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Studies of receptors, ion channels, and other membrane proteins require a solid understanding of the structural principles of these important biomolecules. Membrane protein structure is, however, a very challenging field. The structures of only three types of transmembrane proteins have been determined to moderate or high resolution during the last two decades, a period during which the amino acid sequences of hundreds, if not thousands, of membrane proteins have been reported. As a result, the creation of structural models to serve as guides for studies of receptors, channels, and other membrane proteins has become crucially important. This book has been assembled in order to share the experiences and findings of expert researchers in protein structure and structure-prediction methods as well as membrane biophysics and lipid physical chemistry, whose work establishes the basis for the development of suitable model structures. The reviews presented here emphasize fundamental ideas and provide an entry to the diverse and complex literature. The four major sections deal with the general nature of the membrane protein structure problem, biochemical and molecular biological approaches to protein topology, direct structural methods, and model and physicochemical approaches. The work will be of interest to physiologists, cellular and molecular biologists, biophysicists, and biochemists working on the function of membrane proteins such as receptors, ion channels, and transporters, as well as senior graduate students and independent investigators.

In the Molecular Biomethods Handbook, Ralph Rapley and John Walker assemble an authoritative team of investigators to illuminate the core bioanalytical techniques used every day in their own laboratories, and laboratories throughout the world. These highly experienced writers fully explain both the theory behind, and the application of, these key techniques, and include extensive references for those seeking detailed laboratory protocols. The techniques covered range from the extraction, separation, detection, and characterization of nucleic acids to gene cloning and library production, mapping, expression, transgenesis, differential display, and DNA profiling, to name a few. Numerous key protein methods, as well as support and related techniques, are also included. The Molecular Biomethods Handbook provides both established scientists and novices who are new to these techniques a deeper understanding of the widest variety of biotechniques-and how to use them successfully.The resulting insights will significantly enhance your ability to investigate and define biological processes at the molecular level.

This multi-volume set within International Review of Cytology encompasses the recent advances in the understanding of structure-function relationships at the molecular level of receptors, transporters, and membrane proteins. Several diverse families of membrane receptors/proteins are discussed with respect to the molecular and cellular biology of their synthesis, assembly, turnover, and function. Included are such receptor superfamilies as G-proteins, immunoglobulins, ligand-gated receptors, interleukins, and tyrosine kinases as well as such transporter/protein families as pumps, ion channels, and bacterial transporters. Each section of each volume also features a'perspectives/commentary'chapter which includes comments on the recent advances and predictions on new directions. Volume 137A highlights the recent advances in bacterial and glucose transporter mechanisms.

Microbes as Tools for Cell Biology bridges the gap between cell biology and microbiology. This laboratory guide provides a microbial tool kit for biologists who wish to use microbes as probes for basic cellular functions. The volume is organized into three sections, covering essential information on culture and genetic manipulation of microbes, assays for pathogen-host recognition, and analysis of intracellular parasitism. Each chapter outlines practical procedures and describes the rationale behind their development. This volume should prove useful to anyone interested in the biology of infectious agents, or their exploitation as a new generation of cell biological reagents.Key Features• Introduction by renowned microbiologist Dr. Stanley Falkow• Covers manipulation of pathogens, especially generation and selection of non-virulent phenotypes• Guides researchers in the study of intracellular pathogenesis• Describes microbial adherence and phagocytosis assays• Focuses on protein trafficking in infected cells• Well-illustrated with color plates, halftones, and diagrams