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The Immunological Synapse, Part A, Volume 173 in the Methods in Cell Biology series provides state-of-the-art methods for the study of the immunological synapse. Sections cover Imaging polarized granule release at the cytotoxic T cell immunological synapse using TIRF microscopy: control by polarity regulators, Analysis of centrosomal area actin reorganization and centrosome polarization upon lymphocyte activation at the immunological synapse, P815-based redirected degranulation assay to study human NK cell effector functions, Cytotoxic and Chemotactic Dynamics of Natural Killer Cells Quantified by Live-cell Imaging, Quantification of interaction frequency between antigen-presenting cells and T cells by conjugation assay, and more. Other chapters focus on the Study of the Effects of NK-Tumor Cell Interaction by Proteomic Analysis and Imaging, Quantification of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus specific T cells and LCMV viral titers, Quantification of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus specific T cells and LCMV viral titers, An in vitro model to monitor natural killer cell effector functions against primary breast cancer, and Standardized Protocol for the Evaluation of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-modified Cell Immunological Synapse Quality using the Glass-supported Planar L. - Covers various methods related to the study of the immunological synapse - Includes detailed, point-by-point, methods as well as various important notes - Provides the authority and expertise from an international board of leading scientists

This thoroughly revised second edition is an up-to-date overview of the new advances in the knowledge of the basic science in sarcoma and osteosarcoma. It features detailed, in-depth discussions of microRNAs in osteosarcoma, historical perspectives of chemotherapy in the treatment of the disease, tumor targeted IL12 therapy and HER2 targeted therapy, the role of enhancer elements in regulating the prometastatic transcriptional program and more. Further, this essential volume also includes new insights on Wnt signaling in osteosarcoma, the role of genomics, genetically modified T-cell therapy, liquid biopsy, oncolytic viruses, immunophenotyping, receptor tyrosine kinases and epigenetic-focused approaches for treatment of osteosarcoma metastases, as well as thoughts on the current standard of treatment for patients suffering from these cancers. In the years since the previous edition, there have been numerous new developments in this rapidly changing field; this new edition is both timely and urgently needed. When taken together these companion volumes, Current Clinical (Book 1) and Scientific (Book 2) Advances in Osteosarcoma, are a timely and urgently needed guide for laboratory investigators and clinical oncologists.

This volume discusses various aspects of mechanisms and methodologies of chromosome translocations, ranging from a historical and clinical overview of chromosome translocations to the rapid development of the next-generation sequencing technologies, which has dramatically increased our understanding of the spectrum of chromosome translocations in human diseases.The book also introduces the mechanistic studies on chromosome deletions and their implications in cancer, and discusses the mechanisms of regulating chromothripsis, a unique complex type of chromosome translocation.It is a valuable resource for students and researchers alike, providing insights into chromosome translocations and, potentially, other genomic aberrations involved in understanding and curing human diseases.

The focus of this book is to introduce up-to-date information on applications and practical use of RNA for agriculture, biotechnology and medicine. It provides unique ideas, tools, and methods in detail from a variety of scientific and technical disciplines. RNA science has progressed enormously in recent decades, and vast amounts of information on RNA functions and their regulatory mechanisms are becoming available. Such a progress opened the door to an age of practical application of RNA in many fields including agriculture, plant science, medical science, brewing and fermentation technology, and material production. This book inspires its readership and contributes to not only expansion in application of RNA but also to basic research.

This book is designed to re-establish the position of the oral cavity and its mucosa at the forefront of defence and maintenance of homeostatic mechanisms that protect against disease not just locally but also systemically. The oral mucosa is a unique collection of tissues that constitutes a highly active environment with its own unique microflora and homeostatic interaction with the innate and adaptive immune responses. As an immune tissue the oral mucosa was somewhat neglected in the past owing to the tendency to assume similarity to the gut mucosa. More recently it has become apparent that the oral mucosa is a complex environment and, like the esophageal mucosa, has more in common with vaginal tissue than with the gut. Furthermore, the ability of the oral mucosa to act as an immune inductive site has made it an attractive area of research in terms of desensitization for allergic reactions and possibly autoimmune responses. In this book, recognized experts in the field provide up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the structure and function of the oral mucosa, reflecting important recent advances in knowledge, including at the molecular level.

The aim of the book is to discuss the application of molecular pathology in cancer research, and its contribution in the classification of different tumors and identification of potential molecular targets, as well as how this knowledge may be translated into clinical practice, and the huge impact this field is likely to have in the next 5 to 10 years.

This book aims to bridge the gap in understanding how protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), which carry out the reverse reaction of tyrosine phosphorylation, feature in cancer cell biology. The expertly authored chapters will first review the general features of the PTP superfamily, including their overall structure and enzymological properties; use selected examples of individual PTP superfamily members, to illustrate emerging data on the role of PTPs in cancer; and will review the current status of PTP-based drug development efforts.Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Cancer,from renowned researchers Benjamin Neel and Nicholas Tonks, is invaluable reading for researchers in oncology, stem cell signaling,and biochemistry.

