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This book should be regarded as the continuation to my previous book Developmental Biology of the Sea Urchin Embryo, edited by the Academic Press in 1973, rather than as a new edition. Due to the exceedingly high rate of development in this field (something like 2000 papers have been published on this subject in these last 10 years), I preferred, in fact, not to describe again in detail the enormous amount of the old literature, as was attempted in my previous book, but to briefly summarize the state of the art in each problem and to describe in some detail the experiments per­ formed in the last 12 years. In doing so, more emphasis was given to the more recent ones and to those which can be considered as corner stones in each subject. Care was, however, taken to mention the reviews or key papers in which the reader can find a source of the details of the older literature, besides refering him to my previous book.

Four years ago The Blue Light Syndrome was published as the Proceed­ ings of the 1 st International Conference on the Effect of Blue Light in Plants and Microorganisms. Subsequently the interest in this fascinating and growing field of re­ search has further increased, as is reflected by numerous publications. Blue light effects cover such a wide spectrum of organisms, responses and methods that communication among scientists with backgrounds in biology, biochemistry, and biophysics is particularly necessary. These facts not only justified, but demanded calling the'Blue Light Family'together again. In spite of many fmancial problems, the second confer­ ence attracted 113 active members from 19 countries. The 2nd International Conference on The Effect of Blue Light in Plants and Microorganisms was held in July 1984, like the first at the University of Marburg. The organizer could again rely on the help of the International Advisory Committee (W. Briggs, Stanford; M. Furuya, Tokyo; J. Gressel, Rehovot; S. Miyachi, Tokyo; W. Rau, Miinchen; J. Schiff, Waltham; P.-S. Song, Lubbock). The very generous financial as­ sistance from the DFG and the support of the Philipps-Universitat Mar­ burg and its Sonderforschungsbereich'Zellenergetik and Zelldifferen­ zierung'were the prerequisites to organizing the conference. The present book consists of 56 original papers. The partitioning into eight chapters is always a problem. The grouping of different aspects of the papers into these chapters has not always been obvious, so that one or the other contribution could possibly fit in another chapter.

As indicated in the Preface, the contributions to this volume are based upon the papers presented at the symposium on Thermoreceptors and Temperature Regula­ tion held in July 1988 at the Institute of Physiology of the University of Marburg (Federal Republic of Germany) to celebrate and commemorate the life and achievements of HERBERT HENSEL, who directed that Institute from 1955 until his death in 1983, and whose most notable and significant contributions to thermo­ physiology were in the areas of the properties and characteristics of thermo sensors, mammalian thermoregulation more generally, and the psychophysiology of ther­ mal sensation. All the papers in this volume deal, to a greater or lesser extent, with these discernibly different but closely allied aspects of mammalian physiology. The editors have sought to achieve cohesion, flow, and balance both in the contributed articles and in their order of presentation, without either large gaps or redundancies in the coverage of the recent advances in the understanding of thermoreceptors and thermoregulation. At the same time we have sought to avoid such a degree of editorial control as to destroy the individuality of the contributions, and the judgements upon which they were based. We have also sought to look both backwards and forwards, and to include some legitimate extension of the con­ sideration of thermosensitivity and thermoregulation into such areas as climatic adaptation and fever. Hence the'greater or lesser'of the closeness of this series of papers to HERBERT HENSEL'S scientific interests.

Egg and Ego is a lighthearted look at the nature of academic science. It is intended for anyone interested in biology but particularly for biology students who want to find out what is in store for them in the future. It starts with an account of one particular experiment, which is later opened out to introduce the excitement arising from recent progress in associated areas of biology. It then describes the everyday aspects of scientific work, ignored by philosophers of science. These range from cleaning up radioactive contamination, to how to fill in biohazard forms, to how newly appointed professors bargain for money. The'Egg'of the title refers to the science of developmental biology, which is the specialty of the author, and which provides the material for many of the anecdotes. The'Ego'relates to the vanity of the scientists themselves. Academic scientists have to struggle to maintain their research funding. To do this they must persuade other scientists that they are very good, and that means work at a good institution, publishing papers in the most fashionable journals and giving lectures at the most prestigious meetings. Success often goes to those with the largest egos and their style of operation is described in this book. The final chapter is about relations between science and the outside world in the shape of the media, illustrated by the remarkable'case of the headless frog'. The author is a well-known scientist who has worked at both universities and research institutes. He has published over 100 scientific papers and an influential book about embryonic development:'From Egg to Embryo'.

It is common practice to publish conference papers in books or monograph series. This gives some advantage to those who did not have the opportunity to attend the meetings, but it irritates and disappoints others who may have hoped for a set of closely related reviews. With this book we have tried to find a compromise. It presents a selection from the topics which have been discussed in a series of inter­ national symposia entitled'Biophysics of Cell Surface', held in 1976, 1978, 1981, 1985 and 1988 in the GDR, and subsequently published in the journal STUDIA BIOPHYSICA (volumes 56, 74, 90, 110, 1271. Nearly all the contributors to this book participated in one or more of the meetings. We hope that our choice of topics selected for this book manages to reflect the variety and interest of the broad range of subjects which fall within the scope of membrane biophysics, without taking on the randomness of a scientific car-boot sale. We would like to express our thanks to all colleagues and organ~ isations who helped to realize the conferences and particularly this book. financial support for the symposia of 1985 and 1988 was provided by the IUPAB. A number of topics, reflected in this book, resulted in internat­ ional cooperations, supported by various organisations. We are especially grateful for the support of UNESCO research project on biophysicS in this respect. The European Bureau (ROSTE) of UNESCO supported the editorial work of this book.

