Of the many special roles played by proteolytic enzymes in immune reactions, this book addresses different aspects of membrane peptidases, signal transduction via ligation of membrane peptidases (especially of dipeptidyl peptidase IV/CD26 and aminopeptidase N/CD13), and regulation of membrane peptidases in vivo and in vitro. A number of newly discovered peptidases (including cathepsin F, W and X, carboxypeptidase X, attractin) are described, with special emphasis given to the role of peptidases in immune and defense reactions and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and other diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and tumours of various origins. The focus on the involvement of a selection of proteolytic enzymes in immune reactions and diseases is a unique feature of this multifaceted work , which combines biochemical, immunological and clinical research reports with literary reviews of the field.

Proceedings of an international conference held in Magdeburg, Germany, November 3-5, 1996

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.

Aminopeptidases in Biology and Disease provides a comprehensive review of the emerging role of aminopeptidases in a range of biological processes and disease situations. Processes as diverse as angiogenesis, antigen presentation, neuropeptide and hormone processing, pregnancy and reproduction, protein turnover, memory, inflammation, tumour growth, cancer and metastasis, blood pressure and hypertension all critically involve one or more aminopeptidases. The individual chapters have been written by experts in the field who have provided detailed accounts of the central roles played by various aminopeptidases in biology and disease.

In recent years increased scientific attention has been given to immediate defense mechanisms based on non-clonal recognition of microbial components. These mechanisms constitute the innate immunity arm of the body s defense. Identification of pathogens by these mechanisms involves primarily receptors recognizing sugar moieties of various microorganisms. Innate immunity based mechanisms are essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. They are evolutionarily conserved and designed to provide immediate protection against microbial pathogens to eradicate infection. Activation of innate immunity is crucial for transition to specific immunity and for its orientation, and to assist the specific immune response in the recognition of pathogens and their destruction. Innate immunity is regularly involved in the arrest of bacterial, mycotic, viral and parasitic infections, giving the specific immune response time to become effective. It becomes critically essential in immunocompromised patients who fail to mount specific immune responses due to congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies as a result of chemotherapy, dialysis, immunosuppressive drugs, or HIV infection. The Innate Immunity arsenal constitutes polymorphonuclear and mononuclear phagocytes, mast cells, the complement system, Natural Killer cells, antimicrobial peptides, and presumably a subset of T lymphocytes with TCRl receptors.

Elastic filaments refer mainly to titin, the largest of all known proteins. Titin was discovered initially in muscle cells, where it interconnects the thick filament with the Z-line. Titin forms a molecular spring that is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of contracting muscle, ensuring efficient muscle contraction. More recently, it has become clear that titin is not restricted to muscle cells alone. For example, titin is found in chromosomes of neurons and also in blood platelets. This topic is fast becoming a focal point for research in understanding viscoelastic properties at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. In titin may lie a generic basis for biological viscoelasticity. It has become clear that titin may hold the key to certain clinical anomalies. For example, it is clear that titin-based ventricular stiffness is modulated by calcium and that titin is responsible for the altered stiffness in cardiomyopathies. It is also clear from evidence from a group of Finnish families that titin mutations may underlie some muscular dystrophies and that with other mutations chromatids fail to separate during mitosis. Thus, it is clear that this protein will have important clinical implications stemming from its biomechanical role. One aspect of this field is the bringing together of bioengineers with clinical researchers and biologists. Genetic and biochemical aspects of titin-related proteins are being studied together with front-line engineering approaches designed to measure the mechanics of titin either in small aggregates or in single molecules.

Proceedings of the International Conference on Dipeptidyl Aminopeptidases, held September 26-28, 2002, in Berlin, Germany. Dipeptidyl Aminopeptidases exert a potent modulatory role at an interface between immune mechanisms, metabolic responses and neuroendocrine pathways. Experimental models and clinical studies addressing the role of these enzymes and the effect of specific inhibitors pave the way to novel therapeutic concepts in immunology, rheumatology, oncology, reproductive medicine and diabetes. Leading experts in this field have contributed to this book which presents a state-of-the-art view on these enzymes, at a time when our understanding of their function is growing ever more rapidly and therapeutic options become imminent. The sections of the book focus on various topics: - Structure and function of dipeptidyl aminopeptidases, - DPP IV-like proteins, - Immune mechanisms and immune disorders, - Cancer and angiogenesis, - Diabetes and metabolism, - Therapeutic implications.