In this book, the author Joseph G. Sinkovics liberally shares his views on the cancer cell which he has been observing in vivo and in vitro, over a life time. Readers will learn how, as an inherent faculty of the RNA/DNA complex, the primordial cell survival pathways are endogenously reactivated in an amplified or constitutive manner in the multicellular host, and are either masquerading as self-elements or as placentas, to which the multicellular host is evolutionarily trained to extend full support. The host obliges.The author explains that there is no such evidence that “malignantly transformed” human cells survive in nature. However, when cared for in the laboratory, these cells live and replicate as immortalized cultures. These cells retain their vitality upon storage in liquid nitrogen. One can only imagine an astrophysical environment in which such cells could survive; perhaps, first their seemingly humble exosomes would populate that environment. Immortal cellpopulations so created may survive as individuals, or may even re-organize themselves into multicellular colonies, as representatives of life for the duration of the Universe.This thought-provoking book is the work of a disciplined investigator and clinician with an impeccable reputation, and he enters a territory that very few if any before him have approached from the same angles. It will appeal to researchers with an interest in cell survival pathways and those researching cancer cells.

Miniaturization in the fields of chemistry and molecular biology has resulted in the'lab-on-a-chip.'Such systems are micro-fabricated devices capable of handling extremely small fluid volumes facilitating the scaling of single or multiple lab processes down to a microchip-sized format. The convergence of lab-on-a-chip technology with the field of cell biology facilitated the development of'organ-on-a-chip'systems. Such systems simulate the function of tissues and organs, having the potential to bypass some cell and animal testing methods. These technologies have generated high interest as applications for disease modeling and drug discovery. This book, edited by Drs. Sean Murphy and Anthony Atala, provides a comprehensive coverage of the technologies that have been used to develop organ-on-a-chip systems. Known leaders cover the basics to the most relevant and novel topics in the field, including micro-fabrication, 3D bio-printing, 3D cell culture techniques, biosensor design and microelectronics, micro-fluidics, data collection, and predictive analysis. The book describes specific tissue types amenable for disease modeling and drug discovery applications. Lung, liver, heart, skin and kidney'on-a-chip'technologies are included as well as a progress report on designing an entire'body-on-a-chip'system. Additionally, the book covers applications of various systems for modeling tissue-specific cancers, metastasis, and tumor microenvironments; and provides an overview of current and potential applications of these systems to disease modeling, toxicity testing, and individualized medicine.

Greenfield's Neuropathology, the world's leading neuropathology reference, provides a comprehensive account of the pathological findings in neurological disease, their biological basis, and their clinical manifestations. The book's detailed advice on pathological assessment and interpretation is based on clear descriptions of molecular and cellular processes and reactions that are relevant to the development of the nervous system, as well as its normal and abnormal functioning. The information is presented in an accessible way to readers working within a range of disciplines in the clinical neurosciences, and neuropathological findings are placed within the context of a broader diagnostic process. New for the Ninth Edition: Features online and downloadable digital formats with rapid search functions, annotation and bookmarking facilities, image collections, and live reference links Contains many color illustrations and high-quality clinical photographs to help with interpretation and understanding Includes more than 1000 new photographs and drawings Incorporates new design elements, such as alternate colour coding of chapters for easier navigation Known for its thorough yet practical approach, Greenfield's continues to provide trusted information to all neuropathologists and those in related specialties, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, general pathologists, neuroradiologists, and clinical neuroscientists.

Advances in Genetics provides the latest information on the rapidly evolving field of genetics, presenting new medical breakthroughs that are occurring as a result of advances in our knowledge of the topic. The book continually publishes important reviews of the broadest interest to geneticists and their colleagues in affiliated disciplines, critically analyzing future directions. - Critically analyzes future directions for the study of clinical genetics - Written and edited by recognized leaders in the field - Presents new medical breakthroughs that are occurring as a result of advances in our knowledge of genetics

Neural Surface Antigens: From Basic Biology towards Biomedical Applications focuses on the functionalrole of surface molecules in neural development, stem cell research, and translational biomedical paradigms.With an emphasis on human and rodent model systems, this reference covers fundamentals of neural stemcell biology and flow cytometric methodology. Addressing cell biologists as well as clinicians working in theneurosciences, the book was conceived by an international panel of experts to cover a vast array of particularsurface antigen families and subtypes. It provides insight into the basic biology and functional mechanisms ofneural cell surface signaling molecules influencing mammalian development, regeneration, and treatments. - Introduces early phase clinical trials of neural stem cells - Outlines characterization of surface molecule expression and methods for isolation which open unprecedented opportunities for functional study, quantitation & diagnostics - Highlights the role of stem cells in neural surface antigen and biomarker analysis and applications

The ability of a single genome to give rise to hundreds of functionally distinct cell type programs is in itself remarkable. Pioneering studies over the past few decades have demonstrated that this plasticity is retained throughout development, a phenomenon of epigenetic programming and reprogramming that remains one of the most fascinating areas of modern biology, with major relevance to human health and disease. This book presents the basic biology involved, including key mechanistic insights into this rapidly growing field.