The relatively simple, stratified nature of the retina and its spe- fied use in the visual process has long made it an inviting tissue to study both for its own sake and as a model for the more complex processes of the brain. For these dual purposes, the retina can be thought of as basically consisting of two functional pans. First, the outer retina, comprised of the photoreceptor cells and attendant pigment epithelium, serves to capture the photic energy and convert it into a neurochemical response. Second, the inner layers of the retina, mainly bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cells (and their attendant Maller cells), function more clearly as a typical part of the CNS, transmitting the photic signals to the brain. Between the 8th and 12th of August 1988 more than seventy scientists from allover the world gathered in Oldenburg (Federal Republic of Gennany) for a meeting'The neurobiology of the inner retina'which was devoted entirely to the neural mechanism of the inner synaptic layer of the verte­ brate retina. The meeting comprised twenty - three separate lectures and four specially arranged discussion groups. In addition, a number of posters were displayed and a period was allotted specifically for the discussion of these posters. The articles contained in this book will serve as a record of the papers delivered at the Oldenburg Meeting and illustrate the advances made in trying to understand the importance of the diversity of amacrine cell morphology and physiology in retinal function.

The incidence of lung cancer has reached epidemic proportions throughout the civilized world. One indication of the dimensions of this problem is that in the United States lung cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in women as well as men. In 1912 there was a'nearly complete consensus of opinion that primary malignant neoplasms of the lung (were one) of the rarest forms of disease,'according to Adler. By 1937, however, it had become clear that the incidence of lung cancer was increasing significantly; this increase has been progressive ever since. It is now well known that some lung cancers give rise to a variety of hormones which, at times, produce clinical manifestations. The association of hormone production with a'nonendocrine'tumor raises many questions, the answers to which may shed some light on the etiology of this prevalent form of cancer. This fascinating prob­ lem has stimulated a wide variety of studies in both the clinical and the basic sciences. A number of the more recent studies in this field were discussed at the International Symposium on Peptide Hor­ mones and Lung Cancer held in Marburg, West Germany, on June 18-20, 1984. This volume contains the papers that were pre­ sented on this occasion.

The advent of assisted conception procedures such as in-vitro fertili­ sation (IVF) has provided the impetus for exploration of the factors that lead to the establishment of pregnancy. This collection of papers from leading research workers brings together current concepts of the processes which may be of importance in implantation. The complex signals from the embryo to the ovary, endometrium and myometrium are now being revealed through studies in both primates and other mammalian species. This book addresses the interrelationship of pituitary and ovarian hormones in controlling ovulation and the preparation of the intrauterine environment for implantation. Once fertilisation has occurred and trophoblast has formed, the next vital step is the production of materials which signal the presence of the pregnancy to the rest of the body. Trophoblastic proteins and other early-pregnancy factors are prime candidates for this role. Recent studies have emphasised the importance of the intrauterine environment in implantation. Specific secretory products of the endometrium have great potential in this process. The prostaglandins also play an essential part. Immunological adjustments are now considered a condition for the successful establishment of pregnancy. The possible use of immuno­ therapy in the treatment of recurrent abortion has highlighted interest in this area. The use of immunological techniques for contraception are in their infancy but offer much hope for the future.

This volume contains the papers presented at the international symposium on'Molecular Mechanisms in Protein Synthesis'held on September 26-27, 1983 at the Beyaz Ko§k in Emirgan, Bosphorus, Istanbul. The symposium aimed to create a medium for information exchange and discussions regarding the current developments in the area of protein syn­ thesis. To ensure an informal yet scientifically stimulating and productive atmosphere providing opportunity for relaxed and speculative discussions, the number of presentations was limited to twenty and that of attendants to about sixty. The emphasis in the symposium was laid on structure-function relations in the prokaryotic protein synthesizing systems and on the control mechanisms of eukaryotic protein synthesis, in particular, during chain initia­ tion. Other issues like evolutionary aspects of protein synthesis, translational components genes and proofreading were covered as well. The manuscripts represent the extended accounts of the oral presenta­ tions, and it has been aimed with the concluding remarks at the end of the volume to give a summarizing view of the presentations and the discussions.

This book brings together various contributions aimed at the elucida­ tion of the structural and functional organization of the bacterial nucleoid. Most of these papers, spanning the fields of physical chemistry through biochemistry to genetics, were presented at the session on bac­ terial chromatin during the Symposium'Selected topics on chromatin structure and function'held at the University of Camerino, Italy, at the end of May 1985. Times when the bacterial DNA was regarded as'naked'or, at most, complexed with polyamines, and when the absence of histones and organized chromatin was considered to be a distinct feature of the pro­ karyotic cell, now appear remote. Our concepts of how DNA is packaged in bacteria are changing rapidly. Studies on the structure of the bacterial nucleoid are not new. Recently, however, investigations in this field have flourished again, leading to some important contributions such as the elucidation of the three-dimensional structure of what appears to be the major protein constituent of the bacterial nucleoid or the development of methods to titrate the extent of DNA supercoiling within the bacterial cell.

