Purinergic Signalling in Neuron-Glia Interactions

A panel of internationally renowned experts present papers on cell signalling–an area in which there has been recent important advances. Coverage includes the inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor, signal-induced phospholipid degradation cascade and protein kinase C activation, cyclic AMP interactions in sustained cellular response, the acetylcholine receptor and much more.

Explains the underlying structure that unites all disciplines in chemistry Now in its second edition, this book explores organic, organometallic, inorganic, solid state, and materials chemistry, demonstrating how common molecular orbital situations arise throughout the whole chemical spectrum. The authors explore the relationships that enable readers to grasp the theory that underlies and connects traditional fields of study within chemistry, thereby providing a conceptual framework with which to think about chemical structure and reactivity problems. Orbital Interactions in Chemistry begins by developing models and reviewing molecular orbital theory. Next, the book explores orbitals in the organic-main group as well as in solids. Lastly, the book examines orbital interaction patterns that occur in inorganic–organometallic fields as well as cluster chemistry, surface chemistry, and magnetism in solids. This Second Edition has been thoroughly revised and updated with new discoveries and computational tools since the publication of the first edition more than twenty-five years ago. Among the new content, readers will find: Two new chapters dedicated to surface science and magnetic properties Additional examples of quantum calculations, focusing on inorganic and organometallic chemistry Expanded treatment of group theory New results from photoelectron spectroscopy Each section ends with a set of problems, enabling readers to test their grasp of new concepts as they progress through the text. Solutions are available on the book's ftp site. Orbital Interactions in Chemistry is written for both researchers and students in organic, inorganic, solid state, materials, and computational chemistry. All readers will discover the underlying structure that unites all disciplines in chemistry.

This book contains extremely detailed and informative content on structure and function of ligands, receptors, and signalling intermediates plus interactions … the extent of detail and appropriate referencing is impressive. –Microbiology Today, July 2009 «A very well-written book suitable for use as a reference or textbook for an undergraduate subject in cell signalling. For researchers interested in the molecular basis of cell signalling and how aberrant regulation of cell signalling proteins causes diseases, this is an excellent resource of biochemical and structural information.» –Australian Biochemist, August 2009 «From basics to details, this is an elegantly written and carefully edited book. The chapters on cell cycle control and oncogenesis are particularly fascinating and valuable to biomedical research. This is the book to have if you are interested in molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. It is a great introduction to the literature that will be welcomed by students and experts alike.» –Doody's, January 2009 This text is a concise and accessible introduction to the dynamic but complex field of signal transduction. Rather than simply cataloguing all signalling molecules and delineating every known pathway, this book aims to break signalling down into common elements and activities – the ‘nuts and bolts’ of cellular information exchange. With an emphasis on clarity of presentation throughout, the book teaches the basic principles focusing on a mature core of knowledge, providing students with a foundation of learning in this complex and potentially confusing subject. It also addresses the issue of variation in the numbering of key amino acids as well as featuring interaction with RasMol software, and exercises to aid understanding. An accessible introduction to the complex field of cell signalling Interacts with RasMol software – freely downloadable for viewing structures in 3D Includes exercises and clear instructions in the use of RasMol Well illustrated in full colour throughout Structure and Function in Cell Signalling is an invaluable resource to students across a range of life science degree programmes including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, biomedicine and oncology. This book provides a clear, accessible introduction to this rapidly expanding field.

