The study of signal transduction mechanisms has become one of the most important branches of biomedical science, indispensable to understanding the normal actions of hormones, neurotransmitters and other extracellular signaling molecules as well as many pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and cancer. In this volume, the various techniques for measuring Ca2+ in the cytosol, in the various organelles, and in the immediate surroundings of individual cells are described in practical detail by experts. Also included is a chapter on tracking calmodulin inside cells using fluorescence technology. A Springer Lab Manual
The endothelium, a monolayer of endothelial cells, constitutes the inner cellular lining of the blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries) and the lymphatic system, and therefore is in direct contact with the blood/lymph and the circulating cells. The endothelium is a major player in the control of blood fluidity, platelet aggregation and vascular tone, a major actor in the regulation of immunology, inflammation and angiogenesis, and an important metabolizing and an endocrine organ. Endothelial cells controls vascular tone, and thereby blood flow, by synthesizing and releasing relaxing and contracting factors such as nitric oxide, metabolites of arachidonic acid via the cyclooxygenases, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 pathways, various peptides (endothelin, urotensin, CNP, adrenomedullin, etc.), adenosine, purines, reactive oxygen species and so on. Additionally, endothelial ectoenzymes are required steps in the generation of vasoactive hormones such as angiotensin II. An endothelial dysfunction linked to an imbalance in the synthesis and/or the release of these various endothelial factors may explain the initiation of cardiovascular pathologies (from hypertension to atherosclerosis) or their development and perpetuation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Multiple Functions of the Endothelial Cells / Calcium Signaling in Vascular Cells and Cell-to-Cell Communications / Endothelium-Dependent Regulation of Vascular Tone / Conclusion / References
T cells play a vital role mediating adaptive immunity, a specific acquired resistance to an infectious agent produced by the introduction of an antigen. There are a variety of T cell types with different functions. They are called T cells, because they are derived from the thymus gland. This volume discusses how T cells are regulated through the operation of signaling mechanisms. Topics covered include positive and negative selection, early events in T cell receptor engagement, and various T cell subsets.
A comprehensive compendium of scholarly contributions relating to bacterial virulence gene regulation. • Provides insights into global control and the switch between distinct infectious states (e.g., acute vs. chronic). • Considers key issues about the mechanisms of gene regulation relating to: surface factors, exported toxins and export mechanisms. • Reflects on how the regulation of intracellular lifestyles and the response to stress can ultimately have an impact on the outcome of an infection. • Highlights and examines some emerging regulatory mechanisms of special significance. • Serves as an ideal compendium of valuable topics for students, researchers and faculty with interests in how the mechanisms of gene regulation ultimately affect the outcome of an array of bacterial infectious diseases.
The lipid bilayer is the most basic structural element of cell membranes. A wide range of topics are covered in this volume, from the origin of the lipid bilayer concept, to current applications and experimental techniques. Each chapter in this volume is self-contained and describes a group's research, providing detailed methodology and key references useful for researchers. Lipid bilayer research is of great interest to many because of it's interdisciplinary nature.·Provides an overview of decades of research on the lipid bilayer·38 contributed chapters, by leading scientists, cover a wide range of topics in one authoritative volume·Book coincides with 40th anniversary of BLM
Store-operated calcium channels are found in most animal cells and regulate many cellular functions including cell division, growth, differentiation, and cell death. This volume provides a concise and informative overview of the principles of store-operated calcium entry and the key developments in the field from researchers who have led these advances. The overall goal of the volume is to provide interested students and investigators with sufficient information to enable a broad understanding of the progress and current excitement in the field. The volume contains a wealth of information that even experienced investigators in the field will find useful. - The volume provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms and functions of store-operated calcium channels - Contributors are authoritative researchers who have produced important advances in the field - The volume is well-illustrated with cartoons and data to facilitate easy comprehension of the subject
The opportunity that tissue engineering provides for medicine is extraordinary. In the United States alone, over half-a-trillion dollars are spent each year to care for patients who suffer from tissue loss or dysfunction. Although numerous books and reviews have been written on tissue engineering, none has been as comprehensive in its defining of the field. Principles of Tissue Engineering combines in one volume the prerequisites for a general understanding of tissue growth and development, the tools and theoretical information needed to design tissues and organs, as well as a presentation of applications of tissue engineering to diseases affecting specific organ systems. The first edition of the book, published in 1997, is the definite reference in the field. Since that time, however, the discipline has grown tremendously, and few experts would have been able to predict the explosion in our knowledge of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation, the variety of stem cells, new polymers and materials that are now available, or even the successful introduction of the first tissue-engineered products into the marketplace. There was a need for a new edition, and this need has been met with a product that defines and captures the sense of excitement, understanding and anticipation that has followed from the evolution of this fascinating and important field.Key Features* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research on all of the major systems of the human body, e.g., skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Essential to anyone working in the field* Educates and directs both the novice and advanced researcher* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research with all of the major systems of the human body, e.g. skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Has new chapters written by leaders in the latest areas of research, such as fetal tissue engineering and the universal cell* Considered the definitive reference in the field* List of contributors reads like a "who's who" of tissue engineering, and includes Robert Langer, Joseph Vacanti, Charles Vacanti, Robert Nerem, A. Hari Reddi, Gail Naughton, George Whitesides, Doug Lauffenburger, and Eugene Bell, among others
All hollow organs, such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, airways, male and female reproductive systems, and the urinary bladder are primarily composed of smooth muscle. Such organs regulate flow, propulsion and mixing of luminal contents and storage by the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells respond to numerous inputs, including pressure, shear stress, intrinsic and extrinsic innervation, hormones and other circulating molecules, as well as autocrine and paracrine factors. This book is a review of smooth muscle cell regulation in the cardiovascular, reproductive, GI, and other organ systems with emphasis on calcium and receptor signaling. Key selling features: Focuses on smooth muscles of different types Describes ion channel signaling mechanisms Reviews calcium and receptor signaling Includes novel, cutting-edge methodologies Summarizes studies of mice with genetically encoding sensors in smooth muscle Chapter 9 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a CC-BY 4.0 license. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tandfbis/rt-files/docs/Open+Access+Chapters/9781498774222_oachapter9.pdf
In biochemistry, a metalloprotein is a generic term for a protein that contains a metal cofactor. The metal may be an isolated ion or may be coordinated with a nonprotein organic compound, such as the porphyrin found in hemoproteins. In some cases, the metal is co-coordinated with a side chain of the protein and an inorganic nonmetallic ion. This kind of protein-metal-nonmetal structure is seen in iron-sulfur clusters Metalloproteins deals with all aspects related to the intracellular and extracellular metal-binding proteins, including their structures, properties and functions. The biological roles of metal cations and metal-binding proteins are endless. They are involved in all crucial cellular activities. Many pathological conditions are related to the problematic metal metabolism. Research in metalloprotein-related topics is therefore rapidly growing, and different aspects of metal-binding proteins progressively enter curricula at Universities and even at the High School level on occasion. However, no key resource providing basic, but comprehensible knowledge on this rapidly expanding field exists. The Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins aims to bridge this gap, and will attempt to cover various aspects of metalloprotein/metalloproteomics and will deal with the different issues related to the intracellular and extracellular metal-binding proteins, including their structures, properties and functions. The goal is to cover exhaustively all catalytically and biologically crucial metal ions and to find at least one interacting protein for other metal ions. The Encyclopedia of Metalloproteins will provide a key resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, instructors, and professors interested in protein science, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics.