In 1957 Otto SCHAUMANN, one of the pionieers in pharmacological research on morphine and the first to prepare synthetic opiates, presented a mono­ graph entitled'Morphin und morphiniihnliche Verbindungen'as Volume 12 of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology. Now, 35 years later, we are publishing in the same series a new comprehensive volume covering the present status of opioid research. Since that time the topic has expanded enormously. The identification of opioid receptors and the detection of their endogenous ligands were landmarks which opened a new era in opioid research and fertilized the entire field of neurobiology. The rapid develop­ ment of this field is illustrated in the figure, which represents the number of papers published on opioid research since 1970 (searches performed on the MEDLINE data base). 3000

Arachidonic acid metabolites are known to playa regulatory role in a number of biological systems, in which they function as microenviron­ mental hormones and intracellular signal mediators. One of the most exciting areas of research of these compounds is the one that studies the relationship between prostaglandins and tumor cell growth and function. In the last few years there has been an extraordinary evolution of data on prostaglandins (and related compounds) and cancer. This vol­ ume is based on papers presented at the 1986 International Confer­ ence on Prostaglandins and Cancer organized by the Italian National Research Council and the II University of Rome, and held in Rome, Italy, in June, 1986. This Conference brought together oncologists and specialists in the areas of prostaglandin chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, cellular and molecular biology to overview the actual state of knowledge on the role of eicosanoids in cancer and to focus on the key questions that need to be answered. The picture that comes out of this book describes a very complicated network of interactions between arachidonic acid metabolites and different as­ pects of the complex phenomenon'cancer'. Eicosanoids participate in carcinogenesis initiation and promotion, and their relationship with tumor promoters and growth factors is well established. During cancer growth, different prostaglandins can have different roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation and in metastasis formation; meanwhile evidence is accumulating for a pos­ sible use of some of these compounds as antineoplastic agents.

Modern Methods of Plant Analysis When the handbook Modern Methods of Plant Analysis was first introduced in 1954 the considerations were: 1. the dependence of scientific progress in biology on the improvement of existing and the introduction of new methods; 2. the difficulty in finding many new analytical methods in specialized journals which are normally not accessible to experimental plant biologists; 3. the fact that in the methods sections of papers the description of methods is frequently so compact, or even sometimes so incomplete that it is difficult to reproduce experiments. These considerations still stand today. The series was highly successful, seven volumes appearing between 1956 and 1964. Since there is still today a demand for the old series, the publisher has decided to resume publication of Modern Methods of Plant Analysis. It is hoped that the New Series will be just as acceptable to those working in plant sciences and related fields as the early volumes undoubtedly were. It is difficult to single out the major reasons for success of any publication, but we believe that the methods published in the first series were up-to-date at the time and presented in a way that made description, as applied to plant material, complete in itselfwith little need to consult other publications. Contributing authors have attempted to follow these guidelines in this New Series of volumes.

Modern Methods of Plant Analysis When the handbook Modern Methods of Plant Analysis was first introduced in 1954 the considerations were 1. the dependence of scientific progress in biology on the improvement of existing and the introduction of new methods; 2. the inavailability of many new analytical methods concealed in specialized journals not normally accessible to experimental plant biologists; 3. the fact that in the methods sections of papers the description of methods is frequently so compact, or even sometimes so incomplete, that experiments are difficult to reproduce. These considerations still stand today. The series was highly successful, seven volumes appearing between 1956 and 1964. Since today there is still a demand for the old series, the publisher has decided to resume publication of Modern Methods of Plant Analysis. It is hoped that the New Series will be as acceptable to those working in plant sciences and related fields as the early volumes undoubtedly were. It is difficult to single out the major reasons for success of any publication, but we believe that the methods published in the first series were up-to-date at the time and the descriptions as applied to plant material so complete in themselves that there was little need to consult other publications.

Modern Methods of Plant Analysis When the handbook Modern Methods of Plant Analysis, was first introduced in 1954, the considerations were: 1. the dependence of scientific progress in biology on the improvement of existing and the introduction of new methods; 2. the difficulty in finding many new analytical methods in specialized journals which are normally not accessible to experimental plant biologists; 3. the fact that in the methods sections of papers the description of methods is frequently so compact, or even sometimes to incomplete, that it is difficult to reproduce experiments. These considerations still stand today. The series was highly successful, seven volumes appearing between 1956 and 1964. Since there is still today a demand for the old series, the publisher has decided to resume publication of Modern Methods of Plant Analysis. It is hoped that the New Series will be just as acceptable to those working in plant sciences and related fields as the early volumes undoubtedly were. It is difficult to single out the major reasons for the success of any publication, but we believe that the methods published in the first series were up-to-date at the time and presented in a way that made description, as applied to plant material, complete in itself with little need to consult other publications. Contribution authors have attempted to follow these guidelines in this New Series of volumes. Editorial The earlier series of Modern Methods of Plant Analysis was initiated by Michel V.

