Adhesion molecules are of fundamental importance in the regulation of immunity, inflammation, tissue remodeling, and embryonic development. They comprise different families of homologous proteins, such as selectins, integrins, cadherins, and immunoglobins. In addition, beyond these groups, other str- tures with adhesive properties, such as proteoglycans, occludin, and CD44, have been characterized recently. An understanding of the type and characteristics of adhesive molecules expressed by the different cell types and the possibility of manipulating their activity promises considerable clinical potential. Antibodies, small peptidic and nonpeptidic molecules, have recently been used to inhibit thrombosis by blocking platelet aggregation or inflammation through inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and adhesion. Inhibitors of adhesive molecules are used in expe- mental systems for the study of tumor growth and dissemination. Among major goals in the field are the identification of new members of the known adhesive protein families and of independent new adhesive structures. After structural characterization, even more demanding is the study of the biological activity of the new proteins, and the development of simple, rapid tests for the screening of possible inhibitors. In this regard, the production of such reagents as fragments and antibodies would help define the structure–function relati- ship of individual proteins. Data available in the literature show the complexity of the adhesive process and how different molecular epitopes might contribute to the adhesive properties of a single structure. Finally, a new area of investi- tion is the characterization of the intracellular signaling cascade triggered by the engagement of transmembrane adhesive proteins.

The second edition of Adhesion Protein Protocols combines traditional techniques with cutting-edge and novel techniques that can be adapted easily to different molecules and cell types. The topics discussed include novel techniques for studying cell-cell adhesion, neutrophil chemotaxis, in vitro assays used to study leukocyte migration through monolayers of cultured endothelial cells, and novel techniques to purify pseudopodia from migratory cells. The protocols discussed in this volume are suitable for both novice and expert scientists, who will gain further insight into the complex and incompletely understood processes involved in cellular adhesion.

Calcium plays an important role in a wide variety of biological processes. This divalent metal ion can bind to a large number of proteins; by doing so it modifies their biological activity or their stability. Because of its distinct che- cal properties calcium is uniquely suited to act as an on–off switch or as a light dimmer of biological activities. The two books entitled Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols (Volumes I and II) focus on modern experimental analyses and methodologies for the study of calcium-binding proteins. Both extracel- lar and intracellular calcium-binding proteins are discussed in detail. H- ever, proteins involved in calcium handling (e. g. , calcium pumps and calcium channels), fall outside of the scope of these two volumes. Also, calcium-bi- ing proteins involved in bone deposition will not be discussed, as this specific topic has been addressed previously. The focus of these two books is on studies of the calcium-binding proteins and their behavior in vitro and in vivo. The primary emphasis is on protein chemistry and biophysical methods. Many of the methods described will also be applicable to proteins that do not bind calcium. Calcium-Binding Protein Protocols is divided into three main sections. The section entitled Introduction and Reviews provides information on the role of calcium in intracellular secondary messenger activation mechanisms. Mo- over, unique aspects of calcium chemistry and the utilization of calcium in dairy proteins, as well as calcium-binding proteins involved in blood clotting, are addressed.

"Adhesion of Cells, Viruses and Nanoparticles" describes the adhesion of cells, viruses and nanoparticles starting from the basic principles of adhesion science, familiar to postgraduates, and leading on to recent research results. The underlying theory is that of van der Waals forces acting between cells and substrates, embodied in the molecules lying at the surfaces, together with the geometry and elasticity of the materials involved. The first part describes the fundamental background to adhesion principles, including the phenomenology, the important equations and the modeling ideas. Then the mechanisms of adhesion are explored in the second part, including the elastic deformations of spheres and the importance of the energy of adhesion as measured in various tests. It is demonstrated that adhesion of cells is statistical and depends on Brownian movement and on the complex multiple contacts that can form as cells move around. Then, detailed chapters on cell adhesion, contact of viruses and aggregation of nanoparticles follow in Part 3. Finally, the last chapter looks to the future understanding of cell adhesion and points out some interesting directions of research, development and treatment of diseases related to these phenomena. This book is an ideal resource for researchers on adhesion molecules, receptors, cell and tissue culturing, virus infection, toxicity of nanoparticles and bioreactor fouling. It can also be used to support undergraduate and Masters level teaching courses. "This is a fascinating book and it is an invaluable resource for understanding particle-particle/surface adhesion at micro- and nano- scales. I intend to keep one for my future reference and highly recommend it to my students." (Prof. Zhibing Zhang, School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, UK)

The molecular characterization of RNA and its interactions with proteins is an important and exciting area of current research. Organisms utilize a variety of RNA–protein interactions to regulate the expression of their genes. This is particularly true for eukaryotes, since newly synthesized messenger RNA must be extensively modified and transported to the cytoplasm before it can be used for protein synthesis. The realization that posttranscriptional processes are critical components of gene regulation has sparked an explosion of interest in both stable ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and transient RNA–protein interactions. RNA is conformationally flexible and can adopt complex structures that provide diverse surfaces for interactions with proteins. The fact that short RNA molecules (aptamers; see Chapter 16) can be selected to bind many different types of molecules is evidence of the structural variability of RNA. RNA molecules are rarely entirely single- or double-stranded, but usually contain multiple short duplexes interrupted by single-stranded loops and bulges; in some RNAs, such as tRNAs, the short duplexes stack on each other. Further variability is generated by the presence of non-Watson-Crick base pairs, modified nucleotides, and more complex structures, such as pseudoknots and triple-strand interactions.

Reflecting the versatility of the author's science and the depth of his experience, Application of Solution Protein Chemistry to Biotechnology explores key contributions that protein scientists can make in the development of products that are both important and commercially viable, and provides them with tools and information required for successfu

Mammalian cells have evolved a complex multicomponent machinery that enables them to sense and respond to a wide variety of potentially toxic agents present in their environment. These stress responses are often associated with an increased cellular capacity to tolerate normally lethal levels of an insult. The realization that the mammalian stress response may be intimately linked with many human diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ischemia, fever, infection, and cancer, has led to an explosion of interest in this research area. Stress Response: Methods and Protocols brings together a diverse array of practical methodologies that may be employed to address various aspects of the response of mammalian cells to environmental stress. The p- tocols are carefully described by authors who have both devised and succe- fully employed them, and they represent a mixture not only of well-established techniques, but also new technologies at the leading edge of research. The areas covered include the detection and assay of stress-induced damage, the acti- tion of signal transduction pathways, stress-inducible gene expression, and stress protein function. Although no volume of this size can be comprehensive and the topics covered reflect a personal choice, it is hoped that it will prove of subst- tial interest and use to a wide range of research workers in the field.

This cutting-edge collection of step-by-step experimental protocols demonstrates

Covering experiment and theory, bioinformatics approaches, and state-of-the-art simulation protocols for better sampling of the conformational space, this volume describes a broad range of techniques to study, predict, and analyze the protein folding process. Protein Folding Protocols also provides sample approaches toward the prediction of protein structure starting from the amino acid sequence, in the absence of overall homologous sequences.

PCR in Bioanalysis offers powerful PCR-based protocols and assays in actual use or potential use in clinical medicine and commercial biology. The main focus of the book is on the commercial applications of PCR, as opposed to basic research uses. Topics covered include the measurement of hormone levels using PCR, transcription factor isolation, detection of viruses using PCR, detection of tumor contamination of stem cells, evaluation of grafts for tumor cells, and more.