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Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
Voltage-gated calcium channels are essential mediators of a range of physiological functions, including the communication between nerve Vcells, the regulation of heart beat, muscle contraction, and secretion of hormones such as insulin. Consequently, these channels are critical phar macological targets in the treatment of a variety of disorders, such as epi lepsy, hypertension, and pain. Voltage-gated calcium channels have there fore been subject to intense study by numerous investigators over the past few decades, and an immense body of work has accumulated. In this book, we provide the first comprehensive overview of our current state of knowl edge concerning this exciting field of research. Leading off with a general review of calcium signaling and techniques to measure calcium channel ac tivity, the book delves into a provocative overview of the history of the cal cium channel field. A number of chapters are dedicated towards various aspects of calcium channel structure and function, including channel gat ing, permeation, modulation and interactions with members of the exo- totic machinery—contributed by both established leaders and rising stars in the field.
Understanding Biology Using Peptides ; Proceedings of the Nineteenth American Peptide Symposium
Understanding Biology Using Peptides: Proceedings of the 19th American Peptide Symposium highlights many of the recent developments in peptide science, with a particular emphasis on how these advances are being applied to basic problems in biology and medicine. Specific topics covered include novel synthetic strategies, peptides in biological signaling, post-translational modifications of peptides and proteins, peptide quaternary structure in material science and disease, and peptides as tools in drug discovery.
Ultrashort Laser Pulses in Biology and Medicine
Sources of ultrashort laser pulses are nowadays commercially available and have entered many areas of research and development. This book gives an overview of biological and medical applications of these laser pulses. The briefness of these laser pulses permits the tracing of the fastest processes in photo-active bio-systems, which is one focus of the book. The other focus is applications that rely on the high peak intensity of ultrashort laser pulses. Examples covered span non-linear imaging techniques, optical tomography, and laser surgery.
Total Chemical Synthesis of Proteins
This important reference explores the three main chemoselective ligation methods for assembling unprotected peptide segments, including native chemical ligation (NCL). It includes information on synthetic strategies for the complex polypeptides that constitute glycoproteins, sulfoproteins, and membrane proteins, as well as their characterization. In addition, important areas of application for total protein synthesis are detailed, such as protein crystallography, protein engineering, and biomedical research.
The Role of Microtubules in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Oncology
Written by leading anti-cancer researchers, this groundbreaking volume collects the most current microtubule research available. Among the topics examined in this volume are compounds that interact with tubulin, mechanisms and regulation by microtubule-associated proteins and drugs, MAPs, the tubulin superfamily its isotopes, peptides and depsipeptides, and neurodegenerative diseases. Microtubule Targets in Cancer Therapy contributes to this new knowledge, and the text will be an invaluable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, pharmacologists, and medical chemists.
The NPY Family of Peptides in Immune Disorders, Inflammation, Angiogenesis, and Cancer
Recent research indicates that the immune system and inflammatory reactions are governed and regulated by powerful neuronal mediators derived from the central and peripheral nervous system. The NPY family of peptides is a diverse group of neuropeptides that acts via multiple receptors, Y1-Y5, which are widespread not only in neurons but also in a variety of non-neural and immune cells. These peptides have been known as important regulators of many essential systems, such as blood pressure and cardiac function, food consumption and energy homeostasis. However, in recent years, they have also become recognized for their role as potent modulators of cell growth and immune functions with broad implications in chronic inflammatory diseases, cancer and angiogenesis. In this book, experts in the field analyze recent evidence supporting the role of NPY family of peptides in regulation of the immune/inflammatory system with special reference to its medical and therapeutic implications.
The Immune Synapse as a Novel Target for Therapy
The immune synapse can be compared to a molecular machine that controls T cell activation when getting in contact with an antigen-presenting cell (APC). The immune synapse is involved in the transfer of information across the T cell–APC junction. It plays an essential role in the control and nature of the immune response.In recent years several approaches have been developed to reprogram the immune response by targeting molecules involved in the immune synapse. Monoclonal antibodies, such as those targeting the lymphocyte co-receptor, costimulatory and adhesion molecules (CD3, CD4, CD40L, CTLA4-Ig, LFA-1), or altered peptide ligands have been shown capable of inducing immune tolerance in transplantation, autoimmunity and allergy. This volume discusses the progress in the field, from basic science to clinical trials, and the major mechanisms involved. It is of interest to clinicians and researchers working in this area.
The bacterial cell wall : Methods and protocols
Explores methods currently used to investigate the cell wall of various bacterial species and pathogens. By using a combination of genetic, molecular, biochemical, and cytological techniques, the protocols address many fundamental questions involving the composition, biosynthesis, and regulation of bacterial peptidoglycan
Targeted Radionuclide Tumor Therapy : Biological Aspects
The last three decades have provided opportunities to explore the potential of treating malignant diseases with antibodies or other targeting molecules labelled with nuclides. The expanding array of new targeting molecules (recombinant antibodies or peptides) may increase the therapeutic efficacy. The title of this book "Targeted Radionuclide Tumor Therapy – Biological aspects" was selected to reinforce the concept that a major focus was devoted to understanding the biological effects of targeting and radiation. Furthermore, our rapidly expanding knowledge of low dose-rate effects, different types of cell death, autosensitization and the increasingly likely existence of cancer stem cells suggests to us that even more efficient approaches in targeting might be possible in the future.
Targeted drug delivery
Explores a new frontier in drug research that has become a focus for developing novel medications. The work discusses a wide range of approaches for targeting small molecules as well as peptide and macromolecular drugs, from prodrugs to drug conjugates to drug carriers and devices, helping readers to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field.
