Cell Migration in Development and Disease

Discovered over a century ago, the centrosome is the major microtubule organizing center of the animal cell. It is a tiny organelle of surprising structural complexity. Over the last few years our understanding of the structure and composition of centrosomes has greatly advanced, and the demonstration of frequent centrosome anomalies in most common human tumors has sparked additional interest in the role of this organelle in a broader scientific community. The centrosome controls the number and distribution of microtubules – a major element of the cell cytoskeleton – and hence influences many important cellular functions and properties. These include cell shape, polarity, and motility, as well as the intracellular transport and positioning of various organelles. Of particular interest, centrosome function is critical for chromosome segregation and cell division. This book is meant to summarize our current knowledge of the structure, function and evolution of microtubule organizing centers, primarily centrosomes. Emphasis is on the role of these organelles in development and disease (particularly cancer).

Wnt signaling in Development and Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Functions reviews the core topics in Wnt signaling, from molecular pathway mechanisms to its role in embryogenesis, adult tissue homeostasis, and chronic disease. Written by a team of expert reviewers, the book provides clear and concise coverage of the core foundations of Wnt signaling before advancing to discussion of cutting-edge scientific research. Focused on the biological insights and current scientific questions of Wnt signaling, this book will be a comprehensive and definitive resource for a wide range of researchers and students in cell signaling, cell physiology, developmental biology, and biomedical engineering, as well as anyone interested in learning more about this important and complex protein network. • A definitive source of information on Wnt signaling and its role in development and disease, written by leaders in the field. • Explores the role of Wnt signaling in chronic disease such as melanoma, colorectal cancer, dementia, and psychiatric diseases • Reviews the complex processes of signal integration and regulation • Features broad discussion of Wnt signaling biology as well as detailed discussion of the pathway’s role in diseases and potential clinical applications.

This book draws together contributions from cell and developmental biologists, structural biologists, geneticists and clinical scientists aimed at a better understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of these diseases. Topics include: How nuclear structure and location within a nucleus affect gene expression Chromatin organization and cell differentiation The nature of the interactions between the nuclear envelope and the cytoskeleton The extent to which the cytoskeleton mediates communication between the cell membrane and nucleus in regulating gene expression and whether disruption of such communication might underlie the disease processes It is hoped that a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to disease pathogenesis may ultimately lead to more rational and appropriate treatments.

Presented here are the most up-to-date research findings of leading international scientists in the field of aging. The collected data explores the biological, medical, and chemical implications and the latest thinking on the role of proto-oncogenes and their relationship to cell development and deterioration in amphibians, the role of the eukaryotic cell cycle, and the role of proto-oncogenes in differentiation and development.

Experts in their respective fields present papers concerned with the range of human diseases caused by defective or abnormal functioning of cell adhesion molecules. Discusses new therapeutic approaches to these maladies.

Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 10 The cytoskeleton is a dynamic filamentous structure composed of at least actin and microtubule networks. Actin and microtubules are no different structurally from their animal and fungal counterparts. However, the strategies of cell differentiation and development in plants require this network to respond appropriately to plant-specific developmental cues and to environmental factors. This book views the cytoskeleton from different perspectives but, on the whole, as a network composed of structural and regulatory proteins controlled by internal and external stimuli that result in different aspects of cell differentiation. This is a volume for researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.

This timely and most comprehensive reference available on the topic covers all the different aspects vital in the fight against the global obesity epidemic. Following a look at adipose tissue development and morphology, the authors go on to examine its metabolic and endocrine functions and its role in disease. The final section deals with comparative and evolutionary aspects of the tissue. The result is an essential resource for cell and molecular biologists, physiologists, biochemists, pharmacologists, and those working in the pharmaceutical industry.

Now in a revised second edition, Nutrigenomics and Proteomics in Health and Disease brings together the very latest science based upon nutrigenomics and proteomics in food and health. Coverage includes many important nutraceuticals and their impact on gene interaction and health. Authored by an international team of multidisciplinary researchers, this book acquaints food and nutrition professionals with these new fields of nutrition research and conveys the state of the science to date. Thoroughly updated to reflect the most current developments in the field, the second edition includes six new chapters covering gut health and the personal microbiome; gut microbe-derived bioactive metabolites; proteomics and peptidomics in nutrition; gene selection for nutrigenomic studies; gene-nutrient network analysis, and nutrigenomics to nutritional systems biology. An additional five chapters have also been significantly remodelled. The new text includes a rethinking of in vitro and in vivo models with regard to their translatability into human phenotypes, and normative science methods and approaches have been complemented by more comprehensive systems biology-based investigations, deploying a multitude of omic platforms in an integrated fashion. Innovative tools and methods for statistical treatment and biological network analysis are also now included.

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 is the first to address the most urgent issues, combining a solid basic research approach with applied individual and stress issues, including interventions. Throughout, the focus is on our latest knowledge about various causes of stress and its neuro-cognitive and biological implications. World-renowned authors from Europe as well as the US describe how stress affects the brain of young people as well as adults. They cover the topic from all perspectives, showing how stress affects life in general, from the societal and organizational level to the individual, organ and molecular level. While the book clearly points out stress as a risk factor to health, it also offers a number of evidence-based methods to cope with stress and even ride the positive energy of stress – both as an individual, as well as what managers can do to create a healthy and productive workplace. Written in a reader-friendly and appealing style, the book provides real-life examples from various laboratories, as well as such events as the Volvo Ocean Race, the largest around-the-globe sailing competition. Essential reading for clinicians and biologists, as well as for a wide range of students, including medicine and public health, but also managers and HR staff. With a Foreword by Nobel Laureate Professor Arvid Carlsson (Medicine 2000).