Search

Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins, and Elastin: Structure, Function and Biomarkers, Third Edition provides current data on key structural proteins (collagens, laminins, and elastin), reviews on how these molecules affect pathologies, and information on how selected modifications of these proteins can result in altered signaling properties of the original extracellular matrix (ECM). Further, it discusses the novel concept that an increasing number of components of the extracellular matrix harbor cryptic signaling functions with ties to endocrine function, and how this knowledge may be used to modulate various pathologies, including fibrotic disease. This new edition has been expanded and revised to incorporate recent research advances. Several new chapters explore a range of chronic diseases in which the ECM and collagens, laminin and elastin are central players in disease modulation, including new chapters on lung, skin and intestinal disease, as well as cancers. The new edition also considers emerging analytical technologies that can detect biomarkers of ECM degradation, with discussion of protein quantification and detecting aging of collagens. - Provides an updated, comprehensive discussion of collagen and related structural proteins - Contains insights into biochemical interactions and changes to structural composition of proteins in disease states - Proves the importance of proteins for collagen assembly, function and durability - Examines details on how collagens play a key role in a range of chronic diseases - Offers approaches for protein quantification and detection of collagen aging

There are 28 different collagens, with 46 unique chains, which allows for a collagen for each time and place. Some collagens are specialized for basement membrane, whereas others are the central structural component of the interstitial matrix. There are eight collagens among the 20 most abundant proteins in the body, which makes these molecules essential building blocks of tissues. In addition, lessons learned from monogenomic mutations in these proteins result in grave pathologies, exemplifying their importance in development. These molecules, and their post-translationally modified products serve as biomarkers of diseases in a range of pathologies associated with the extracellular matrix. Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins, and Elastin: Structure, Function, and Biomarkers, Second Edition provides researchers and students current data on key structural proteins (collagens, laminins, and elastin), reviews on how these molecules affect pathologies, and information on how selected modifications of proteins can result in altered signaling properties of the original extracellular matrix component. Further, it discusses the novel concept that an increasing number of components of the extracellular matrix harbor cryptic signaling functions that may be viewed as endocrine function, and it highlights how this knowledge can be exploited to modulate fibrotic disease. - Provides an updated comprehensive introduction to collagen and structural proteins - Gives insight into emerging analytical technologies that can detect biomarkers of extracellular matrix degradation - Includes seven new chapters, including one on how collagen biomarkers are used in clinical research to support drug development and in precision medicine - Contains insights into the biochemical interactions and changes to structural composition of proteins in disease states - Proves the importance of proteins for collagen assembly, function, and durability

Selective cytoplasmic organelle and protein targeting has long been thought to constitute the sole determinant of cell polarity and complexity. This view has been changed, however, by the discovery of differential subcellular RNA distribution patterns. Over the past decade it has become clear that selective mRNA sorting and translation contributes to an accumulation of cognate proteins at discrete cellular sites. In this book, various systems are discussed (e.g. Xenopus oocytes, mammalian brain, invertebrate nervous system) in terms of RNA trafficking, RNA-targeting sequences (cis-elements) and RNA-transporting proteins (trans-factors), activity-dependent translational regulation and the significance of the cytoskeleton for neuronal function and plasticity. It also discusses nucleocytoplasmic export of mRNA and viral RNA as another example of subcellular RNA kinesis.

Few would have predicted 20 years ago that myosins constitute a superfamily with at least two-dozen classes and that these molecular motors are involved in a multitude of intracellular activities including cell division, cell movement, intracellular transport and signal transduction. Application of state-of-the-art cellular and molecular biological, structural biological, genetic, biochemical and biophysical techniques has provided and continues to provide critical information regarding the structure–function relationship; and the cellular roles of various myosins in organisms as diverse as protozoa, yeast, plants and higher animals. The association of myosins with diseases including neurological disorders, immu- deficiencies, cardiomyopathies, hearing and vision loss testify to the importance of understanding the biochemical properties and cellular roles of myosins. The 16 chapters in this volume summarize the tremendous progress made in studying members of the myosin superfamily in recent years and offer critical insight into what future research will yield. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the authors of this volume. It was a pleasure to work with each of you and I thank you for the considerable efforts in making this international endeavor possible. I also thank John Trinick from the University of Leeds, UK, for the elegant montage of images of single molecules of myosins on the cover, which beautifully shows the structures of some of these amazing molecules. The able assistance of Marlies Vlot from Springer and Indumadhi Srinivasan from Integra Software Services for production of the book is greatly appreciated.

Many recent advances in experimental instrumentation, reagents, and imaging technology have dramatically expanded the range of tools available for the study of the cytoskeleton. In Cytoskeleton Methods and Protocols, Ray Gavin brings together an international panel of experienced researchers to detail the readily reproducible methods that utilize biochemistry, immunology, genetics, microscopy, and image analysis for investigating cytoskeleton structure and function. Each protocol contains proven step-by-step instructions that enable both the novice and experienced researcher to achieve successful experimental results. The protocols utilize diverse model systems in a variety of organisms, including Saccharomyces, Micrasterias, Tetrahymena, Drosophila, Spisula, and Xenopus. Microscopy applications include digital-video microscopy and computer-assisted systems for the evaluation of cell motility and morphology. Help notes and tips accompany each protocol and provide additional, often unpublished, information that can make the difference between success and failure. State-of-the-art and highly practical, Cytoskeleton Methods and Protocols makes available a diverse collection of powerful experimental systems and tools for successfully studying cytoskeleton structure and function.