Systems biology
Part One looks at models in systems biology and parameters identification such as short peptide analysis, metastasis models, and metabolomics. Part Two covers computational methods in the study of organisms, and cancer non-linear dynamics. Part Three discusses critical transition states across Waddington’s like landscapes such as understanding cell differentiation through single-cell approaches and modeling mammary organogenesis from biological first principles. Part Four talks about specific fields of investigation including inborn errors of metabolism, system biology approach in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and an approach to understanding how COVID-19 spreads in the population. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
Successful Drug Discovery ; Vol.4
Provides unique insider insight into the current drug development process, and what it takes to achieve success. Covers trends in peptide-based drug discovery and the physicochemical properties of recently approved oral drugs. The section on drug class studies looks at antibody-drug conjugates and the discovery, evolution, and therapeutic potential of dopamine partial agonists. Featured case studies examine the discovery of Etelcalcetide for the treatment of secondary hyper-parathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease; the development of Lenvatinib Mesylate; the discovery and development of Venetoclax; and more.
Structure and Biophysics - New Technologies for Current Challenges in Biology and Beyond
This volume is a collection of articles from the Proceedings of the International School of Structural Biology and Magnetic Resonance 7th Course: Structure, Structure and Biophysics – New Technologies for Current Challenges in Biology and Beyond.
Solid State NMR Spectroscopy for Biopolymers : Principles and Applications
When considering the biological significance and industrial and medical applications of biopolymers, it is crucial to know details of their secondary structure, dynamics and assembly. The biopolymers include globular, membrane and fibrous proteins, polypeptides, nucleic acids, polysaccharides and lipids. Solid state NMR spectroscopy has proved to be the most suitable and unrivaled means for investigations of biopolymers. The major advantage of solid state NMR spectroscopy is that the resulting line widths can be manipulated experimentally and are not influenced by motional fluctuation of proteins under consideration as a whole.
Snake and spider toxins : Methods and protocols
Explores techniques and protocols, across various biological disciplines, used to study snake and spider peptide toxins. The chapters in this book are organized into four parts and cover topics such as the use of toxins in drug development; analysis of bioactivity of complex mixtures like venom; extraction of venom glands and the production of toxins; characterization of toxins from the RNA level to the peptide structure; and the determination of the toxin’s biological function. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Snake and Spider Toxins: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both novice and expert researchers who are interested in learning more about this evolving field.
SH2 domains: Functional modules and evolving tools in biology
Looks at the latest methods used to study and modulate the biological function and mechanisms of SH2 domains. The chapters in this book are organized into five parts. Part One presents methodology aimed at determining the structures and dynamics of SH2 domains and their complexes with phosphopeptides. Part Two discusses techniques to understand and predict interactions of SH2 domains by measuring or calculating their affinity to phosphopeptides. Part Three focuses on inhibitors of SH2 domains that lead the way for chemical tool development and drug discovery. Part Four describes how to evolve and engineer SH2 domains with specific binding properties, and Part Five explores how to measure the regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity through allosteric binding of peptides to SH2 domains and condensation. Chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, SH2 Domains: Functional Modules and Evolving Tools in Biology is a valuable resource for researchers, working in the biophysical and biochemical field, who want to learn more about this exciting and versatile class of regulatory and signaling domains.
Scorpion Venom Toxin
Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. These venoms are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially among children. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. The detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery will be discussed.
Reviews of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology ; Vol.159
Amyloids are filamentous protein deposits ranging in size from nanometres to microns and composed of aggregated peptide β-sheets formed from parallel or anti-parallel alignments of peptide β-strands. Amyloid-forming proteins have attracted a great deal of recent attention because of their association with over 30 diseases. This article highlights some key factors that have been found to influence amyloidogenesis.
Reviews of Physiology Biochemistry and Pharmacolog
The eukaryotic translation machinery must recognize the site on a messenger RNA (mRNA) where decoding should begin and where it should end. The selection of the translation start site is generally given by the first AUG codon encoding the amino acid methionine. Dating initiation soluble translation initiation factors (eukaryotic translation initiation factors [eIFs] in eukaryotes and prokaryotic translation initiation factors [IFs] in prokaryotes) bind the mRNA, deliver the initiator Met-tRNA, and assemble to form a complete 80S ribosome from the 40S and 60S subunits. By progressing along the mRNA in the 5 -to-3 direction the ribosome decodes the information and translates it into the polypeptide chain. During this process, repeated delivery of amino-acyl tRNA (aa-tRNA) to the ribosome, peptide bond formation, movement of the mRNA, and the growing peptidyl-tRNA is mediated by both soluble elongation factors (eukaryotic translation elongation factors [eEFs] in euka- otes and prokaryotic translation elongation factors [EFs] in prokaryotes) and the activity of the ribosome. The ?nal step in the translation process occurs when one of the three t- mination codons occupies the ribosomal A-site. Translation comes to an end and soluble release factors (eukaryotic translation termination factors [eRFs] in eukaryotes and proka- otic translation termination factors [RFs] in prokaryotes) facilitate hydrolytical release of the polypeptide chain.
Relaxin and Related Peptides
Relaxin and Related Peptides discusses the established paradigms, the contradictions, and the most recent findings and future directions in the field of relaxin research. The array of diverse topics are highlighted, ranging from evolution of relaxin family peptides and receptors to their cell signaling, from the role of relaxin in reproduction to the newly discovered functions in cancer progression and in the nervous system. The four major ongoing areas of research described in this book will likely attract investigators for years to come, since many basic scientific questions remain unanswered at this time. The availability of structural databases, new experimental techniques, and high quality hormone preparations, antibodies and other reagents enable rigorous investigation. Relaxin and Related Peptides offers a fresh perspective along with different points of view, opinions and disagreements.