A wide range of topics are covered, including articles on nucleic acid structure, through their interactions with proteins to the control of gene expression. A number of authors address the subject of RNA, including the difficult but important subject of its chemical synthesis, the complexities of its structures and the mechanisms of transcript splicing. The probing of DNA structure is reviewed in papers on the application of hydroxyl radical and 1,10 phenanthroline copper cleavages. A number of important DNA-protein interactions are discussed, including DNA polymerase, the tryptophan and deoR repressors, and the resolvase enzymes which cleave Holliday junctions in recombination. Gene transcription is also covered, from the points of view of DNA methylation, mammalian ribosomal and avian lysozyme genes, and the control of transcription in the proto-oncogene c-fos. Finally, the plant kingdom has not been forgotten with articles on development and transposition in plants.

Selected papers presented at the MPSA 98 are covering new, sensitive and rapid methods for the analysis of proteins, with special emphasis on the total cell proteins, the proteome. In addition to the experimental details, the advantages and limitations of the methodological approaches are discussed. Topics included are: Protein sequencing analysis, protein and peptide sample preparation, mass spectrometry, NMR, analysis of post-translational modifications, purification of recombinant proteins, protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions, structure prediction, modeling and protein folding, functional implications of protein domains and newly emerging methods for the investigation of the proteome, allowing to analyse the expression of genes

Both functions of the mammalian ovary, the endocrine and (synthesis and secretion of steroid hormones) and exocrine (production of ova), depend upon the presence and cyclic growth of follicles, as the depletion of primordial follicles from the ovary leads to cessation of these f-unctions or female reproduction in mammals, or to postmenopausal period in humans. Actually, various fertility and sterility problems at the ovarian level are related to follicles. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the biology of ovarian follicles in mammals is of fundamental interest to a wide variety of academic and scientific disciplines. Study of their structure, function, and control involves mor­ phology, including ultrastructure, cell biology, physiology, endocrinology, biochemis­ try, immunology, neurobiology and pharmacology. Zoologists take interest in comparative and evolutionary aspects of biology of ovarian follicles in many different groups of mammals. Agricultural scientists and wildlife biologists need a thorough knowledge of the biology of follicles to control more effectively fecundity in domestic animals and endangered species of mammals. Finally, clinical scientists, toxicologists and physicians want to know the normal and pathological features of ovarian follicles in women, especially in relation to health and the regulation of fertility. Having in view the great importance of studying various aspects of biology of ovarian follicles, numerous papers and reviews on several aspects of ovarian follicles are published annually in a wide variety of scientific journals.

This book focuses on the fundamental processes involved in calcium signaling through fractional mathematical modeling. The intended reader of the book is mathematically proficient students of cell biology, applied mathematics and mathematical biology who are interested in learning about modeling in cell biology. The book will inspire the graduate students and researchers to collaborate with experimentalists while studying the direction needed to explore the modeling literature. Organized into four chapters, the book introduces to fractional calculus and devoted to understanding the receptor activation by the ligand, that is Thrombin via fractional model incorporating the Caputo-Fabrizio fractional operator. It studies the calcium profile in red blood cells with the help of the advection-diffusion equation. The book further studies the process of buffering, aiding to the lowering of the calcium concentration in the cytosol, which rises due to calcium influx from extracellular space and intracellular storage. A mathematical model is studied to characterize the anomalous subdiffusion of cytosolic calcium.

Molecular hydrogen (H2) has emerged as a promising therapeutic and preventive medical gas. Hydrogen gas has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. H2 exhibits exceptional pharmacokinetics, swiftly traversing cellular biomembranes to access subcellular organelles indirectly regulating hormones and cytokines through various signal transduction pathways. H2 has the potential to address a wide range of issues, including clinical medical treatment in the areas of healthcare: myocardial ischemia, heart failure, cardiac arrest, metabolic syndrome, advanced-stage cancer, inflammatory diseases, Alzheimer's dementia, aging-related disorders, sports activities, and even beauty, agriculture, etc.Selected world-known authors in the field provide readers with a comprehensive overview of molecular hydrogen's remarkable effects and its physical, chemical, and therapeutic properties and potential in biomedical applications. This contributed volume fills the current gap in information and is intended for everyone who wants to be better informed about the wide possibilities of using molecular hydrogen. However, it is mainly intended for use by medical students, physiologists, pharmacologists, physicians, and other healthcare personnel who can use molecular hydrogen to improve the health of everyone who needs it.

This book presents a major research program on epigenetic mechanisms of cell programming and reprogramming. The program was launched by the National Natural Science Foundation of China during the 11th Five-Year Plan period, which was started in October 2008 and concluded at the end of 2016. It first summarizes the epigenetic research plans and the current situation of epigenetic research in China and the international frontier. With the application of interdisciplinary research methods, the book discusses the development trends of epigenetic research, such as mechanisms of establishment and maintenance of epigenetic information and epigenetic regulation on reproduction and development. It also presents a variety of research achievements. For example, the discovery of new epigenetic regulators and chromatin remodulaters and their biological functions and mechanisms are highlighted. Several regulation mechanisms of cell differentiation and trans-differentiation are discussed, especially the discovery of the key factors to promote the trans-differentiation of somatic cells to hepatocytes. In addition, this book puts forward some key academic fields with increasing importance, such as biochemistry, cell biology, and clinical medicine. Given its scope, the book is of interest to researchers who work in cell biology, biochemistry, structural biology, bioinformatics, clinical medicine, and other related fields.

