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An overview of the biochemical mechanisms that produce acute nerve cell death in the brain. Covers injuries and disorders including stroke, brain and spinal cord trauma, hypoglycemic coma, and prolonged epileptic seizures. All of these lead to high concentrations of calcium in nerve cells which, in turn, causes degradation of cytoplasmic proteins, cleavage of nuclear DNA, and eventually cell death. The Second Edition contains 11 thoroughly updated chapters and 3 additional chapters that did not appear in the previous edition.

This book addresses the therapeutic strategies to target mitochondrial metabolism in diseases where the function of that organelle is compromised, and it discusses the effective strategies used to create mitochondrial-targeted agents that can become commercially available drug delivery platforms. The consistent growth of research focused in understanding the multifaceted role of mitochondria in cellular metabolism, controlling pathways related with cell death, and ionic/redox regulation has extended the research of mitochondrial chemical-biological interactions to include various pharmacological and toxicological applications. Not only does the book extensively cover basic mitochondrial physiology, but it also links the molecular interactions within these pathways to a variety of diseases. It is one of the first books to combine state-of-the-art reviews regarding basic mitochondrial biology, the role of mitochondrial alterations in different diseases, and the importance of that organelle as a target for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to improve human health. The different chapters highlight the chemical-biological linkages of the mitochondria in context with drug development and clinical applications.

This book covers recent advances in the study of structure, function, and regulation of metabolite, protein and ion translocating channels, and transporters in mitochondria. A wide array of cutting-edge methods are covered, ranging from electrophysiology and cell biology to bioinformatics, as well as structural, systems, and computational biology. At last, the molecular identity of two important channels in the mitochondrial inner membrane, the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and the mitochondrial permeability transition pore have been established. After years of work on the physiology and structure of VDAC channels in the mitochondrial outer membrane, there have been multiple discoveries on VDAC permeation and regulation by cytosolic proteins. Recent breakthroughs in structural studies of the mitochondrial cholesterol translocator reveal a set of novel unexpected features and provide essential clues for defining therapeutic strategies. Molecular Basis for Mitochondrial Signaling covers these and many more recent studies of mitochondria function, their communication with other organelles, and their critical roles in development, aging, and in a plethora of stressful or degenerative events. Authored by leading researchers in the field, this volume will be an indispensable reference resource for graduate students and academics working in related areas of biophysics and cell biology as well as for professionals within industry.

Liver Pathophysiology: Therapies and Antioxidants is a complete volume on morphology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and treatment of liver diseases. It uses an integral approach towards the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis of hepatic injury, and how their deleterious effects may be abrogated by the use of antioxidants. Written by the most prominent authors in the field, this book will be of use to basic and clinical scientists and clinicians working in the biological sciences, especially those dedicated to the study and treatment of liver pathologies. Presents the most recent advances in hepatology, with a special focus on the role of oxidative stress in liver injury. Provides in vivo and in vitro models to study human liver pathology. Explains the beneficial effects of antioxidants on liver diseases. Contains the most recent and modern treatments of hepatic pathologies, including, but not limited to, stem cells repopulation, gene therapy and liver transplantation.

This book presents the current state of knowledge on the origin and differentiation of cell lines involved in the development of the vertebrate male and female gonads with particular emphasis on the mouse. It also discusses the processes leading to the testis- and ovary-specific structures and functions.The individual chapters review the origin and differentiation of the somatic cells of the genital ridges; the formation and migration of primordial germ cells in mouse and man; the gonadal supporting cell lineage and mammalian sex determination; differentiation of Sertoli and granulosa cells; mesonephric cell migration into the gonads and vascularization; origin and differentiation of androgen-producing cells in the gonads; germ cell commitment to the oogenic versus spermatogenic pathway and the role of retinoic acid; ovarian folliculogenesis; control of oocyte growth and development by intercellular communication within the follicular niche; biology of the Sertoli cell in the fetal, pubertal and adult mammalian testis; mechanisms regulating spermatogonial differentiation; stem cells in mammalian gonads; the role of microRNAs in cell differentiation during gonad development; human sex development and its disorders; as well as methods for the study of gonadal development.

