Since the publication of the popular first edition, the explosion of DNA sequence information, the access to bioinformatics and mutation databases coupled with the ability to readily detect and confirm mutations has cemented the role of molecular diagnostics in medicine and, in particular, mutation detection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition, expert researchers bring the subject up-to-date with key protocols involving the PCR and its many various incarnations such as SSCP, CSGE, and dHPLC. The volume also addresses key areas such as Southern blotting, accurate diagnostics with high throughput, as well as microarray systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes which provide the often hard to find information that may mean the difference between the success and failure of the method. Authoritative and cutting-edge, PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition aims to stimulate postgraduate scientists, researchers, and clinicians already engaged in the area and to provide an important first step for those new to this practice wanting to adopt the powerful and essential technique in their own laboratories.

Ribonucleic acids are central to cellular and molecular processes and perform vital functions in both structural and functional roles. RNA molecules form the bridge between the stable genetic information contained within DNA and enzymes and proteins that carry out much of the metabolism within the cell. Many of the sites of protein synthesis, the ribosomes within the cell, are composed of these ribonucleic acids as are the tRNA molecules that deliver the amino acid building blocks to the ribosomes. Of all the RNA species, the nucleic acid intermediate, messenger RNA, is a desirable source of material to biologists, since this reflects much of, what ultimately, is translated into enzymes and proteins. In order to determine the qualitative and quantitative changes in mRNA expression, a vast number of molecular biological techniques have been developed. Key molecular methods that provide the means to initially isolate and analyze RNA molecules are the focus of this volume. In putting together this collection of protocols, we have tried to provide techniques that are most applicable and widely used. In particular, there are a number of iso- tion techniques included that have been developed, modified, or adapted to enable extraction from a variety of cell types, organisms, or subcellular organelles. Successful isolation of intact RNA is an essential starting point for any sub- quent analysis. This is why we have aimed to make this section comprehensive. The analysis of RNA is the focus of the following chapters.

Advances in bioscience research usually arise as a result of the continu ing refinement of existing technologies. However, there are a number of occa sions v^rhere newly developed methodologies have a profound effect on nearly all areas of research. Frequently these are techniques that are elegantly simple in concept and require minimal technical manipulation. Two of these revolu tionary techniques are the focus ofPCR Sequencing Protocols. The first such technique is enzymatic chain termination sequencing developed by Sanger and his co-workers in Cambridge and reported in 1977. This essentially brought the possibility of deriving nucleotide sequence information in a very short time scale and has been widely accepted in many laboratories as a routine molecular biological research tool. Furthermore, it has not only led to the sequencing of many genes and gene fragments, but has also allowed the tech nical means of sequencing the human genome. The second technique that has found widespread acceptance in basic applied research and many routine applications is the polymerase chain reac tion. This technique, first reported in 1985 by MuUis and his colleagues, pro vides the means to amplify nucleic acid sequence, which immediately proved invaluable in nearly all fields of biological laboratory research. Here, as with enzymatic DNA sequencing, is a very simple concept that relies on minimal information to prepare short oligonucleotide primers that direct the synthesis of a specified fi-agment o f DNA in the presence of a thermostable DNA polymerase.

Senior scientists Marilena Aquino de Muro and Ralph Rapley have brought together an outstanding collection of time-tested protocols for designing and using genes probes in a wide variety of applications. The applications covered range from searching for specific genes in the human chromosome to the detection of microorganisms and their toxins in the environment and in food samples, as well as in the diagnosis of human disease. Helpful tutorials explain the principles of gene probe design, labeling, detection, target formation, and hybridization conditions.

Since the publication of the popular first edition, the explosion of DNA sequence information, the access to bioinformatics and mutation databases coupled with the ability to readily detect and confirm mutations has cemented the role of molecular diagnostics in medicine and, in particular, mutation detection by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition, expert researchers bring the subject up-to-date with key protocols involving the PCR and its many various incarnations such as SSCP, CSGE, and dHPLC. The volume also addresses key areas such as Southern blotting, accurate diagnostics with high throughput, as well as microarray systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include brief introductions their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes which provide the often hard to find information that may mean the difference between the success and failure of the method. Authoritative and cutting-edge, PCR Mutation Detection Protocols, Second Edition aims to stimulate postgraduate scientists, researchers, and clinicians already engaged in the area and to provide an important first step for those new to this practice wanting to adopt the powerful and essential technique in their own laboratories.

Recent advances in the biosciences have led to a range of powerful new technologies, particularly nucleic acid, protein and cell-based methodologies. The most recent insights have come to affect how scientists investigate and define cellular processes at the molecular level. This book expands upon the techniques included in the first edition, providing theory, outlines of practical procedures, and applications for a range of techniques. Written by a well-established panel of research scientists, the book provides an up-to-date collection of methods used regularly in the authors own research programs.

Recent advances in the biosciences have led to a range of powerful new technologies, particularly nucleic acid, protein and cell-based methodologies. The most recent insights have come to affect how scientists investigate and define cellular processes at the molecular level. This book expands upon the techniques included in the first edition, providing theory, outlines of practical procedures, and applications for a range of techniques. Written by a well-established panel of research scientists, the book provides an up-to-date collection of methods used regularly in the authors own research programs.