Living organisms are distinguished by their chemical basis. Thus, knowledge of the properties of the elements and the interactions of the resulting compounds is a prerequisite for understanding biology.Chemistry answers the questions of why, among the more than 100 elements of the periodic table (PSE), carbon and not silicon is the dominant element in biology and why precious metals, such as gold and silver, do not play a role. The PSE provides information about why phosphoric acid and not sulfuric acid acts as a bridge in polynucleic acids and why DNA had to evolve from RNA. At the same time, only chemistry makes clear why D-glucose is so central in building biopolymers such as cellulose and glycogen, and why the citrate cycle is logically self-contained and without alternative. Biochemistry is also a synthesis chemistry that differs from'man-made'synthesis chemistry'only'in terms of the framework conditions. Individuals are selected from the multitude of elements of the PSE and the almost infinite number of chemical compounds. The selection is based on the environmental conditions on Earth, such as moderate temperatures, preferably atmospheric pressure, solvent water and as primary reaction partner oxygen.The hypothesis is developed that the guiding principle of modern biology, the theory of evolution, has its roots in the underlying chemistry. This turns Darwinism from its biological head to its chemical feet. For example, the effect of phenols as radical scavengers is a priori chemical, before biological phenomena could evolve from it as differences in distinction in colored flowering plants. The book develops a completely new, chemistry-centered view of'animate nature'and challenges a changed, biologically oriented didactics of chemistry in schools and universities.

This book focuses on the current status of our understanding of RNA, a key biological molecule. The various RNAs covered are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA, noncoding RNAs, modified nucleosides, and RNA enzymes. The different chapters detail methods to investigate RNA structure and function, the chemistry of modified RNAs, and the latest advances in our understanding of the vast array of biological processes in which RNA is involved.RNA, in one form or another, touches almost everything in a cell. RNA has both structural and catalytic properties. RNA fulfills a broad range of functions. These molecules are no longer seen as passive elements transferring the genetic information from DNA into proteins but regulate the activity of genes during development, cellular differentiation, and changing environments. RNAs are involved in various aspects of cell physiology and disease development. Discoveries of RNA with unexpected diverse functions in healthy and diseased cells,such as the role of RNA as both the source and countermeasure to cancer or severe viral infection, stimulate new trends, passion, and solutions for molecular medicine.In this book, fundamental questions about the biochemical and genetic importance of RNA, how mRNAs are generated and used to produce proteins, how noncoding and catalytic RNAs mediate key cellular processes, how to determine RNA structure and how to apply RNA in treatment of diseases.This book is an essential resource for researches in academia and industry contributing to the development of new RNA therapeutics. The book is geared toward scientists from the graduate level on up and particularly appeals to active investigators in RNA biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

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.

In this book, the major paradigm-shifting discoveries made in the past century on key cellular nanomachines are described in great detail: their complex yet precise and elegant design and function, as well as the diseases linked to their dysfunction and the therapeutic approaches to overcome them. The major focus of this book is the “porosome” nanomachine, the universal secretory portal in cells. This is an ideal book for students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

This book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of peroxisomes and their role in human diseases. It starts by describing the history of peroxisome research and then examines in detail the current understanding of the biogenesis and function of peroxisomes. It then focuses on peroxisomal disorders and the involvement of peroxisomes in cancer and age-related diseases, discussing in detail the use of model organisms to elucidate the pathogenesis of peroxisomal disorders and the physiological importance of peroxisomal proteins. Further, the book examines diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in peroxisomal disorders as well as significant recent advances. Lastly, it addresses various topics in peroxisome research, including the isolation of peroxisomes from mammalian tissues and cells, the structural biology of peroxisomal proteins, the lipidomics of peroxisomal disorders, the value of exome sequencing, and neuropsychological testing in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Given its scope, the book is a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in the life sciences and clinicians in the fields of internal medicine, pediatrics, and neurology.

The new edition focuses on the latest information on mitochondrion-derived organelles, particularly on hydrogenosomes and mitosomes. It has become more and more evident that hydrogenosomes and mitosomes are just two specific members of larger family of organelles derived to various extent from mitochondria due to adaptation to oxygen-poor environment and to the parasitic life style. Since the 1st edition, investigation of free-living protists and commensals has revealed that there is a continuous spectrum of mitochondria-derived organelles from typical aerobic mitochondria, mitochondria with stepwise loss of respiratory chain complexes and with concomitant gain of anaerobic pathways (particularly hydrogenase), via hydrogenosomes and mitosomes to the newly discovered organisms that completely lost mitochondria. Most of the experimental data collected relates to the human pathogens Trichomonas vaginalis harboring hydrogenosomes, and Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica with mitosoms. In principle, hydrogenosomes are hydrogen and ATP producing organelles, while the only known function in Giardia mitosomes is synthesis of iron-sulfur clusters, whereas mitosomes of E. histolytica possess the recently discovered sulfur activation pathway. Functions of other unusual mitochondria are mostly predicted based on transcriptomic/genomic analyses as corresponding organisms are not amenable to biochemical studies. Investigations on evolution and function of mitochondria-derived organelles substantially changed conventional views on mitochondrion from textbook models of an oxygen-consuming powerhouse of cells to a large family of organelles, variables in their structure and function in which hydrogenosomes and mitosome represent the most divergent anaerobic members.

