Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. The field of MMP research is very important due to the implications of the distinct paralogs in both human physiology and pathology. Over-activation of these enzymes results in tissue degradation, producing a wide array of disease processes such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tumor growth and metastasis, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, and others. Thus MMP inhibitors are candidates for therapeutic agents to combat a number of diseases. The present book discusses the design and development of different classes of inhibitors of important classes of MMPs, such as gelatinases and collagenases. The articles focus specifically on structure-activity relationships of all classes of compounds and on their modes of action and specificity of binding with the receptors based on experimental and theoretical studies. These studies constitute a valuable asset for all those involved in drug development.

Being the crucial components of living cells, ion channels are important targets of therapeutic agents. Historically, it has been challenging to develop drugs on this target class. A major issue with targets based on ion channel drug development is the identification of effective small chemical leads for medicinal chemistry optimization to the clinical candidate status. Thus enough attention has been paid to the study of structure and functions of ion channels and their potential inhibitors. The present book compiles important chapters authored by eminent workers in the field to cover important recent advances in the studies of the structure and functions of ion channels and their inhibitors, such as sodium Ion, potassium Ion, chloride Ion, calcium Ion channel inhibitors. The book may be of great use to the students and scientists working in the area of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and neurobiology, and medicinal chemistry.

Cancer-causing viruses, also called oncoviruses, play a key role in the development of certain cancers. They contribute to genetic changes that disrupt the cell cycle machinery, interfering with functions such as cell growth. Cancer-Causing Viruses and Their Inhibitors presents a plethora of research from internationally reputed contributors who discuss different types of oncoviruses, their mechanisms of invasion and growth, and their life cycles. The book begins with an overview of the oncoviruses discovered to date and includes a brief description of their structures, genotypes, replication, and mechanisms of infection leading to cancers. It then explores several of these viruses in detail, including: Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Human papilloma virus (HPV) Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) Oncolytic viruses This book is an essential reference for those working in virology, oncology, and biotechnology. The discoveries presented will enable researchers and clinicians to optimize both historical and current approaches to anti-viral therapies.

Being the crucial components of living cells, ion channels are important targets of therapeutic agents. Historically, it has been challenging to develop drugs on this target class. A major issue with target based ion channel drug development is the identification of effective small chemical leads for medicinal chemistry optimization to the clinical candidate status. Thus enough attention has been paid to the study of structure and functions of ion channels and their potential inhibitors. The present book compiles important chapters authored by eminent workers in the field to cover important recent advances in the studies of the structure and functions of ion channels and their inhibitors, such as sodium ion, potassium ion, chloride ion, calcium ion channel inhibitors. The book may be of great use to the students and scientists working in the area of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, neurobiology, and medicinal chemistry.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are proteolytic enzymes that are involved in many physiological and pathological processes. The field of MMP research is very important due to the implications of the distinct paralogs in both human physiology and pathology. Over-activation of these enzymes results in tissue degradation, producing a wide array of disease processes such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tumor growth and metastasis, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, and others. Thus MMP inhibitors are candidates for therapeutic agents to combat a number of diseases. The present book discusses the design and development of different classes of inhibitors of important classes of MMPs, such as gelatinases and collagenases. The articles focus specifically on structure-activity relationships of all classes of compounds and on their modes of action and specificity of binding with the receptors based on experimental and theoretical studies. These studies constitute a valuable asset for all those involved in drug development.

Cancer-causing viruses, also called oncoviruses, play a key role in the development of certain cancers. They contribute to genetic changes that disrupt the cell cycle machinery, interfering with functions such as cell growth. Cancer-Causing Viruses and Their Inhibitors presents a plethora of research from internationally reputed contributors who discuss different types of oncoviruses, their mechanisms of invasion and growth, and their life cycles. The book begins with an overview of the oncoviruses discovered to date and includes a brief description of their structures, genotypes, replication, and mechanisms of infection leading to cancers. It then explores several of these viruses in detail, including: Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) Human papilloma virus (HPV) Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)/Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) Oncolytic viruses This book is an essential reference for those working in virology, oncology, and biotechnology. The discoveries presented will enable researchers and clinicians to optimize both historical and current approaches to anti-viral therapies.