John Walker and Ralph Rapley have collected a wide-ranging group of molecular and biochemical techniques that are the most frequently used in medical and clinical research, especially diagnostics. The authors-well-established investigators who run their own research programs and use the methods on a regular basis-outline the practical procedures for using them and describe a variety of pertinent applications. Among the technologies presented are southern and western blotting, electrophoresis, PCR, cDNA and protein microarrays, liquid chromatography, in situ hybridization, karyotyping, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, genomics, and ribotyping. The applications include assays for mutation detection, mRNA analysis, chromosome translocations, inborn errors of metabolism, protein therapeutics, and gene therapy.

John Walker and Ralph Rapley have collected a wide-ranging group of molecular and biochemical techniques that are the most frequently used in medical and clinical research, especially diagnostics. The authors-well-established investigators who run their own research programs and use the methods on a regular basis-outline the practical procedures for using them and describe a variety of pertinent applications. Among the technologies presented are southern and western blotting, electrophoresis, PCR, cDNA and protein microarrays, liquid chromatography, in situ hybridization, karyotyping, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, genomics, and ribotyping. The applications include assays for mutation detection, mRNA analysis, chromosome translocations, inborn errors of metabolism, protein therapeutics, and gene therapy.

Senior scientists Marilena Aquino de Muro and Ralph Rapley have brought together an outstanding collection of time-tested protocols for designing and using genes probes in a wide variety of applications. The applications covered range from searching for specific genes in the human chromosome to the detection of microorganisms and their toxins in the environment and in food samples, as well as in the diagnosis of human disease. Helpful tutorials explain the principles of gene probe design, labeling, detection, target formation, and hybridization conditions.

There can be no doubt that some ofthe most spectacular advances made in science over the past few decades have been in the isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleicacids. Thishas ledtoamuchgreaterunderstandingofmechanismsandprocesses across many fields of bioscience, such as biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, and the medical sciences to name a few. It has also led to the growth of the biotechnology industry, which seeks to develop and commercialize many ofthese important processes and methods. Much ofthis has come about because ofthe devel opment of numerous molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques. The discovery of restriction enzymes and the development of cloning vectors in the early 1970sopenedthedoortowaysofisolatingandmanipulatingnucleic acidsthathadnever been thought possible. Gene probe labeling and hybridization were developed and refined toprovidepowerfulmethodsofanalysis. These-togetherwiththedevelopment of DNA sequencing methods, protein engineering techniques, and PeR-have all continued to contribute substantially to the understandingofbiological processes at the molecular level. Theprotocols for these importantmethods are the focus ofThe Nucleic AcidProtocols Handbook, whose aim is to provide a comprehensive set oftechniques in onevolume thatwill enable the isolation, analysis, and manipulationofnucleic acids to be readily undertaken. The NucleicAcidProtocols Handbook is divided into 10 parts; within each there are approximately 10chapters. The first fourpartsfollow oneanotherlogically: nucleic acid extraction (Part I), basic separation and analysisofDNA (II), through probe design and labeling (III), and RNA analysis techniques (IV). The following three sections deal with gene libraryconstruction andscreening(V), DNA sequencing (VI), andthe polymerase chain reaction (VII)."

Ribonucleic acids are central to cellular and molecular processes and perform vital functions in both structural and functional roles. RNA molecules form the bridge between the stable genetic information contained within DNA and enzymes and proteins that carry out much of the metabolism within the cell. Many of the sites of protein synthesis, the ribosomes within the cell, are composed of these ribonucleic acids as are the tRNA molecules that deliver the amino acid building blocks to the ribosomes. Of all the RNA species, the nucleic acid intermediate, messenger RNA, is a desirable source of material to biologists, since this reflects much of, what ultimately, is translated into enzymes and proteins. In order to determine the qualitative and quantitative changes in mRNA expression, a vast number of molecular biological techniques have been developed. Key molecular methods that provide the means to initially isolate and analyze RNA molecules are the focus of this volume. In putting together this collection of protocols, we have tried to provide techniques that are most applicable and widely used. In particular, there are a number of iso- tion techniques included that have been developed, modified, or adapted to enable extraction from a variety of cell types, organisms, or subcellular organelles. Successful isolation of intact RNA is an essential starting point for any sub- quent analysis. This is why we have aimed to make this section comprehensive. The analysis of RNA is the focus of the following chapters.

