In light of the increasing importance of these proteins and their ligands for our understanding of cellular growth, differentiation, and development, as well as of diseases such as obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, cancer, and inflammation, a team of internationally renowned editors and authors have compiled here the very first comprehensive book on these topics. They describe fatty acid-activated transcription factors as well as membrane and soluble fatty acid transporters, covering such aspects as structure and function, lipid-protein interaction, delivery of ligands, and the roles of these proteins in gene expression pertaining to the homeostatic and diseased states of cells and organs. Incorporating recent findings, this is indispensable for basic scientists, health professionals in industry and clinics as well as postgraduate students. Contributors among others: N.A. Abumrad, J.E. Schaffer, G. Schmitz, N.J. Brunskill, J. Storch, U. Seedorf, S. Mandrup, C.N.A. Palmer, T. Perlmann, H.I. Nebb, J. Bar-Tana, H. Kondo, C. Wolfrum, C. Kerkhoff , S. Farmer, E.J. Murphy, J.F.C. Glatz, P. Besnard, J.M. Stewart, A. Meirhaeghe, J. Plutzky, W. Wahli, R.A. Roberts
This is the first book to provide a molecular level explanation of how the senses work, linking molecular biology with sensory physiology to deduce the molecular mechanism of a key step in sensory signal generation. The editors have assembled expert authors from all fields of sensory physiology for an authoritative overview of the mechanisms of sensory signal transduction in both animals and plants. They systematically cover phototransduction, chemosensory transduction, mechanotransduction, temperature and pain perception, as well as specialized receptors for electrical and magnetic signals. Required reading for biologists, physiologists and medical researchers with an interest in sensory physiology.
Discovered over a century ago, the centrosome is the major microtubule organizing center of the animal cell. It is a tiny organelle of surprising structural complexity. Over the last few years our understanding of the structure and composition of centrosomes has greatly advanced, and the demonstration of frequent centrosome anomalies in most common human tumors has sparked additional interest in the role of this organelle in a broader scientific community. The centrosome controls the number and distribution of microtubules – a major element of the cell cytoskeleton – and hence influences many important cellular functions and properties. These include cell shape, polarity, and motility, as well as the intracellular transport and positioning of various organelles. Of particular interest, centrosome function is critical for chromosome segregation and cell division. This book is meant to summarize our current knowledge of the structure, function and evolution of microtubule organizing centers, primarily centrosomes. Emphasis is on the role of these organelles in development and disease (particularly cancer).
This comprehensive text provides a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and its treatment. Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field, the text discusses all aspects of cancer biology from the causes, development and diagnosis through to the treatment of cancer. Written by an international panel of researchers, specialists and practitioners in the field Covers both traditional areas of study and areas of controversy and emerging importance, highlighting future directions for research Features up-to-date coverage of recent studies and discoveries, as well as a solid grounding in the key concepts in the field Each chapter includes key points, chapter summaries, text boxes, and topical references for added comprehension and review Supported by a dedicated website at www.blackwellpublishing.com/pelengaris An excellent text for upper-level courses in the biology of cancer, for medical students and qualified practitioners preparing for higher exams, and for researchers and teachers in the field
Cellular Aspects of HIV Infection provides a highly readable, detailed overview of the state of the art in modern HIV research at the cellular level. This volume brings together renowned experts who have provided concise, synthetic treatments of the biology of HIV infection. It presents these descriptions and analyses with particular attention to the techniques of flow cytometry that have allowed us to not only observe the course of HIV infection and the immune system's response to it, but have also increased our ability to treat patients and understand their response to therapy. The book is divided into five sections covering molecules and cells, pathophysiological processes, technologies, and organisms. A perspective on future therapies concludes the book. Each chapter offers an intelligent, concise synthesis of the topic, highlighting the biological principles and technologies involved in the study of HIV infection. Cellular Aspects of HIV Infection is an indispensable, up-to-date guide for immunologists, virologists, clinicians, and researchers.
This comprehensive resource provides stepwise protocols for the in vitro cultivation of the major types of human tumors. Written in a reader-friendly style, this book is organized by specific tumor, discussing cultures for lung, gastric, colorectal, pancreas, bladder, prostate, ovary, cervix, mammary carcinoma, myoepithelium, squamous, melanoma, lymphoma, glioma, and neuroendocrine tumors. Detailed techniques for initiation, propagation, and characterization of established cell lines are presented. Drug treatment, selection, differentiation, assays for malignant cells, risks, and applications are discussed. An extensive listing of vendors for equipment and other cell culture products is also included.
Human Molecular Biology Laboratory Manual offers a hands-on, state-of-the-art introduction to modern molecular biology techniques as applied to human genome analysis. In eight unique experiments, simple step-by-step instructions guide students through the basic principles of molecular biology and the latest laboratory techniques. This laboratory manual’s distinctive focus on human molecular biology provides students with the opportunity to analyze and study their own genes while gaining real laboratory experience. A Background section highlighting the theoretical principles for each experiment. Safety Precautions. Technical Tips. Expected Results. Simple icons indicating tube orientation in centrifuge. Experiment Flow Charts Spiral bound for easy lab use
The heat shock, or cell stress, response was first identified in the polytene chromosomes of Drosophila. This was later related to the appearance of novel proteins within stressed cells, and the key signal stimulating this appearance was identified as the presence of unfolded proteins within the cell. It is now known that this is a key mechanism enabling cells to survive a multitude of physical, chemical and biological stresses. Since the promulgation of the ‘molecular chaperone’ concept as a general cellular function to control the process of correct protein folding, a large number of molecular chaperones and protein folding catalysts have been identified, and it has been recognized that not all molecular chaperones are stress proteins and vice versa. The discovery of molecular chaperones as folding proteins went hand-in-hand with their recognition as potent immunogens in microbial infection. It was subsequently shown that administration of molecular chaperones such as Hsp60, Hsp70 or Hsp90 could inhibit experimental autoimmune diseases and cancer. More recently evidence has accumulated to show that certain molecular chaperones are also present on the surface of cells or in extracellular fluids. A new paradigm is emerging: at least some molecular chaperones are secreted proteins with pro- or anti-inflammatory actions, regulating the immune response in human diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to having direct effects on cells, molecular chaperones can bind peptides and present them to T cells to modulate immune responses. This may be significant in the treatment of cancer. This is the first book bringing leading researchers in this field together to review and discuss: our current knowledge of cell stress response and molecular chaperones the changing paradigms of protein trafficking and function cell stress proteins as immunomodulators and pro- and anti-inflammatory signalling molecules the role of these proteins in various chronic diseases and their potential as preventative or therapeutic agents. The Biology of Extracellular Molecular Chaperones is of particular interest to immunologists, cell and molecular biologists, microbiologists and virologists, as well as clinical researchers working in cardiology, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.