Oxygen sensing is a key physiological function of many tissues, but the identity of the sensor, the signalling pathways linking the sensor to the effector, and the endpoint effector mechanisms are all subjects of controversy. This book evaluates the various mediators that have been proposed, including the mitochondria, NAD(P)H oxidases, cytochrome p450 enzymes, and direct effects on enzymes and ion channels. There has been a resurgence of interest in the role of mitochondria, based partly on the ability of mitochondrial inhibitors to mimic hypoxia, but there is little consensus concerning mechanisms. Some favour the view that the primary signalling event is a reduction in cell redox state and reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to general inhibition of the electron transport chain (ETC); others support a key role for complex III of the ETC and an increase in ROS generation, while others doubt either of these components is the key intermediary. All these hypotheses are discussed in the book, together with conceptual problems concerning the ability of mitochondria to respond to physiological hypoxia. The other area of controversy covered in the book is the identity of the endpoint effector(s). Some authors favour K+ channel inhibition, followed by depolarization and Ca2+ entry via L-type channels, while others propose that release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, or capacitative Ca2+ entry and other voltage-independent pathways may be more important. The book also describes evidence for an endothelium-dependent Ca2+-sensitizing pathway involving Rho and possibly other kinases. While some of these differences can be attributed to variation between tissues, many must be related to differences in interpretation or methodology. In this book, experts in the field of acute oxygen sensing working in different tissues address these controversies and their possible origins, and discuss possible approaches whereby these controversies might be resolved. The book will be of great interest to all those working in fields where oxygen sensing is important, particularly cancer and wound healing, as well as researchers in drug discovery and biotechnology.

The human-computer interactions are more and more present in our everyday life, and lead to many conceptual and methodological problems for the designers and evaluators of interactive systems. This book is about Human-Computer Interaction in Transport domain, in which the traveler becomes a user of information systems, particularly before and during the travel(s). This book will focus on traveler information and personalized systems, using a human-centered design approach.

This new work contains the first integrated discussion of the role of olfaction in mosquito-host interactions. It covers the practical applications of this knowledge in attempting to control malaria as a problem for world health. The volume begins with a general overview of mosquito life cycle styles and how odour-mediated host location fits into the repertoire of behaviours that a specific species may exhibit. Certain aspects of insect olfaction and its underlying physiological mechanisms are incorporated within the book.

Drug-Drug Interactions in Pharmaceutical Development comprehensively reviews the relevant science, industrial practice, and regulatory agency positions on drug-drug interactions. It focuses on the evaluation of potential drug-drug interactions, allowing researchers to address risk factors before a drug is put to market. The book covers both clinical and nonclinical aspects for understanding drug-drug interactions as well as in vitro and in vivo studies for use in studying interactions at the drug discovery stage.

This book features contributions from experts in cell biology, genetics, neurobiology, immunology and structural biology. The unifying element is that they all study processes of cell shape change and motility. Several key questions in this field of research are discussed: What are the organising principles behind cell shape change? Are there ‘master switches’ present in every cell type? How are extracellular signals interpreted by the cell in order to activate intracellular mechanisms? What is the influence of the extracellular matrix on cell movement and internal signalling pathways? How do pathogens subvert cellular systems in order to stimulate or block their uptake? The book addresses all of these important questions. Data are presented on the key proteins that regulate cell shape: the GTP binding proteins of the Rho family. There are also extensive discussions of the potential applications of the data to clinical problems, particularly that of cell motility in cancer.

Treating protein-protein interactions as a novel and highly promising class of drug targets, this volume introduces the underlying strategies step by step, from the biology of PPIs to biophysical and computational methods for their investigation. The main part of the book describes examples of protein targets for which small molecule modulators have been developed, covering such diverse fields as cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. Tailor-made for the practicing medicinal chemist, this ready reference includes a wide selection of case studies taken straight from the development pipeline of major pharmaceutical companies to illustrate the power and potential of this approach. From the contents: * Prediction of intra- and inter-species protein-protein interactions facilitating systems biology studies * Modulators of protein-protein interactions: The importance of Three-Dimensionality * Interactive technologies for leveraging the known chemistry of anchor residues * SH3 Domains as Drug Targets * P53 MDM2 Antagonists: Towards Non Genotoxic Anticancer Treatments * Inhibition of LFA-1/ICAM interaction for treatment of autoimmune diseases * The PIF-binding pocket of AGC kinases * Peptidic inhibitors of protein-protein interactions for cell adhesion receptors * The REPLACE Strategy for generating Non-ATP competitive Inhibitors of Cell-Cycle Protein Kinases and more

A focused, accessible introduction to this key aspect of cancer biology. It covers the individual cell signalling pathways that are known to be involved in cancer development, and, most important, includes the cross- interactions between the pathways together with the current therapeutic approaches. This is a ‘must-have’ for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students studying and researching within the field of cancer biology.