This volume examines the role of mitochondria in different types of cell death, including apoptotic and necrotic cell deaths. Topics discussed include mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) and the permeability transition pore; core processes such as calcium handling, fission and fusion, reactive oxygen species generation, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA fidelity and protein folding homeostasis; and retrograde signaling between mitochondria and other cellular components, including the important role of mitochondria in antiviral immunity. The expertly authored chapters are drawn from multidisciplinary international perspectives, lending a nuanced and comprehensive approach to the material. Mitochondria and Cell Death, part of the Cell Death in Biology and Diseases series, is invaluable reading for graduate students, researchers, and clinicians in the fields of neuroscience, oncology, gastroenterology, and hepatology,as well as those interested in the study of mitochondria and cell biology.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Series provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic. A volume can focus on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones. A hormone is interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others can be reviewed. This volume focuses on hormone and transport systems. Expertise of the contributors Coverage of a vast array of subjects In depth current information at the molecular to the clinical levels

This book updates the latest development in production, stabilization and structural analysis techniques of membrane proteins. This field has made significant advances since the elucidation of the first 3-D structure of a recombinant G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR), rhodopsin, with the structure of several more GPCRs having been solved in the past five years. In fact, the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for groundbreaking discoveries on the inner workings of GPCRs. This book is essential reading for all researchers, biochemists and crystallographers working with membrane proteins, who are interested by the structural characterization of their favorite protein and who wish to follow the expression, migration, modifications and recycling of a membrane protein.

Volume 542 of Methods in Enzymology continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This new volume covers research methods providing a theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Malignant cells exhibit metabolic changes when compared to their normal counterparts, owing to both genetic and epigenetic alterations. Although such a metabolic rewiring has recently been indicated as'yet another'general hallmark of cancer, accumulating evidence suggests that the metabolic alterations of each neoplasm rather represent a molecular signature that intimately accompanies, and hence cannot be severed from, all facets of malignant transformation. Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field Covers research methods in biomineralization science Provides theoretical overview on metabolic alterations of cancer cells, and a series of protocols that can be employed to study oncometabolism, in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo

Highlighting recent advances in our understanding of breast cancer, this book is intended for a wide audience as a reference book. Included are reviews of genetics, epigenetics, various aspects of cell and molecular biology, and several other areas of breast cancer that are aimed at determining new intervention sites for treatments and cures of the disease. The chapters are written by internationally recognized experts and include reviews of key topics in breast cancer research. Each chapter highlights the new aspects of specific research topics and the various impacts of designing new strategies as well as identifies new targets for therapeutic intervention. The topics addressed are selected to be of interest to patients, scientists, students, teachers, and anyone else interested in expanding their knowledge of breast cancer imaging, diagnostics, therapeutics, or basic biomedical research on breast cancer.

This book highlights the importance of phytochemicals and mitochondria in cancer prevention and therapy. Recent scientific discoveries have identified that naturally occurring biologically active compounds (i.e. phytochemicals) target multiple steps of tumorigenesis leading to the inhibition or delay in cancer progression. Mitochondria, organelles within a cell, are a critical target for phytochemicals in regulating the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. The book is divided into three parts to better communicate the important findings related to phytochemicals and mitochondria in cancer research. The first part describes updates on environmental and genetic factors causing cancer initiation and progression, the role of mitochondria function in regulating the process of tumorigenesis, and the role of mitochondria in regulating cell death such as apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis. The second part focuses on the elucidation of key target proteins that could be exploited for cancer prevention, an the role of phytochemicals in cancer prevention, updates on basic research related to phytochemicals action critical for cancer prevention, and updates on translational knowledge on cancer prevention by phytochemicals. The third part provides updates on phytochemicals targeting mitochondria for cancer therapy, an overview of action of phytochemicals on cancer stem cells, updates on the role of microRNA in phytochemicals-based therapy of cancer, and updates on phytochemicals-based translation research on therapy for metastatic cancer.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

A number of chapters present the most novel research on testicular and epididymal functions or on more general fields of hormone action and molecular cell biology as it is now a tradition. However, exceptionally, the book also contains several chapters dealing with the'Approaches and Tools in the Third Millenium'. The unusual inclusion of technologies as such in the 2000 edition of the workshop was an absolute necessity, as these technologies are revolutionizing the fields of biology and medicine and, in many instances, how to do research. This volume gives the scientific community essential information about the very latest technical developments and their potential for future progress.

