Current Topics in Membranes is targeted toward scientists and researchers in biochemistry and molecular and cellular biology, providing the necessary membrane research to assist them in discovering the current state of a particular field and in learning where that field is heading. This volume offers an up to date presentation of current knowledge in the field of Lipid Domains. - Written by leading experts - Contains original material, both textual and illustrative, that should become a very relevant reference material - The material is presented in a very comprehensive manner - Both researchers in the field and general readers should find relevant and up-to-date information
This volume presents relevant background information to understanding the molecular basis governing unconventional protein secretion (UPS), and in particular explores the latest techniques and protocols that have been successfully applied for the study of this topic. Detailed chapters include an overview of conventional and unconventional secretory pathways along with multidisciplinary approaches and methods used for UPS analysis in different organisms. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Unconventional Protein Secretion: Methods and Protocols will be useful for all interested in the secretory pathway field as well as applications in cell biology, cell development, biomedical research, and healthcare.
The highly structured eucaryotic cell with its complex division of biochemical labour requires a distinct protein complement in each cellular structure and compartment. Nuclear coded and cytosolically synthesized polypeptides are specifically sorted to every corner of the cell in a post- or co-translational manner. The presence of separate genomes and protein translation machineries in plastids and mitochondria requires further coordination not only on the transcriptional, translational but also most likely on the protein import level. Numerous different protein transport systems have developed and coexist within plant cells to ensure the specific and selective composition of every sub-cellular compartment. This volume summarizes the current knowledge on protein trafficking in plant cells. Aside from the fundamental aspects in cell biology of how specific pre-protein sorting and translocation across biological membranes is achieved, a major focus is on transport, modification and deposition of plant storage proteins. The increasing use of plants as bioreactors to provide custom-designed proteins of different usage requires detailed understanding of these events. This text is directed not only at students and professionals in plant cell and molecular biology but also at those involved in horticulture and plant breeding. It is intended to serve as a text and guide for graduate-level courses on plant cell biology and as a valuable supplement to courses in plant physiology and development. Scientists in other disciplines who wish to learn more about protein translocation in plants will also find this text an up-to-date source of information and reference.
Protein transport into and across membranes is a fundamental process in bacteria that touches upon and unites many areas of microbiology, including bacterial cell physiology, adhesion and motility, nutrient scavenging, intrabacterial signaling and social behavior, toxin deployment, interbacterial antagonism and collaboration, host invasion and disruption, and immune evasion. A broad repertoire of mechanisms and macromolecular machines are required to deliver protein substrates across bacterial cell membranes for intended effects. Some machines are common to most, if not all bacteria, whereas others are specific to Gram-negative or Gram-positive species or species with unique cell envelope properties such as members of Actinobacteria and Spirochetes. Protein Secretion in Bacteria, authored and edited by an international team of experts, draws together the many distinct functions and mechanisms involved in protein translocation in one concise tome. This comprehensive book presents updated information on all aspects of bacterial protein secretion encompassing: Individual secretory systems–Sec, Tat, and T1SS through the newly discovered T9SS Mechanisms, structures, and functions of bacterial secretion systems Lipoprotein sorting pathways, outer membrane vesicles, and the sortase system Structures and roles of surface organelles, including flagella, pili, and curli Emerging technologies and translational implications Protein Secretion in Bacteria serves as both an introductory guide for students and postdocs and a ready reference for seasoned researchers whose work touches on protein export and secretion. This volume synthesizes the diversity of mechanisms of bacterial secretion across the microbial world into a digestible resource to stimulate new research, inspire continued identification and characterization of novel systems, and bring about new ways to manipulate these systems for biotechnological, preventative, and therapeutic applications.
Recent molecular studies have revealed an overwhelming role of hemolymph proteins and functional peptides in invertebrate physiology. This is mainly due to the large assortment of biomolecular factors each with a different structure and function. In addit
This book covers novel and current strategies for biosensing, from the use of nanomaterials and biological functionalized surfaces to the mathematical assessment of novel biosensors and their potential use as wearable devices for continuous monitoring. Biosensing technologies can be used in the medical field for the early detection of disease, monitoring effectiveness of treatments, detecting nervous system signals for controlling robotic prosthesis, and much more. This book includes eleven chapters that examine and discuss several strategies of biosensing, proposing mathematical designs that address the latest reported technologies.
This book describes the major achievements and discoveries relevant to bacterial protein toxins since the turn of the new century illustrated by the discovery of more than fifty novel toxins (many of them identified through genome screening). The establishment of the three-dimensional crystal structure of more than 20 toxins during the same period offers deeper knowledge of structure-activity relationships and provides a framework to understand how toxins recognize receptors, penetrate membranes and interact with and modify intracellular substrates. - Edited by two of the most highly regarded experts in the field from the Institut Pasteur, France - 14 brand new chapters dedicated to coverage of historical and general aspects of toxinology - Includes the major toxins of both basic and clinical interest are described in depth - Details applied aspects of toxins such as therapy, vaccinology, and toolkits in cell biology - Evolutionary and functional aspects of bacterial toxins evaluated and summarized - Toxin applications in cell biology presented - Therapy (cancer therapy, dystonias) discussed - Vaccines (native and genetically engineered vaccines) featured - Toxins discussed as biological weapons, comprising chapters on anthrax, diphtheria, ricin etc.
This new edition of The Fungi provides a comprehensive introduction to the importance of fungi in the natural world and in practical applications, from a microbiological perspective.
Biotechnology has emerged as one of the key environmentally safe technologies for the future which enables use of biomass to develop novel smart materials and to replace oil derived products. Fungi are the most efficient producers of the enzymes needed for this purpose and in addition they produce a plethora of secondary metabolites, among which novel antibiotics can be found. Industrial application and exploitation of the metabolic capacities of fungi requires highly productive and robust gene expression systems, which can be achieved by selection of appropriate species and strain improvement. In this book we aim to summarize homologous and heterologous gene expression systems of fungi for production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. A broad overview on requirements, challenges and successful applications shall serve as a basis for further development of fungi as biotechnological workhorses in research and industry.
Research into plant vacuoles has, over the last 5 years, been injected with new data which have already radically changed our concept of the vacuolar compartment in plant cells. In fact, we should no longer speak of the vacuole, but rather of vacuolar compartments. This is a revolutionary change in the way in which the plant cell has traditionally been presented in the biological literature. Vacuolar Compartments is a timely volume that provides a broad overview of our current understanding of the roles of vacuolar compartments in plant cells. Chapters focus on individual function of plant vacuoles and the tonoplast machinery that supports them. Additional chapters present up-to-date information on the identity of different vacuole types and the traffic of proteins to them. The book also provides a basis for comparing the plant system to vacuoles in other organisms. The present challenge is to understand how the separate organelles in the system are generated and maintained by the cell, and to explain at a biochemical level the functions of each vacuole type and the mechanisms by which they are achieved. Vacuolar Compartments is the first book to provide this perspective.