This NATO Advanced Study Institute (co-sponsored by FEBS and INTAS) under the title "Chemical Probes in Biology" was designed to summarize and disseminate recent expert knowledge regarding a deeper understanding ofbiological phenomena on a molecular level. Such scientific activities -frequently termed Bio-organic Chemistry or Chemical Biology are constituting a highly interdisciplinary branch of chemistry beyond the traditional ways in which chemists and biologists have been working in the past. Thus, on this occasion we were bringing together senior experts from the disciplines of Chemistry and Biology in order to amalgamate their diverse yet basically common interests in this area. Ultimate goal was - next to an exchange of information between the two scientific cultures - the communication ofexciting possibilities in interdisciplinary research to the young scientists present. The meeting was held in the Anargyros and Korgialenios School on the Island ofSpeteses, Greece from 18-30 August 2002. The ASI was attended by a total of 91 scholars from 23 different countries. A group of 27 speakers presented a series of 34 highly stimulating, informative and educational lectures covering a broad range of topics relevant to the general theme ofthis meeting: Science at the InteifaceofChemistry, Biology and Medicine. The lectures were complemented by a total of 89 posters presented by the young scholars and a series of short lectures derived thereof This was clearly one ofthe highlites of the meeting creating a lively atmosphere of interaction and intellectual creativity - typical phenomena for the whole meeting.

This book explores, in a comprehensive and systematic manner, Surgical Research methodologies to the design and development of investigational studies in the field of implant-based oral rehabilitation. Such studies are linked in a chain binding in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and digital evaluations. An ambitious objective consists in exposing how investigators can generate and deliver knowledge by capturing synergy coming from preclinical and clinical trials. Accordingly, throughout the book, translational aspects are closely scrutinized. The opening chapters consider materials, methods and procedures for preclinical and clinical studies in which approaches and models are extensively described. The focus then moves to the process by which application of histology, biomechanics, biomarkers, cellular/molecular biology, and imaging technologies lead to new results and consequently novel treatment concepts in implant dentistry, implant borne prosthetic rehabilitations and the replacement or regeneration of tissues. Finally, the exciting opportunities afforded by the digital world are addressed. This book shall be a valuable resource and time-saving tool for a wide audience of researchers, students, practitioners, and academics.

Learn why some drug discovery and development efforts succeed . . . and others fail Written by international experts in drug discovery and development, this book sets forth carefully researched and analyzed case studies of both successful and failed drug discovery and development efforts, enabling medicinal chemists and pharmaceutical scientists to learn from actual examples. Each case study focuses on a particular drug and therapeutic target, guiding readers through the drug discovery and development process, including drug design rationale, structure-activity relationships, pharmacology, drug metabolism, biology, and clinical studies. Case Studies in Modern Drug Discovery and Development begins with an introductory chapter that puts into perspective the underlying issues facing the pharmaceutical industry and provides insight into future research opportunities. Next, there are fourteen detailed case studies, examining: All phases of drug discovery and development from initial idea to commercialization Some of today's most important and life-saving medications Drugs designed for different therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, infection, inflammation, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and allergies Examples of prodrugs and inhaled drugs Reasons why certain drugs failed to advance to market despite major research investments Each chapter ends with a list of references leading to the primary literature. There are also plenty of tables and illustrations to help readers fully understand key concepts, processes, and technologies. Improving the success rate of the drug discovery and development process is paramount to the pharmaceutical industry. With this book as their guide, readers can learn from both successful and unsuccessful efforts in order to apply tested and proven science and technologies that increase the probability of success for new drug discovery and development projects.