This book describes the growth of information on specific aspects of physiology and pathology of particular disorders and provides an analysis of the processes and contributions of pioneers to discovery. It begins primarily in the second half of the 19th century and explores specific contributions of researchers through to the 20th and 21st centuries. The book revisits specific aspects of physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology relevant to genetic medicine. In addition, it provides a review of specific human disorders that the author has encountered during her career, as well as an analysis of the progress in determining disease mechanisms and improving therapies.The chapters in this book provide insights into the processes of research and discovery, as well as how elucidation of disease mechanisms translates into research in diagnostics and treatments.The book provides historical information and current information obtained from recent journals and presentations, on each of the topics discussed.

Microorganisms are widely used in various beneficial applications, including food, pest control, bioremediation, biodegradation, biofuel processes, and plant symbiosis and growth stimulation. This book provides an overview of the available methodology for safety assessments of microorganisms, including determination of their infectivity and whether they produce toxic or sensitizing substances. Also covered are the regulatory systems in risk assessment and management of microbial products, quarantine legislations, international treaties, the importance of public risk perception and risk reducti

This book presents the state of the art of type 2 diabetes genetics, from the process of genetic discovery to its interpretation and clinical application, and illustrates a model for other complex human phenotypes.The first section explores genome-wide association studies, the extension of this method to less accessible phenotypes and the arrival of next-generation sequencing. A further section goes beyond genetics to illustrate how other data sources can help interpret genetic data, such as leveraging population diversity, the correlation of genetic associations with physiological measurements, gene expression modulation, environmental factors and our microbial commensals. The third section describes advances in elucidating the complex path from association to function using in-depth sequencing and functional studies of the cellular and molecular effects of genes in the loci identified by genetics. The final section links our current understanding with clinically relevant questions, such as prediction, interactions with drugs or nutrients, and disease prevention, and paints a realistic but hopeful vision of the future. ​

Drug resistance is a growing problem in today's society. Successful drugs are constantly being developed but there is always the risk that a small percent of the drug's target will be immune. These survivors can then lead to a new population, resistant to the action of this drug. New drugs are continuously under development to combat this problem, but these can, in turn, lead to new resistant populations. This problem is universal whether the target is to destroy a deadly virus, or an insect which is ravaging crop production. Development of new drugs is difficult and time consuming so it is of crucial importance that we understand the processes behind drug resistance. "Molecular Genetics of Drug Resistance" forms a vital and timely review of the genetic processes behind drug resistance. Starting with an overview of the area, each chapter focuses on a particular target with important sections on drug resistance in malaria and in cancer. Each chapter has been written by an acknowledged expert in the field and the careful work of the editors has ensured a consistent approach and presentation.