Every year there are new and exciting developments in assisted human reproduction, but how much do we really know about the underlying causes of infertility? This volume explores recent progress in the understanding of the genetics of spermatogenesis and male infertility. Topics include fundamental advances and current problems in the development and function of the testis, an outline of clinical findings in male infertility and an overview of the role of the Y chromosome in male fertility. Comprehensive critiques of posttranscriptional control during spermatogenesis, mammalian meiotic sterility, and comparative genetics of human spermatogenesis from the perspective of yeast, Drosophila and mice provide a global overview of the field.

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Impact factor for 2009: 6.088. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology--both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Impact factor for 2009: 6.088. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field Provides up-to-date information and directions for future research Valuable reference material for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and professional scientists

In cell biology, a mitochondrion is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are often described as'cellular power plants'because they generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of the chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes, such as signaling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth. This book reviews research on the mitochondrial metabolism in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease; mitochondria and aging; apoptosis and peritoneal injury; diabetes, mitochondria and brain endothelium dysfunction as a dangerous triad for neurodegeneration.

This book is the result of a convergence of scientific information regarding mechanisms that produce acute nerve cell death in the brain. Although seemingly disparate, stroke, brain and spinal cord trauma, coma from a low serum glucose concentration (hypoglycemia), and prolonged epileptic seizures have in common the inciting factor of excitotoxicity, the activation of a specific subtype of glutamate receptor by an elevated extracellular glutamate concentration that results in an excessive influx of calcium into nerve cells. The high calcium concentration in nerve cells activates several enzymes that are responsible for degradation of cytoplasmic proteins and cleavage of nuclear DNA, resulting in nerve cell death. The high calcium concentration also interferes with mitochondrial respiration, with the resultant production of free radicals that damage cellular membranes and nuclear DNA. Understanding the biochemical pathways that produce nerve cell death is the first step toward devising an effective neuroprotective strategy, the ultimate goal. Acute Neuronal Injury will be useful to neuroscientists and general cell biologists interested in cell death. The book will also be helpful to clinically oriented neuroscientists, including neurologists, neurosurgeons and psychiatrists. About the Editor: Dr. Denson Fujikawa is an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a member of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA and a Staff Neurologist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. His interest in mechanisms of nerve cell death in the brain began during a two-year epilepsy research fellowship with Dr. Claude Wasterlain, from 1981 to 1983. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and is a member of the American Epilepsy Society, American Neurological Association, International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, and the Society for Neuroscience.

Nearly ten years after they published the first book devoted entirely to the Leydig cell, Matthew Hardy and Anita Payne have collaborated again to provide a comprehensive study of this fascinating and important cell type. The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease presents all of the developments in our understanding of Leydig cell biology and explores a wide variety of current and potential clinical applications. All aspects of Leydig cell biology, development, regulation, and physiology are explored in thirty-one expertly written chapters. The Leydig Cell in Health and Disease explores topics of great interest to the private sector, including the possible application of steroidogenesis discoveries to androgen synthesis or suppressing Leydig cell function as a key mechnanism in the development of a male contraceptive. This in-depth volume is an invaluable resource for information on the science and application of Leydig cell biology and function.

The 3rd edition, the first new one in ten years, includes coverage of molecular levels of detail arising from the last decade's explosion of information at this level of organismic organization. There are 5 new Associate Editors and about 2/3 of the chapters have new authors. Chapters prepared by return authors are extensively revised. Several new chapters have been added on the topic of pregnancy, reflecting the vigorous investigation of this topic during the last decade.The information covered includes both human and experimental animals; basic principels are sought, and information at the organismic and molecular levels are presented.•The leading comprehensive work on the physiology of reproduction•Edited and authored by the world's leading scientists in the field•Is a synthesis of the molecular, cellular, and organismic levels of organization•Bibliogrpahics of chapters are extensive and cover all the relevant literature

Peptides play a crucial role in many physiological processes including actions as neurotransmitters, hormones, and antibiotics. Research has shown their importance in such fields as neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and cell biology. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides presents, for the first time, this tremendous body of knowledge in the field of biologically active peptides in one single reference. The section editors and contributors represent some of the most sophisticated and distinguished scientists working in basic sciences and clinical medicine. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides is a definitive, all-encompassing reference that will be indispensable for individuals ranging from peptide researchers, to biochemists, cell and molecular biologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and to endocrinologists. Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas with which they would not ordinarily be familiar.•Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas that they would not ordinarily be familiar.•Fascinating relationships described in the book include the presence of some peptides originally found in frog skin that persist in the human human and brain where they can affect food intake and obesity.

Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Neurodegeneration brings together researchers from a variety of fields to compare normal aging and disease-related neurodegeneration in terms of susceptibility to and effects of oxidative stress. They address how these effects can be attenuated, and examine whether antioxidants and natural micronutrients, such as those found in Gingko biloba, green tea, blueberries, and grape seed extract, can play a role. The book includes various ways research is getting to the core of neurodegenerative disease, including the use of proteomics, comparisons to related diseases, and examinations at the cellular and molecular levels.

Sertoli cells assist in the production of sperm in the male reproductive system. This book provides a state-of-the-art update on the topic of sertoli cells and male reproduction. It addresses such highly topical areas as stem cells, genomics, and molecular genetics, as well as provides historical information on the discovery of this type of cell, and the pathophysiology of male infertility.• Presents the state-of-the-art research on topics such as stem cell research, transplantation and genomics• Includes contributions from leaders in the field, including several members of the National Academy of Science

This second edition of The Ovary incorporates the dramatic research developments regarding the ovarian life cycle within the past decade. It looks at ovarian function from a detailed molecular and cellular level. The updated chapters, along with the new material, represent an unparalleled compilation of chapters relevant to contemporary ovarian physiology. The book is divided into 8 sections: The Ovarian Follicular Apparatus: Operational Characteristics; Oocyte Maturation and Ovulation; The Corpus Luteum; Putative Intraovarian Regulators; Cyclic Ovarian Cell Death; Novel Experimental Models; Human Ovarian Pathophysiology: Select Aspects; and Human Ovarian Surface Epithelium and Neoplasia.• Addresses all phases of the ovarian life cycle• New information includes the latest developments in ovarian surface epithelium • Contains 38 in-depth chapters

Extracellular Matrix of the Liver addresses the basic science of the extracellular matrix and discussesnew strategies for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver, with a primary focus on possible gene therapyapproaches. The chapters are divided into six sections as follows: Basic Science of Extracellular Matrix Cells Responsible for Extracellular Matrix Production Activation Mechanism of Hepatic Cells and Signal Transduction Basic Science for Extracellular Matrix Metabolism including Enzymes and their Inhibitors Matrix Mettaloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors for Matrix Mettaloproteinases New Strategies for the treatment of Liver Cirrhosis Discusses the possibility of gene therapy for liver cirrhosis Includes information on new aspects of hepatic stellate cells Written by top experts in basic science and clinical hepatology

Advances in Cancer Research

International Review of Cytology

There has been a dramatic increase in the perception of the value of animal cell biotechnology to the research and manufacturing communities in recent years. This volume seeks to keep the reader up-to-date with this progress. This sixth and final volume in the series concentrates on the biology of animal cells in culture, giving special attention to the relationship between biology and the ability to use such cells productively. As the search continues for greater productivity, there is a need to understand the switches within cells that control expression. Additional abilities to manipulate those switches in a controllable manner are also required. In the last five years, considerable progress has been made in the elucidation of the mechanisms for cell signaling and control of gene expression. The 13 chapters of this volume are devoted to these subjects and to techniques in areas of particular concern in manufacturing circles. The achievements in the field to date are described in this book, which, together with its five companion volumes in the series, will provide a building block for the future development of animal cell biotechnology.

The European Workshops on Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology of the Testis have become by now a well-established tradition. Thanks to their special format, the quality of the main lectures and miniposters, and the vivid discussions, they enjoy the ever-increasing interest and active participation of all European scientists working in the field. Moreover, since the very beginning they have attracted investigators from all over the world. The most recent'Testis Workshop'was held in De Panne, Belgium, from 27-3\ March, 1994. As always, the frame­ work of the workshop was provided by a series of lectures delivered by a panel of internationally recognized authorities. These lectures are ga­ thered in the present volume of the Ernst Schering Foundation Work­ shop series. Together with the Miniposter book they constitute an excel­ lent written account of the Proceedings of the 8th European Testis Workshop. The testis undoubtedly represents one of the most complex and in­ triguing tissues in the body. Both its endocrine function, the secretion of male sex hormones, and its exocrine role, the production of mature spermatozoa, continue to raise startling questions to clinicians, physi­ ologists, endocrinologists, and scientists involved in fundamental re­ search. Few organs maintain and support a differentiation process as complicated as spermatogenesis; few tissues continually display both mitotic and meiotic cell cyles in such a stringently controlled fashion or a comparable need for coordinated endocrine and local control.