The decision, in 1975, to write alone a monograph on micro tubules was not without risks. While I was familiar from its start in Brussels in 1934 with the work on col chicine and other mitotic poisons, the literature on microtubules was, 8 years ago, already increasing at an impressive rate. However, this monograph, which, contrary to other works on microtubules, tried to cover the whole field of research, from the fundamentals of the tubulin molecule and the possible role of these organelles in some aspects of human pathology, to some medical applications of microtubule poisons, has been accepted as a useful tool for workers in these fields. Since 1976, (date of the last references mentioned in the monograph) until the middle of 1983, papers on microtubule research have literally been pouring in, at the rate of several hundred a year. This may justify a second edition, although the considerable difficulties in keeping the size of the book within the same limits while not forgetting to mention some important work, could not be overlooked. The need for an entirely revised and rewritten edition prompted this new venture and was possible with the help of the considerable amount of reprints kindly sent to me day after day over the years. This work would have been unthinkable if the author had not maintained the same enthusiasm for microtubule research, which has been disclosing new facts every day.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

1 Mechanisms of Intracellular Organelle Transport.- 2 Organization and Function of Stress Fibers in Cells in Vitro and in Situ: A Review.- 3 The Form and Function of Actin: A Product of Its Unique Design.- 4 Changes in Actin during Cell Differentiation.- 5 The Dynamics of Cytoskeletal Organization in Areas of Cell Contact.- 6 Cell Shape and Membrane Receptor Dynamics: Modulation by the Cytoskeleton.- 7 The Biochemistry of Microtubules: A Review.- 8 MAP2 (Microtubule Associated Protein 2).- 9 Genetic Dissection of the Assembly of Microtubules and Their Role in Mitosis.- 10 Cytoskeleton in Plate.

Biological Functions of Microtubules and Related Structures is a compendium of papers presented at the 13th Oji International Seminar on The Biological Functions of Microtubules and Related Structures, held at Komaba Eminence in Tokyo in November, 1981. The papers discuss the molecular function of tubulin in various biological processes or events. The book is divided into six sections focusing on the various aspects of the functions and structures of microtubules -- the biochemistry and molecular biology of tubulin, including regulation of microtubule assembly; microtubule-dynein systems and other proteins in cell motility; microtubules and related proteins in mitosis; the interactions of cytoskeletal components; the cytoskeleton; and microtubules in membrane functions and transport. Biochemists, biologists, and molecular biologists will find the book interesting.

The Cytoskeleton, Part A

Axoplasmic transport is the intracellular movement of cellular components required for the maintenance and normal physiological functioning of neuronal cells. This book provides an up to date reference for both established investigators as well as for those entering in the field.This volume describes the history and methods of the study of transport and the involvement of energy, ions, calmodulin, microtubules and other cellular components in transport. It also discusses the transport of polypeptides, lipids, nucleic acids, neutrotransmitter containing components and various other particles in nerve fibres. A significant portion of this book is devoted to axoplasmic transport, regeneration and the relevance of transport in neurotropic functions are described in the alst four chapters, followed by a discussion on the mechanism of axoplasmic transport.

This book is based on reviews and research presentations given at the 16th Rochester International Conference on Environmental Toxicity, entitled liThe Cytoskeleton: A Target for Toxic Agents," held on June 4, 5 and 6 in 1984. The conference provided an in-depth discussion of the effects a~d mechanism of action of some toxic agents on the cytoskeleton. Mamma"lian and other eukaryotic cells contain protein networks within the cytoplasm comprised of microfilaments, intermediate Hlaments and microtubules. These components of the cytoskeleton playa key role in cell shape, motility, intracellular organization and transport, and cell division. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton, via associations with the cell membrane, appears to function in intracellular communication and cellular responses to membrane events. Because of the complex functional roles of the cytoskeleton which vary with cell type, degree of differentiation, and cell cycle, its disruption may result in a variety of cellular changes. This expanding field in cell biology has already attracted the interest of toxicologists and environmental health scientists as a potentially fruitful area of research. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that certain toxic and chemotherapeutic compounds, as well as physical agents such as radiation and hydrostatic pressure, disrupt the normal structure and function of the cytoskeleton. This may be an important step in the overall expression of their action. It was, therefore, an opportune time to hold a conference to encourage the development of this area of toxicology and to suggest directions for future research.