There can be no doubt that some ofthe most spectacular advances made in science over the past few decades have been in the isolation, analysis, and manipulation of nucleicacids. Thishas ledtoamuchgreaterunderstandingofmechanismsandprocesses across many fields of bioscience, such as biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology, and the medical sciences to name a few. It has also led to the growth of the biotechnology industry, which seeks to develop and commercialize many ofthese important processes and methods. Much ofthis has come about because ofthe devel opment of numerous molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques. The discovery of restriction enzymes and the development of cloning vectors in the early 1970sopenedthedoortowaysofisolatingandmanipulatingnucleic acidsthathadnever been thought possible. Gene probe labeling and hybridization were developed and refined toprovidepowerfulmethodsofanalysis. These-togetherwiththedevelopment of DNA sequencing methods, protein engineering techniques, and PeR-have all continued to contribute substantially to the understandingofbiological processes at the molecular level. Theprotocols for these importantmethods are the focus ofThe Nucleic AcidProtocols Handbook, whose aim is to provide a comprehensive set oftechniques in onevolume thatwill enable the isolation, analysis, and manipulationofnucleic acids to be readily undertaken. The NucleicAcidProtocols Handbook is divided into 10 parts; within each there are approximately 10chapters. The first fourpartsfollow oneanotherlogically: nucleic acid extraction (Part I), basic separation and analysisofDNA (II), through probe design and labeling (III), and RNA analysis techniques (IV). The following three sections deal with gene libraryconstruction andscreening(V), DNA sequencing (VI), andthe polymerase chain reaction (VII)."

Advances in molecular biology and biotechnology are increasing at a rapid pace, both in the development of new methodologies and in their practical applications. This popular textbook has been revised and updated to provide an overview of this exciting area of bioscience and to reflect a number of the key developments driving this expansion. Chapters on the basic methods of key technologies such as nucleic acid analysis and bioinformatics are presented, in addition to genomics and proteomics, which highlight the impact of molecular biology and biotechnology. New chapters on important and emerging methods have been introduced such as gene editing, next generation sequencing, nanobiotechnology and molecular modelling. The first six chapters deal with the core technology used in current molecular biology and biotechnology. These primarily deal with basic molecular biology methods such as PCR, cloning genes and genomes, protein analysis techniques and recombinant protein production. Later chapters address major advances in the applications of specialist areas of molecular biotechnology. Experienced lecturers and researchers have written each chapter and the information is presented in an easily assimilated form. This book makes an ideal text for undergraduates studying these areas and will be of particular interest to students in many areas of biosciences, biology and chemistry. In addition, it will appeal to postgraduates and other scientific workers who need a sound introduction to this ever rapidly advancing and expanding area.

Genomics and genome technology is having, and continues to have, a major impact on all areas of bioscience research providing insights into the key area of molecular mechanisms of cells in health and disease. This is causing a profound effect on biomedical science and is accelerating the development of new diagnostic applications. This book provides a timely, graduate level introduction to the fast-paced area of genomics and clinical diagnostic technologies and introduces the concept of applications based on this area. The initial chapters focus on principal molecular technologies that underpin the information in the later chapters. In addition to introductory areas of nucleic acids and techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics and proteomics, other key diagnostic areas such as the use of immunological reagents are covered. The later chapters provide more specialised examples of currently used diagnostic technologies and insights into selected key diagnostic challenges including specific examples of molecular microbial diagnostics and molecular biomarkers in oncology. The running themes through the chapters provides an insight into current and future perspectives in this rapidly evolving field.

One of the exciting aspects of being involved in the field of molecular biology is the ever-accelerating rate of progress, both in the development of new methodologies and the practical applications of these methodologies. This popular textbook has been completely revised and updated to provide a comprehensive overview and to reflect key developments in this rapidly expanding area. Chapters on the impact of molecular biology in the development of biotechnology have been fully updated and include the applications of molecular biology in the areas of diagnostics, biosensors and biomarkers, therapeutics, agricultural biotechnology and vaccines. The first six chapters deal with the technology used in current molecular biology and biotechnology. These primarily deal with core nucleic acid techniques, genomics, proteomics and recombinant protein production. Further chapters address major advances in the applications of molecular biotechnology. By presenting information in an easily assimilated form, this book makes an ideal undergraduate text. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology 5th Edition will be of particular interest to students of biology and chemistry, as well as to postgraduates and other scientific workers who need a sound introduction to this ever rapidly advancing and expanding area.

Advances in bioscience research usually arise as a result of the continu- ing refinement of existing technologies. However, there are a number of occa- sions v^rhere newly developed methodologies have a profound effect on nearly all areas of research. Frequently these are techniques that are elegantly simple in concept and require minimal technical manipulation. Two of these revolu- tionary techniques are the focus ofPCR Sequencing Protocols. The first such technique is enzymatic chain termination sequencing developed by Sanger and his co-workers in Cambridge and reported in 1977. This essentially brought the possibility of deriving nucleotide sequence information in a very short time scale and has been widely accepted in many laboratories as a routine molecular biological research tool. Furthermore, it has not only led to the sequencing of many genes and gene fragments, but has also allowed the tech- nical means of sequencing the human genome. The second technique that has found widespread acceptance in basic applied research and many routine applications is the polymerase chain reac- tion. This technique, first reported in 1985 by MuUis and his colleagues, pro- vides the means to amplify nucleic acid sequence, which immediately proved invaluable in nearly all fields of biological laboratory research. Here, as with enzymatic DNA sequencing, is a very simple concept that relies on minimal information to prepare short oligonucleotide primers that direct the synthesis of a specified fi-agment o f DNA in the presence of a thermostable DNA polymerase.