects of the enzyme. The second section looks at functional aspects of CK2 and the diverse roles it plays in cellular development, function, and health. The final section focuses on CK2 and cancer, looking at the impacts of the kinase on neoplastic development and its rapidly developing role as a therapeutic agent.

With contributions from the world's leading experts in the field, "Protein Kinase CK2" will serve as an invaluable guide to the expanding and vibrant body of research being performed on this enzyme. This will be an essential volume for anyone working in the fields of biochemistry, protein science, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, and cancer biology and therapeutics.

EditorLorenzo A. Pinna is Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Also Published in the Wiley-IUBMB Series on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology:

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