Neuromuscular Junctions in Drosophila gathers the main contributions that research using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has made in the area of synapse development, synapse physiology, and excitability of muscles and nerve cells. The chapters in this book represent a synthesis of major advances in our understanding of neuronal development and synaptic physiology, which have been obtained using the above approach.This book is directed to the general neuroscience audience: researchers, instructors, graduate students, and advanced undergraduates who are interested in the mechanisms of synapse development and physiology. However, the book will also be a valuable resource for those that use the fruit fly as a model system in their laboratories.Key Features* Synthesizes the genetic approaches used to study synaptic development and function at the neuromuscular junction, using flies as a model system* Covers major recent advances in muscle development, pathfinding, synapse maturation and plasticity, exo- and endocytosis, and ion channel function* Written in clear language that is easily understandable to readers not already familiar with fruit fly research* Includes numerous diagrams and extensive reference lists
The need to continually discover new agents for the control or treatment of invertebrate pests and pathogens is undeniable. Agriculture, both animal and plant, succeeds only to the extent that arthropod and helminth consumers, vectors and pathogens can be kept at bay. Humans and their companion animals are also plagued by invertebrate parasites. The deployment of chemical agents for these purposes inevitably elicits the selection of resistant populations of the targets of control, necessitating a regular introduction of new kinds of molecules. Experience in other areas of chemotherapy has shown that a thorough understanding of the biology of disease is an essential platform upon which to build a discovery program. Unfortunately, investment of research resources into understanding the basic physiology of invertebrates as a strategy to illuminate new molecular targets for pesticide and parasiticide discovery has been scarce, and the pace of introduction of new molecules for these indications has been slowed as a result. An exciting and so far unexploited area to explore in this regard is invertebrate neuropeptide physiology. This book was assembled to focus attention on this promising field by compiling a comprehensive review of recent research on neuropeptides in arthropods and helminths, with contributions from many of the leading laboratories working on these systems.
Neurons in the nervous system organize into complex networks and their functions are precisely controlled. The most important means for neurons to communicate with each other is transmission through chemical synapses, where the release of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic nerve terminal of one neuron influences the function of a second neuron. Since the discovery of chemical neurotransmission by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, great progress has been made in our understanding of mol- ular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The last decade has seen an explosion of knowledge in this field. The aim of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release is to provide up-to-date, in-depth coverage of essentially all major mole- lar mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The contributors have made great efforts to write concisely but with sufficient background information, and to use figures/diagrams to present clearly key concepts or experiments. It is hoped that this book may serve as a learning tool for neuroscience students, a solid reference for neuroscientists, and a source of knowledge for people who have a general interest in neuroscience. I was fortunate to be able to gather contributions from a group of outstanding scientists. I thank them for their efforts. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Erik Jorgensen who offered valuable suggestions about the book in addition to contrib- ing an excellent chapter. I thank US National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for their supports.
The definitive guide to peptidomics- a hands-on lab reference The first truly comprehensive book about peptidomics for protein and peptide analysis, this reference provides a detailed description of the hows and whys of peptidomics and how the techniques have evolved. With chapters contributed by leading experts, it covers naturally occurring peptides, peptidomics methods and new developments, and the peptidomics approach to biomarker discovery. Explaining both the principles and the applications, Peptidomics: Methods and Applications: * Features examples of applications in diverse fields, including pharmaceutical science, toxicity biomarkers, and neuroscience * Details the successful peptidomic analyses of biological material ranging from plants to mammals * Describes a cross section of analytical techniques, including traditional methodologies, emerging trends, and new techniques for high throughput approaches An enlightening reference for experienced professionals, this book is sufficiently detailed to serve as a step-by-step guide for beginning researchers and an excellent resource for students taking biotechnology and proteomics courses. It is an invaluable reference for protein chemists and biochemists, professionals and researchers in drug and biopharmaceutical development, analytical and bioanalytical chemists, toxicologists, and others.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.
Peptide Receptors Part I was published in 2000 (as volume 16 of the Handbook of Chemical Neuroanatomy series). This volume summarized current knowledge on the discrete anatomical distribution of ten families of neuropeptide receptors expressed in the mammalian CNS. Part II is its natural complementwith chapters covering six additional families of neuropeptide receptors for ligands ranging from well known peptides such as the opioids and neurotensin to recently isolated ones like the orexins. As in the case of Part I, this volume integrates photomontages and maps of quantitative receptor autoradiography, in situ hybridization histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. Data derived from transgenic and knock-out animals are also summarized, helping to decipher the possible physiological and Pathophysiological role(s) of a given peptide family. Some chapters also review current knowledge on the profile of internalization of the neuropeptide-receptor complex, an area of intense research activities that should help to better understand mechanisms involved in desensitization and tachyphylaxis.
This new volume of Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers developmental timing, with contributions from an international board of authors. The chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as the timing of developmental programs in Drosophila, temporal patterning of neural progenitors, and environmental modulation of developmental timing.
The first major comprehensive overview of the anatomical, physiological, evolutionary, and embryological aspects of brain peptides, focusing on peptides described in the past decade. Examines the role of peptides in affecting major homeostatic systems. Presents the methodologies applicable to the study of brain peptides. Summarizes current knowledge of individual peptides.
This book is a n exploration of what we mean when we say that an animal is 'hungry'; it analyzes the concepts of motivation and drive as tested in extensive and elegant experiments on blowflies. The fly, then, is incidental; concepts and experimental techniques for evaluating them are the main subject.