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Cancer glycobiology is a blazing hot area of cancer research with aberrant post-translational glycosylations on lipids and proteins considered critical for cancer development and metastasis. The NIH/NCI Alliance of Glycobiologists for Cancer Research is a consortium of (10) tumor glycobiology laboratories funded to investigate how cancer-associated glycans (CAG) impact the development and metastasis of cancer. The hope of this momentous effort is to discover CAGs for use as novel biomarkers to detect early-stage cancer or its aggressive behavior or, alternatively, as novel molecular targets with the promise of a curative approach to cancer therapy. The mission of the'Alliance'is to study structure and function of CAGs in cancer development and to provide clinically useful biomarkers for detecting cancer early or the potential of metastasis. This charge has stimulated extensive collaborations across US and International institutions to accelerate discovery of glycan-based biomarkers to the forefront of NCI's efforts to diagnose early-stage cancer and provide curative anti-cancer therapies. The main goals of these research efforts are: 1. To identify and study how cancer-associated glycans functionally impact cancer growth and metastasis2. To identify cancer-associated glycans that can serve as biomarkers for the detection or progression of cancer3. To develop cancer-associated glycans as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment and cure of cancer This volume consists of (9) chapters, one from each funded laboratory, that reviews new methods and mechanisms highlighting glycoconjugates and their roles as cancer biomarkers and/or anti-cancer therapeutic targets. - Historical and Novel Glycobiological Biomarkers of Cancer and Disease Progression - Novel Glycobiological Mechanisms Driving Cancer Progression - Novel Methods for Discovering Glycobiological Biomarkers of Cancer

This book presents the latest knowledge and the most recent research results in the field of ganglioside biochemistry. The early chapters cover all relevant background on sialic acids and their biosynthesis, on N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), which cannot be synthesized by humans, and on general aspects of ganglioside research. Ganglioside adsorption, disorders of ganglioside degradation, and the regulation of gangliosides are thoroughly discussed. A major focus of the book is the role of gangliosides in cancer. Here, the discussion encompasses, for example, the biological importance, antigenicity, and immunological actions of tumor-associated gangliosides (TAGs), the significance of different glycolipids and gangliosides as TAGs, and emerging anti-cancer vaccine strategies. The ability of sialic acids and TAGs of tumor cells to escape immunosurveillance and immunoediting also receives detailed attention. The significance of sialic acids in regulation ofthe complement system is explained, and the closing chapter focuses especially on the role of sialyl T antigen in cancer. The book will be of value for all who are interested in functional glycobiology and glycomic studies.

This book provides a comprehensive update on the latest information and knowledge which emerged from translational and basic science research endeavors, targeting the regeneration of salivary glands. The coverage includes salivary gland growth and development, stem cell therapy, bioengineering of salivary glands, and perspectives on and practical approaches to restoration of secretory function. More specifically, among the individual topics addressed are the various types of stem cell of value for cell replacement therapy, technological advances with respect to 3D printing, gene therapy, organ culture of salivary glands, and surgical aspects of the feasibility and practicality of transplantation. Readers will find helpful practical guidance on functional restorations of damaged salivary glands and stimulating insights into potential future directions in salivary gland regeneration research. The authors are all acknowledged experts from a range of academic and clinical backgrounds.Accordingly, the book will be of interest not only to clinicians, such as general dental practitioners, oral medicine specialists, and surgeons who manage dry mouth patients, but also to biomedical engineers, stem cell researchers, and transplant surgeons.

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to translational efforts in breast cancer, addressing the latest approaches to precision medicine based on the current state of understanding of breast cancer. With the latest developments in breast cancer research, our understanding of the genomic changes and the oncogenic signaling cascade of breast cancer has made considerable strides. Further, the immuno-environment has been demonstrated as the barrier to clinical cancer. In addition, major advances in cancer biology, immunology, genomics and metabolism have broken new ground for designing therapeutic approaches and selecting appropriate treatments on the basis of more precise information on the individual patient. As a result of these two trends, a clearer picture of the molecular landscape of breast cancers has facilitated the development of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for clinical oncology. All these aspects are addressed in this volume, which offers a comprehensive resource for researchers, graduate students and oncologists in cancer research.

This book is a collection of cutting-edge studies on the functions and mechanisms of glycosylation in cancers. Along with progress in genomics and proteomics, new findings in the significance of these complex carbohydrates, through the regulation of cell signals, have been elucidated in a wide variety of biological events. This volume provides a comprehensive summary of glycosignals and their involvement in cancer, covering numerous topics such as glycosylation machineries, regulation of phenotypes, cell signaling, immune regulation, complex carbohydrate organization, and clinical applications. The contents have been organized to promote ready understanding, covering basic to clinical research and studies on micromolecules, to animal/human cells and tissues. This book is an essential read for students and young researchers interested in cancers and carbohydrates. Specialists in glycobiology will also benefit from the new results and approaches detailed here, which provide insights into future directions of functional studies of sugar chains in both basic and applied research.

This volume contains the lectures and seminars given at the NATO Advanced Study Institute on “Sensor Systems for Biological Threads: The Algal Toxins Case”, held in Pisa, Italy in October, 2007. The Institute was sponsored and funded by the Scientific Affairs Division of NATO. It is my pleasant duty to thank this institution. This ASI offered updated information on how far the research on algal toxins has gone in the exploration of structures, biosynthesis and regulation of toxins, and the development of technology for bio-monitoring these c- pounds. Algae can form heavy growths in ponds, lakes, reservoirs and sl- moving rivers throughout the world; algae can house toxins which are - ually released into water when the cells rupture or die. Hundreds of toxins have been identified so far. Detection methods, including rapid screening, have been developed to help us learning more about them, especially to find out which toxins are a real threat for people and what conditions encourage their production and accumulation. Early detection of algal toxins is an - portant aspect for public safety and natural environment, and significant efforts are underway to develop effective and reliable tools that can be used for this purpose.

At long last, the first book to cover all important areas of interferon science in one volume. Top scientists, including many pioneers in the field, highlight the role of interferons as research tools and as therapeutic agents in clinical applications. Edited by an experienced interferonologist, chapters include discussions of interferon genes, Type I, II and III IFNs, as well as their induction, production and purification, receptors actions, measuring IFN activities and anti-IFN antibodies, as well as the evolution of viral defense mechanisms. For immunologists, cancer researchers, medicinal chemists, cell biologists, developmental biologists and the pharmaceutical industry.