This book contains chapters by some of the leading figures in the field of evolutionary psychology. The latest data are presented on evolutionary theories in perception, information, various aspects of social behaviour, language, learning and aggression. A common theme running through the printed discussions in this book is the important problem of how we can develop and test rigorous characterizations of evolved mental adaptations.
The use of oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents rests upon their ability to interfere, in a sequence-specific manner, with the fundamental machinery of protein synthesis either by binding to the mRNAs transcribed from a gene or by binding directly to a target gene. This approach can be used not only for inhibition of the synthesis of host proteins but also of those required by invading pathogens. Potential therapeutic applications are enormous, ranging over hypertension, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, vital and other parasitic infections (especially HIV), and cancer. This book discusses the chemistry and pharmacokinetics of oligonucleotides and their analogues, and surveys the results of structure-activity studies and current clinical trials. It also critically reviews the problems with antisense therapy, such as the enzymatic destruction of oligonucleotides, the doses required for a therapeutic response, the difficulty in directing oligonucleotides to particular target tissues and cells, the need for parenteral administration, and doubts concerning the mechanism of action (especially problems associated with non-specific binding to proteins) and long-term effects.
This book describes a diverse analysis of the five somatostatin receptors; somatostatin gene regulation; promatostatin processing; mechanisms of signal transduction; and the design and use of somatostatin analogues, including their possible clinical implications. The book will provide a comprehensive summary of the cellular and molecular biology of somatostatin and its recently isolated receptors. The book will review the design and use of specific somatostatin analogues both biochemically to characterize the specific functions of somatostatin and clinically in the treatment of various tumors.
Gramicidin channels have been studied intensively for more than 25 years. They serve as model transport systems for large protein ion channels, since it is difficult to glean high-resolution structural information on the latter. This book includes contributions from virtually all the major scientists studying gramicidin channels and is the only compilation of work in this field. It discusses crystallographic, spectroscopic, electrophysiological and computational studies, especially in the light of the recent availability of high-resolution structural data, and it compares these with insights derived from larger systems. As well as drawing together much new and exciting work in this field, it provides pointers to promising new research directions.
This volume examines obesity disorders which can lead to diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. It offers an interdisciplinary and international look at all aspects of the origins, consequences and treatment of obesity.
This book details the rapidly advancing research on the development of the cerebral cortex. Topics covered include: new physiological data showing patterns in developing cortical organization; abnormalities of cortical development associated with psychiatric disorders; and research on cell identity and regionalization of the cortex.
There is an urgent need to uncover new therapies that will protect against malaria, as the parasite becomes increasingly resistant to available drugs and this book offers insights into three interrelated aspects of the malaria-infected erythrocyte: * The transport of solutes into and out of the infected cell and the use of specific trafficking pathways in drug targeting * The traffic of proteins produced by the intracellular parasite as an essential process for the biogenesis of transport systems. * The relationship between the transport of drugs into the infected cell and the mode of drug action and drug resistance.
The molecular mechanisms and protein species associated with the mineralization of mature dental enamel are active areas of research. This book focuses on specific areas of research including the structural chemistry, protein biochemistry and genetics of enamel development.