Since the first Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides was prepared in 2001, the wealth of new information on the use of these peptides as transport systems has in fact served to confound the field. The constant internal change in the field of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is due to recent research uncovering apparent ambiguities in cellular uptake. There is still neither a common terminology nor a uniform explanation for the penetrative mechanism of cell-penetrating peptides. In this second edition of the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides, the authors summarize the current state of the field including recent reevaluations of earlier studies of CPP mechanisms. Beginning with an overview of the classes of peptides and their individual uptake mechanisms, from the earlier lipid models to the more recent endocytotic pathways, the book demonstrates the diversity and the opportunity for these biologically active proteins to serve as future drug leads. The text then covers the use of CPPs in gene modulation, addressing the application of antisense and decoy oligonucleotides, as well as the new avenue of research targeting specific tumors and other tissues-questions that had barely been asked when the first edition was published. By summarizing the diffuse information regarding CPPs, including the ambiguities and variety of mechanisms, the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides provides the most solid foundation available from which to expand the potential of this rapidly growing field of medicine.

Human cells produce at least 30,000 different proteins. Each has a specific function characterized by a unique sequence and native conformation that allows it to perform that function. While research in this post-genomic era has created a deluge of invaluable information, the field has lacked for an authoritative introductory text needed to inform researchers and students in all of those fields now concerned with protein research. Introduction to Peptides and Proteins brings together some of the most respected researchers in protein science to present a remarkably coherent introduction to modern peptide and protein chemistry. The first sections of the book delve into - Basic peptide and protein science from assembly through degradation Traditional and emerging research methods including those used in bioinformatics and proteomics New computational approaches and algorithms used to find patterns in the vast data collected by sequencing projects After providing a foundation in tools and methods, the authors closely examine six protein families, including representative classes such as enzymes, cell-surface receptors, antibodies, fibrous proteins, and bioactive peptide classes. They concentrate on biochemical mechanisms and where possible indicate therapeutic or biotechnical possibilities. Then focusing on clinical aspects, the authors investigate misfolding as found in prion diseases, miscleavage as found in Alzheimer's, and mis-sequencing as found with some cancers. Drawing from some of their own research, the authors summarize recent achievements and emerging applications. They discuss the use of proteins and peptides as drugs and the solid-phase synthesis required for drug production. They also look at the use of peptides as functional biomolecules and research tools. No longer just th

Human cells produce at least 30,000 different proteins. Each has a specific function characterized by a unique sequence and native conformation that allows it to perform that function. While research in this post-genomic era has created a deluge of invaluable information, the field has lacked for an authoritative introductory text needed to inform researchers and students in all of those fields now concerned with protein research. Introduction to Peptides and Proteins brings together some of the most respected researchers in protein science to present a remarkably coherent introduction to modern peptide and protein chemistry. The first sections of the book delve into - Basic peptide and protein science from assembly through degradation Traditional and emerging research methods including those used in bioinformatics and proteomics New computational approaches and algorithms used to find patterns in the vast data collected by sequencing projects After providing a foundation in tools and methods, the authors closely examine six protein families, including representative classes such as enzymes, cell-surface receptors, antibodies, fibrous proteins, and bioactive peptide classes. They concentrate on biochemical mechanisms and where possible indicate therapeutic or biotechnical possibilities. Then focusing on clinical aspects, the authors investigate misfolding as found in prion diseases, miscleavage as found in Alzheimer's, and mis-sequencing as found with some cancers. Drawing from some of their own research, the authors summarize recent achievements and emerging applications. They discuss the use of proteins and peptides as drugs and the solid-phase synthesis required for drug production. They also look at the use of peptides as functional biomolecules and research tools. No longer just th

Since the first Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides was prepared in 2001, the wealth of new information on the use of these peptides as transport systems has in fact served to confound the field. The constant internal change in the field of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is due to recent research uncovering apparent ambiguities in cellular uptake. There is still neither a common terminology nor a uniform explanation for the penetrative mechanism of cell-penetrating peptides. In this second edition of the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides, the authors summarize the current state of the field including recent reevaluations of earlier studies of CPP mechanisms. Beginning with an overview of the classes of peptides and their individual uptake mechanisms, from the earlier lipid models to the more recent endocytotic pathways, the book demonstrates the diversity and the opportunity for these biologically active proteins to serve as future drug leads. The text then covers the use of CPPs in gene modulation, addressing the application of antisense and decoy oligonucleotides, as well as the new avenue of research targeting specific tumors and other tissues-questions that had barely been asked when the first edition was published. By summarizing the diffuse information regarding CPPs, including the ambiguities and variety of mechanisms, the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides provides the most solid foundation available from which to expand the potential of this rapidly growing field of medicine.