Knowledge of the basic mechanisms of human disease is essential for any student or professional engaged in drug research and development. Functional gene analysis (genomics), protein analysis (proteomics), and other molecular biological techniques have made it possible to understand these cellular processes, opening up exciting opportunities for no
Pain is the number one reason that people seek medical attention but pain is still under- and poorly-treated world-wide. The purpose of this book is to give an up to date picture of what causes pain, how pain becomes chronic and what pharmacological targets might be manipulated to alleviate acute and chronic pain. The book will cover a wide array of topics from gene polymorphisms to voltage-gated ion channels moving from cellular biology to whole animal physiology. - Written by future leaders in the pain field - Covers a wide range of targets - Contains provocative ideas about the future direction of the pain field.
Our limited understanding of cellular regulatory signal-transduction-networks has been a barrier to progress in improving the overall cure-rate of human cancers. Delineation of the physiologic roles of the specific regulatory signaling components, with known association with metastatic phenotypes, is a highly promising area which will likely provide the next generation of targeted strategies in the future of molecular cancer medicine. These signaling components are likely to be used in diagnosis, prognosis, and as novel targets for therapeutic development. This book brings together up-to-date summaries by leading cancer researchers on the major principles of cancer cell biology: survival, apoptosis, adhesion, and cell cycle deregulation. It is directed at clinicians and scientists working in the areas of experimental and molecular therapeutics, molecular medicine, translational cancer research, and bio-medical sciences in general.
Capsicum has been used since ancient times not only as a traditional medicine but also as a natural colorant. The medicinal properties of capsicum make it popular in both ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments. In Capsicum: The Genus Capsicum, experts provide information on all aspects of this plant, including its ethnobotany, chemistry, pharmacology
Membranes are essential cellular organelles. They not only define cells and other organelles, but also are critical in the cell function by selectively regulating the passage of molecules by acting as a matrix for other signaling molecules, and as conduits of information transfer between the external environment and the cell interior. This series was originally added in 1970 and has since provided a systematic, comprehensive, and rigorous approach to specific topics relevant to the study of cellular membranes. Each volume is a guest edited compendium of membrane biology. This series has been a mainstay for practicing scientists and students interested in this critical field of biology. Articles covered in the volume include History of Ion Channels in the Pain Sensory System; Historical Overview; TRPV1, a Polymodal Sensor in the Nociceptor Terminal; Nociceptive Signals to TRPV1 and its Clinical Potential; Gating, Sensitization and Desensitization of TRPV1; TRP Channels as Thermosensors; ASIC Channels; P2X Receptors in Sensory Neurons; Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Neuropathic Pain; Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels in Sensory Neurons.
Despite tremendous advances in the understanding of the sensory nervous system which have accompanied the recent explosive growth of the neurosciences, rema- ably few innovative medicines directed towards pain and inflammation are ava- able. Indeed, many patients are still prescribed analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications that were identified long ago as components of herbal remedies. Si- larly, potential new medicines in clinical evaluation based on capsaicin and the c- saicin receptor are both grounded firmly on folk traditions and yet rely upon the most contemporary techniques of drug discovery and delivery. The first formal report of the pain-relieving properties of capsaicin appeared in 1850 [1]. However, for centuries before this, capsaicin-containing extracts had been used as folk medicines in cultures with access to pepper plants, much in the same way as poppy or willow-bark extracts were. Despite widespread use, it was not until 1878 that the selective action of capsaicin on the sensory nervous system was r- ognized [2]. In Chapter 1 of this volume, Janos Szolcsányi reviews this early research, which culminated with the seminal studies of Nicholas Jansco and his c- leagues in Hungary in the 1940s. Since then, capsaicin and related vanilloid c- pounds have played a prominent role in analgesia and inflammation investigations because of their ability to selectively activate a subpopulation of sensory neurons and produce sensations of pain and localized erythema.
Hands-on experts describe in step-by-step detail the key methodologies of contemporary peptide synthesis and illustrate their numerous applications. The techniques presented include protocols for chemical ligation, the synthesis of cyclic and phosphotyrosine-containing peptides, lipoamino acid- and sugar-conjugated peptides, and peptide purification and analyses. Additional chapters detail methodologies and instrumentation for high-throughput peptide synthesis, many different applications of peptides as novel research tools and biological probes, and the design and application of fluorescent substrate-based peptides that can be used to determine the selectivity and activity of peptidases. A practical guide to the identification of proteins using mass spectrometric analyses of peptide mixtures is also included.
Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins comprises a comprehensive and critical review of significant developments at the biology and chemistry interface. Compiled by leading researchers in their subject, this volume incorporates current trends and emerging areas in topics ranging from synthetic polypeptide materials and conjugates to membrane proteins and bioactive peptides implicated in various diseases and exploited for drug design. Appealing broadly to researchers in academia and industry, it will be of great benefit to any researcher wanting a succinct reference on developments in this area now and looking to the future.
A unique reference on peripheral pain receptor mechanisms While considerable advances have been made on pharmacotherapies for many chronic disease states, options available to treat chronic pain have remained relatively unchanged for decades. However, utilizing the receptors involved in peripheral pain transduction mechanisms offers a significant opportunity to create novel therapies for pain. A comprehensive review of peripheral pain mechanisms, Peripheral Receptor Targets for Analgesia: Novel Approaches to Pain Management provides a unique resource that brings together a body of knowledge that was previously widely dispersed. As such, it gives readers a framework for further basic and clinical studies on potential receptor targets, as well as the development of improved topical analgesics. Coverage includes: The latest discoveries by leading researchers relating to the function of various ion channels and receptors in the peripheral nervous system Novel delivery techniques An appendix listing currently available topical analgesic medications A Foreword by Professor Lars Arendt-Nielsen of the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI) at Aalborg University An unmatched resource for improving drug therapies and making pain management more efficient, Peripheral Receptor Targets for Analgesia supplies pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacologists, neuroscientists, and graduate and upper-level undergraduate students with a comprehensive, up-to-date reference.
This volume discusses questions of free-radical biology and new, modern directions in molecular cytobiology; proteomics and genomics. The book presents articles and reviews on bioantioxidants, synthesis of new compounds, mechanisms of their action and areas of application. Studies on free radical states using ESR technique, biochemistry of regulato