This book describes nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) functions in higher plants. Much progress has been made in the field of NO and H2O2 research regarding the various mechanisms and functions of these two molecules, particularly regarding stress tolerance and signaling processes, but there are still gaps to be filled. NO and H2O2 are both crucial regulators of development, and act as signaling molecules at each step of the plant lifecycle, while also playing important roles in biotic and abiotic responses to environmental cues. The book summarizes key advances in the field of NO and H2O2 research, focusing on a range of processes including: signaling, metabolism, seed germination, development, sexual reproduction, fruit ripening, and defense.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an acellular three-dimensional network composed of proteins, glycoproteins, proteoglycans and exopolysaccharides. It primarily serves as a structural component in the tissues and organs of plants and animals, or forms biofilms in which bacterial cells are embedded. ECMs are highly dynamic structures that undergo continuous remodeling, and disruptions are frequently the result of pathological processes associated with severe diseases such as arteriosclerosis, neurodegenerative illness or cancer. In turn, bacterial biofilms are a source of concern for human health, as they are associated with resistance to antibiotics. Although exopolysaccharides are crucial for ECM formation and function, they have received considerably little attention to date.The respective chapters of this book comprehensively address such issues, and provide reviews on the structural, biochemical, molecular and biophysical properties of exopolysaccharides. These components are abundantly produced by virtually all taxa including bacteria, algae, plants, fungi, invertebrates and vertebrates. They include long unbranched homopolymers (cellulose, chitin/chitosan), linear copolymers (alginate, agarose), peptoglycans such as murein, heteropolymers like a variety of glycosaminoglycans (hyaluronan, dermatan, keratin, heparin, Pel), and branched heteropolymers such as pectin and hemicellulose.A separate chapter is dedicated to modern industrial and biomedical applications of exopolysaccharides and polysaccharide-based biocomposites. Their unique chemical, physical and mechanical properties have attracted considerable interest, inspired basic and applied research, and have already been harnessed to form structural biocomposite hybrids for tailor-made applications in regenerative medicine, bioengineering and biosensor design. Given its scope, this book provides a substantial source of basic and applied information for a wide range of scientists, as well as valuable textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students.

This book provides an overview of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes and their role in the mechanisms of signaling and cellular tolerance under stress in plant systems. Major reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging/modulating enzymes include the superoxide dismutase (SOD) that dismutates O2 into H2O2, which is followed by the coordinated action of a set of enzymes including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and peroxiredoxins (Prx) that remove H2O2. In addition to the ROS scavenging enzymes, a number of other enzymes are found in various subcellular compartments, which are involved in maintaining such redox homeostasis either by directly scavenging particular ROS and ROS-byproducts or by replenishing antioxidants. In that respect, these enzymes can be also considered antioxidants. Such enzymes include monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), glutathione reductase (GR), alternative oxidases (AOXs), peroxidases (PODs) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). Some non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), carotenes (provitamin A), tocopherols (vitamin E), and glutathione (GSH), work in concert with antioxidant enzymes to sustain an intracellular steady-state level of ROS that promotes plant growth, development, cell cycles and hormone signaling, and reinforces the responses to abiotic and biotic environmental stressors. Offering a unique compilation of information on antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, this is a valuable resource for advanced students and researchers working on plant biochemistry, physiology, biotechnology, and signaling in cell organelles, and those specializing in plant enzyme technology.

This book outlines the interaction of cadmium with the proteome and signalling molecules of mammalian cells. Chapters from expert contributors cover topics such as cadmium chemical biology, membrane receptors and transporters for cadmium and cadmium complexes, and targets of cadmium toxicity. Students and researchers working in bioinorganic chemistry will find this book an important account.

The third volume of the Chromosomal Nonhistone Proteins treatise deals with the isolation and analysis of chromosomal proteins in general with specific features of these proteins in particular. In addition to the high mobility group (HMG) proteins, post synthetic modifications of chromosomal nonhistone proteins are discussed, together with some of their enzymatic properties DNA binding.

This book mainly focuses on key aspects of biomembranes that have emerged over the past 15 years. It covers static and dynamic descriptions, as well as modeling for membrane organization and shape at the local and global (at the cell level) scale. It also discusses several new developments in non-equilibrium aspects that have not yet been covered elsewhere. Biological membranes are the seat of interactions between cells and the rest of the world, and internally, they are at the core of complex dynamic reorganizations and chemical reactions. Despite the long tradition of membrane research in biophysics, the physics of cell membranes as well as of biomimetic or synthetic membranes is a rapidly developing field. Though successful books have already been published on this topic over the past decades, none include the most recent advances. Additionally, in this domain, the traditional distinction between biological and physical approaches tends to blur. This book gathers the most recent advances in this area, and will benefit biologists and physicists alike.

Introduction to Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology is the first textbook to blend modern tools of organic chemistry with concepts of biology, physiology, and medicine. With a focus on human cell biology and a problems-driven approach, the text explains the combinatorial architecture of biooligomers (genes, DNA, RNA, proteins, glycans, lipids, and terpenes) as the molecular engine for life. Accentuated by rich illustrations andmechanistic arrow pushing, organic chemistry is used to illuminate the central dogma of molecular biology.Introduction to Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology is appropriate for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry and molecular biology, as well as those going into medicine and pharmaceutical science.Please note that Garland Science flashcards are no longer available for this text. However, the solutions can be obtained through our Support Material Hub link below, but should only be requested by instructors who have adopted the book on their course.

