The zinc metalloproteases are a diverse group of enzymes which are becoming increasingly important in a variety of biological systems. Their major function is to break down proteins. This text presents recent research results on the biochemistry and molecular biology of these enzymes.

This volume describes recent research in the field of metalloproteinases (a family of enzymes that can catalyze tissue degradation), in particular their participation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, reviewing the latest developments in metalloproteinase inhibitor design and the current status of clinical candidates. This volume is intended not only for those active in research into metalloproteinases but also for those with an interest in inflammatory diseases. Thus it addresses both academic and industrial researchers.

In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing and emerging research in this exciting area. In-depth critical state-of-the-art reviews will be written by established investigators on proteases dysfunctions associated with pathogenesis of different diseases that are known to occur due to deregulation of proteolytic systems. Multidisciplinary approaches demonstrating biochemical and signal transduction mechanisms associated with deregulation of proteases leading to manifestation of the diseases will be discussed. The book highlights the roles of both intracellular and extracellular proteases in health and disease.

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

Presenting a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted field of proteases in the extracellular matrix environment, this reference focuses on the recently elucidated functions of complex proteolytic systems in physiological and pathological tissue remodeling. The proteases treated include both serine proteases such as plasminogen activators and TTSPs, metalloproteases such as MMPs and ADAMS and cysteine protease cathepsins. The text specifically addresses the role of extracellular proteases in cancer cell invasion, stroke and infectious diseases, describing the basic biochemistry behind these disease states, as well as therapeutic strategies based on protease inhibition. With its trans-disciplinary scope, this reference bridges the gap between fundamental research and biomedical and pharmaceutical application, making this required reading for basic and applied scientists in the molecular life sciences.

This book provides an account of the recent advances in our understanding of the role of proteases under physiological and pathological conditions. It reviews the contributions that have been made in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, medicine, agriculture and ecology. In addition there is an account of the growing number of practical applications in biotechnology, reflecting the fact that peptidases are major targets for medical and agricultural purposes. The book shows how the numerous protease structures are essential for drug design. The contributions place special emphasis on cysteine, aspartic and metalloproteases and their role in physiological and certain pathological states. Another focus is the classification and nomenclature of peptidases and a review of those proteases currently under the most intensive investigation. The book provides an informative introduction for teachers and newcomers to the field, such as graduate students, while providing a valuable source of material and ideas for the academic and industrial researcher in areas including biochemistry, medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.

The work presents articles on proteases and their inhibitors as mediators of biological functions. Topics addressed: cathepsin B and L; MHC and peptide interaction; procathepsin L; cysteine proteinases; selective neuronal cell death; HIV and influenza virus; tumor invasion; gingivitis; bacterial infection. Readers: professionals in the area of molecular medicine, biochemists, molecular biologists, clinical pharmacologists, pharmaceutical companies.

In recent years, powered by evolving technologies and experimental design, studies have better illuminated the regulating role of proteolytic enzymes across human development and pathologies. Proteolytic Signaling in Health and Disease provides an in-depth discussion of fundamental physiological and developmental processes regulated by proteases, from protein turnover and autophagy to antigen processing and presentation and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Moving on from basic biology, international chapter authors examine a range of pathological conditions associated with proteolysis, including inflammation, wound healing, and cancer. Later chapters discuss the newly discovered network of connected events among proteases (and their inhibitors), the so-called ‘protease web’, and how best to study it. This book also empowers new research with up-to-date analytical methods and step-by-step protocols for studying proteolytic signaling events. Examines biological events triggered by proteolytic enzyme activity across human development and pathologies Discusses the role of proteolytic signaling in inflammation, wound healing, and cancer, among other disease types Features methods and protocols supporting further study of proteolytic signaling events Includes chapter contributions from international leaders in the field

Here, a stellar international group of contributors examines the various aspects of metabolism in the human adult during pregnancy, in the foetus, and in the new-born. This second edition has been completely updated and now has more than 17 new chapters. Divided into five sections, the book contains discussions of methodologies using molecular biology techniques, expanded coverage of central nervous system metabolism, and an entirely new section on organ-specific metabolism organised according to each organ-system. A must for every physician who cares for the pregnant patient and her child.

The aim of this work is to provide a fuller spectrum of information in a single source on enzyme-catalyzed reactions than is currently available in any published reference work or as part of any Internet database. The Enzyme Reference: A Comprehensive Guidebook to Enzyme Nomenclature, Reactions, and Methods includes 20,000 review articles and seminal research papers. Additionally, it provides a novel treatment of so-called ATPase and GTPase reactions to account for the noncovalent substratelike and productlike states of molecular motors, elongation factors, transporters, DNA helicases, G-reulatory proteins, and other energases. - Includes a compendium of over 6,000 enzyme reactions (including enzyme commission numbers, alternative names, substrates, products, alternative substrates, and properties) - Covers over 900 chemical structures of key metabolites and cofactors - Index directs readers to the exact pages for over 9,500 enzyme names