Over 98% of the human genome contains non-coding DNA sequences. For many years molecular biologists referred to this component of the genome as the “junk” DNA since it does not code for any “useful” protein product. Over the last years this notion changed significantly as scientists discovered that a large part of this DNA contains various genomic elements that have important roles in cell physiology. Genomic elements such as non-coding RNAs, transposons, splicing RNAs, DNA repeats and others were shown to play a significant role in regulating gene expression. In addition, all these elements were implicated to contribute in the pathogenesis or progression of various human diseases. In this book, the editor will attempt to describe all these genomic elements that constitute the junk DNA of the genome. For every genomic element, the physiologic role in the organism, its role in evolution and any possible involvement in human diseases will be discussed. Additionally, interaction between these elements in normal or pathologic condition will be discussed. Since a large amount of new knowledge is generated daily in regards to these genomic elements, this book will attempt to combine all the information in a single publication that can serve as a reference for future studies. The first part will discuss RNA elements such as microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, piRNAs and splicing RNAs. The second part of the book will deal with transposons, retrotransposons and DNA transposons. Finally the third part of the book will discuss DNA elements that include DNA repeats, conserved non-coding sequences, distal genomic elements, introns, pseudogenes, CpG islands and telomeres. For miRNAs and CNVs a separate chapter will be dedicated to their role in human diseases since an extensive amount of information exists about these two elements.

This volume collates world experts'insights into the molecular biology of cancer chromosomes, their abnormalities and the subsequent cellular consequences. Exploring themes involving oncogenes, such as by chromosomal translocations, other genome rearrangements and somatic mutations, this book is a review of the field of cancer genetics that presages a new era, as whole genome sequencing becomes more accessible.The work begins with a look at historical themes, such as the analysis of metaphase chromosomes using microscopy and staining techniques, advances in which provided our first broad glimpse into the genetic anatomy of a malignant cell. Readers will learn about the application of DNA molecular cloning techniques in the 1980s, that led to the identification of the genes involved in the Philadelphia and Burkitt's lymphoma chromosomal translocations, solidifying the role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes in cancer aetiology via chromosomal alterations and which launched a field in cancer genetics.Subsequent chapters bring the reader up to date by reviewing recent developments in the field, with dedicated sections on leukaemia/lymphoma, sarcomas and epithelial tumours.Contributions feature numerous colour tables and illustrations and this volume will provide a basis for understanding cancer chromosomes for many years to come.

This volume explores the latest developments in a novel area of molecular biology and a hot topic in the field of oncology: cancer stem cells. These chapters from expert contributing authors present concepts such as the universal stem cell, new molecular pathways, new targeted agents, the different roles that cancer stem cells seem to have according to the organ they are placed in, and the future role that targeting cancer stem cells may have in the management of patients in the clinic.Exploring the latest research including new data from randomized trials, this book examines important proposals over the origin of cancer stem cells such as the possibility that cancer stem cells may arise from mutated stem cells or a fully differentiated cell that may undergo several mutations that drive it back to a stem-like state. The authors consider the role that stem cells seem to have in the onset, development and resistance to classical antitumoral treatments of cancer and discuss possible potential future treatment modalities for the management of advanced cancer patients.The question,'Are stem cells involved in cancer?'may not have a simple answer, but ongoing investigations, in-depth consideration and a broad spectrum of information can be found in this book, allowing the reader to arrive at his or her own answer.This book will appeal to researchers in the field of oncology and cancer research and biomedical scientists with an interest in stem cells.

This book, for the first time, comprehensively assembles and analyzes a large body of information on the role of the fundamental mechanism of the protein biosynthesis pathway, translation, in cancer biology. It systematically explores the function of the translation machinery and its regulation, including cell signaling, in the development, maintenance and progression of human cancer. The work presented here unveils the tremendous potential and applications of this vast and exciting branch of genetic, biochemical and molecular science in cancer medicine and drug development.Chapters contributed by experts in the field take the reader on a journey that starts with a dissection of the translation machinery and its regulation in norm and cancer. Later chapters characterize etiological and pathogenetic roles that translation plays in specific cancer types. Various aspects of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance of the translation machinery and its control in cancer are discussed. Readers will discover the importance of the process of translation and its regulatory mechanisms in physiology and cancer biology.The chapters and the numerous illustrations included here were contributed by expert scientists and clinicians from renowned academic and clinical establishments in Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany and Australia.The book conveys information and knowledge that may interest a broad range of students and scholars ranging from basic scientists to clinicians and drug developers seeking to better understand the protein synthesis and its aberrations in cancer biology and cancer medicine.