This book highlights some of the most important biochemical, physiological and molecular aspects of plant stress, together with the latest updates. It is divided into 14 chapters, written by eminent experts from around the globe and highlighting the effects of plant stress (biotic and abiotic) on the photosynthetic apparatus, metabolites, programmed cell death, germination etc. In turn, the role of beneficial elements, glutathione-S-transferase, phosphite and nitric oxide in the adaptive response of plants under stress and as a stimulator of better plant performance is also discussed. A dedicated chapter addresses research advances in connection with Capsicum, a commercially important plant, and stress tolerance, from classical breeding to the recent use of large-scale transcriptome and genome sequencing technologies. The book also explores the significance of the liliputians of the plant kingdom (Bryophytes) as biomonitors/bioindicators, and general and specialized bioinformatics resources that can benefit anyone working in the field of plant stress biology. Given the information compiled here, the book will offer a valuable guide for students and researchers of plant molecular biology and stress physiology alike.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience.Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating onthe methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

For nearly 30 years, Principles of Medical Biochemistry has integrated medical biochemistry with molecular genetics, cell biology, and genetics to provide complete yet concise coverage that links biochemistry with clinical medicine. The 4th Edition of this award-winning text by Drs. Gerhard Meisenberg and William H. Simmons has been fully updated with new clinical examples, expanded coverage of recent changes in the field, and many new case studies online. A highly visual format helps readers retain complex information, and USMLE-style questions (in print and online) assist with exam preparation. Just the right amount of detail on biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics – in one easy-to-digest textbook. Full-color illustrations and tables throughout help students master challenging concepts more easily. Online case studies serve as a self-assessment and review tool before exams. Online access includes nearly 150 USMLE-style questions in addition to the questions that are in the book. Glossary of technical terms. Clinical Boxes and Clinical Content demonstrate the integration of basic sciences and clinical applications, helping readers make connections between the two. New clinical examples have been added throughout the text. Student Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience includes access -- on a variety of devices -- to the complete text, images, and references from the book.

The biochemistry and cell biology of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are not necessarily straightforward, but basic information on the history of these enzymes, their various functions that extend far beyond the cleaving of the extracellular matrix, and the complex mechanisms that control their expression are valuable to both scientists and clinicians. This volume summarizes the salient features and functions of MMPs and applies this information in a practical manner in order to understand how they contribute to normal physiology and pathology of selected diseases. Chapters by noted clinicians Jean-Michel Dayer, MD in rheumatology, Jian Cao, MD in oncology, and Peter Libby, MD in cardiology, represent important practical and clinically-oriented contributions.

Written as a textbook with an online laboratory manual for students and adopting faculties, this work is intended for non-science majors / liberal studies science courses and will cover a range of scientific principles of food, cooking and the science of taste and smell. Chapters include: The Science of Food and Nutrition of Macromolecules; Science of Taste and Smell; Milk, Cream, and Ice Cream, Metabolism and Fermentation; Cheese, Yogurt, and Sour Cream; Browning; Fruits and Vegetables; Meat, Fish, and Eggs; Dough, Cakes, and Pastry; Chilies, Herbs, and Spices; Beer and Wine; and Chocolate, Candy and Other Treats. Each chapters begins with biological, chemical, and /or physical principles underlying food topics, and a discussion of what is happening at the molecular level. This unique approach is unique should be attractive to chemistry, biology or biochemistry departments looking for a new way to bring students into their classroom. There are no pre-requisites for the course and the work is appropriate for all college levels and majors.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of the key topics in these archetypal multidisciplinary fields. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.

In the context of the continual increase in the global incidence of diabetes, this book focuses on particular aspects of the disease such as the socio-economic burden and the effects on individuals and their families. It addresses a wide range of topics regarding its physiological relevance, metabolic angles, biochemistry, and discusses current and upcoming treatment approaches. It is unique in offering a chapter dedicated to herbal remedies for diabetes. Appealing to a broad readership, it is a valuable resource for students, researchers and practitioners working in the area of glucose metabolism, diabetes and human health.

This comprehensive volume discusses the protease ADAMTS13, summarizing the current status of basic and clinical research. The nine authoritative chapters begin with a historical perspective followed by exploration of the biochemistry and structure-function relationships of ADAMTS13 as well as its normal function in hemostasis (cleavage of von Willebrand factor). Emerging research themes for ADAMTS13 are covered, including its potential role in angiogenesis and other aspects of cell biology. Additional topics include laboratory assays for ADAMTS13, inherited ADAMTS13 deficiency, and acquired ADAMTS13 deficiency. A chapter on related thrombotic microangiopathic (TMA) disorders examines the differences between TMAs associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency and those not associated with ADAMTS13 deficiency. A final chapter reviews the preliminary information on emerging aspects of ADAMTS13, such as the status of recombinant ADAMTS13 products and their potential utility. Comprehensive in its exploration of the ADAMTS13 protease in disease, ADAMTS13: Biology and Disease is a significant resource for clinical hematologists, transfusion medicine physicians, and researchers interested in hemostasis, vascular biology, biochemistry, and metalloproteases.

This book addresses the differentiation control of skeletal muscle in different locations of the vertebrate body Particular attention is paid to novel regulatory molecules and signals as well as the heterogeneity of origin that have revealed a developmental overlap between skeletal and cardiac muscle. Different functional muscle groups are the product of the evolution of the vertebrate classes, making a phylogenetic comparison worthwhile for understanding the role of muscle stem cells and precursors in myogenesis. New insights into the hierarchy of transcription factors, particularly in the context of these different muscle groups have been gained from detailed investigations of the spatio-temporal and regulatory relationships derived from mouse and zebrafish genetics and avian microsurgery. Importantly, epigenetic mechanisms that have surfaced recently, in particular the role of MyomiRs, are also surveyed. With an eye to the human patient, encouraging results have been generated that identify parallels between embryonic myogenesis and regenerating myofibers due to common regulatory molecules. On the other hand, both processes differ considerably in quality and complexity of the processes employed. Interestingly, the heterogeneity in embryonic sources from which skeletal muscle groups in the vertebrate including the human body take origin is paralleled by differences in their susceptibility to particular muscle dystrophies as well as by the characteristics of the satellite cells involved in regeneration. The progress that has been made in the field of muscle stem cell biology, with special focus on the satellite cells, is outlined in this book by experts in the field. The authors review recent insights of the heterogeneous nature of these satellite cells regarding their gene signatures and regeneration potential. Furthermore, an improved understanding of muscle stem cells seems only possible when we study the impact of the cell environment on efficient stem cell replacement therapies for muscular dystrophies, putting embryological findings from different vertebrate classes and stem cell approaches into context.

Respiratory allergy is constantly encountered and is sharply on the rise, particularly in the two most vulnerable age-groups: young children and seniors. Allergy results in airway hyperactivity and increased airway resistance, with all inflammatory sequelae being ensued. The chapters show how respiratory allergy research is interconnected with other disciplines by discussing neurotransmitter, membrane receptor, and ionic channel mechanisms of allergy and by giving diagnostic and pharmacological cues on desensitization and therapy.

Cardiorespiratory function is prominently affected by oxidative stress. Cigarette smoking is the archetype of oxidative and nitrative stress and free radical formation. New adverse effects of smoking keep on propping up in research. The chapters provide the comprehensive view of new developments in this area regarding cardiovascular and lung function and muscle catabolism. Alterations in inflammatory cytokines and proteins as well as degradation of muscle proteins due to smoking, by far unrecognized, caused by oxidative stress also are presented. Much less is known about the effect of cognitive stress on vagally-mediated cardiorespiratory function and surprisingly, on vagal immune pathway. The experimental studies also show that clinically important meconium aspiration syndrome contains an oxidative trait which is amenable to antioxidative treatment. This volume creates a source of information on the damaging role of oxidative stress in cardiorespiratory function that has by far not been available.

This book provides detailed and comprehensive information on oxidative damage caused by stresses in plants with especial reference to the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS).In plants, as in all aerobic organisms, ROS are common by-products formed by the inevitable leakage of electrons onto O2 from the electron transport activities located in chloroplasts, mitochondria, peroxisomes and in plasma membranes or as a consequence of various metabolic pathways confined in different cellular loci. Environmental stresses such as heat, cold, drought, salinity, heavy-metal toxicity, ozone and ultraviolet radiation as well as pathogens/contagion attack lead to enhanced generation of ROS in plants due to disruption of cellular homeostasis. ROS play a dual role in plants; at low concentrations they act as signaling molecules that facilitate several responses in plant cells, including those promoted by biotic and abiotic agents. In divergence, at high levels they cause damage to cellular constituents triggering oxidative stress. In either case, small antioxidant molecules and enzymes modulate the action of these ambivalent species.

Tryptophan metabolism via kynurenine pathway plays a critical role in both health and a variety of human diseases. This book highlights the known associations between kynurenine pathway and various disease states, as well as examines the current status of drug development and clinical trials of compounds known to alter tryptophan metabolism. The research plays a critical role in molecular targeted therapies directed at altering the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The initial and rate-limiting step of tryptophan metabolism is mediated by one of two enzymes, tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO; predominantly in the liver, but also in the brain) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO; in a host of tissues in response to immune activation). Targeting the enzymes IDO and TDO, as well as other downstream effectors would therefore be likely to generate novel treatment options that would be helpful in a wide variety of clinical settings. This book provides a unique bridge between basic mechanistic understanding of the role of the kynurenine pathway with translational applications and clinical relevance. It will explore the indications that tryptophan metabolism is a potential biomarker of disease activity, can contribute to local and possibly systemic immune suppression in cancer, and is an attractive target for which a variety of inhibitors are readily available.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in modern chemical research. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Readership: research chemists at universities or in industry, graduate students

This book describes the human amniotic membrane from its origin, characterization and medical applications, summarizing all the latest developments and findings related to this tissue with contributions from some of the leading researchers in the field. The book addresses issues for its preservation, separation and identification of amniotic membrane-derived cells, as well as the potential ethical issues involved in their use. The topic of this book is particularly pertinent for clinicians and researchers involved in the research and use of this tissue.