Wnt Signaling 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).

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.

Cell Migration matches nearly all research areas in cell and developmental biology, genetics, and biomedicine. The field shows radical progress powered by the combination of new genomic tools, cell labeling techniques and the incorporation of new model systems. This is the first book to comprehensively cover cell migration from the identification of molecular mechanisms to the understanding of certain pathological disorders and cancer development.

This first entry-level guide to the multifaceted field takes readers one step further than existing textbooks. In an easily accessible manner, the authors integrate the biochemistry, cell biology and medical implications of intracellular redox processes, demonstrating that complex science can be presented in a clear and almost entertaining way. Perfect for students and junior researchers, this is an equally valuable addition to courses in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and human physiology.

Guidance to help you grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols The Second Edition of Signaling in Telecommunication Networks has been thoroughly updated, offering new chapters and sections that cover the most recent developments in signaling systems and procedures. This acclaimed book covers subscriber and network signaling in both fixed and mobile networks. Coverage begins with an introduction to circuit-switched telephone networks, including an examination of trunks, exchanges, access systems, transmission systems, and other basic components. Next, the authors introduce signaling concepts, beginning with older Channel Associated Signaling (CAS) systems and progressing to today's Common Channel Signaling (CCS) systems. The book then examines packet networks and their use in transmitting voice (VoIP), TCP/IP protocols, VoIP signaling protocols, and ATM protocols. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize functionality, particularly the roles of individual protocols and how they fit in network architectures, helping readers grasp even the most complex network structures and signaling protocols. Highlights of the Second Edition include: Coverage of the latest developments and topics, including new chapters on access networks, intelligent network application part, signaling for voice communication in packet networks, and ATM signaling Drawings and tables that help readers understand and visualize complex systems Comprehensive, updated references for further study Examples to help readers make the bridge from theory to application With the continued growth and expansion of the telecommunications industry, the Second Edition is essential reading for telecommunications students as well as anyone involved in this dynamic industry needing a solid understanding of the different signaling systems and how they work. Moreover, the book helps readers wade through the voluminous and complex technical standards by providing the essential structure, terminology, and functionality needed to understand them.

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.

The diversity of animal signals has been widely documented, and the generality of animal signals also tantalizingly suggests that there are common mechanisms that have selected for their origin. However, while much progress has been made on some fronts, we still lack a general theory about why the diversity of signaling structures exist. Our compilation will directly address this gap by focusing on an exciting new arena of sexual selection, namely using functional approaches to understand signaling. This approach is rooted in the idea that many signals are designed to transmit important functional imformation that is both important for issues of male quality (and hence male competition), and female choice. The increasing use of technology in sexual selection studies has enabled researchers to test whether signaling is either constrained by, or accurately transmits information about functional capacities. Further, in animals that fight vigorously, functional capacities such as endurance or strength may make the difference between winning and losing. This volume brings together a diverse collection of researchers who are actively investigating how function and signaling are related. These researchers use both a variety of methods and taxa to study animal signaling, and we believe that this integrative view is important to open up fresh vistas for why animal signals have evolved.

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.

An authoritative look at the application of chemical biology in drug discovery and development Based on the award-winning Wiley Encyclopedia of Chemical Biology published in 2008, this book explores the role of chemical biology in drug discovery and development. The first part of the book reviews key principles and techniques used in the design and evaluation of drug candidates. The second part elucidates biological mechanisms of certain diseases, illuminating approaches to investigate and target these diseases. Comprising carefully selected reprints from the Encyclopedia as well as new contributions from leading scholars in the field, this book provides researchers in academia and industry with important information to aid in the development of novel agents to treat disease. Self-contained articles cover a variety of essential topics, including: The design, development, and optimization of drug candidates The pharmacokinetics and properties of drugs Drug transport and delivery Natural products and natural product models as pharmaceuticals Biological mechanisms underlying health and disease Treatment strategies for a range of diseases, from HIV to schizophrenia Chemical Biology is a top-notch guide and reference for anyone working in the areas of drug discovery and development, including researchers in chemical biology and other fields such as biochemistry, medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Signaling Pathways in Liver Diseases, Third Edition again provides hepatologists and hepatology researchers with an expert overview of the complex and novel cellular/extracellular signaling pathways in the liver, and their role in liver diseases. The last few years have seen a great number of developments in this field, which in turn have led to new opportunities for innovative treatments; however, the intricacy of these pathways and their interactions continue to provide a real challenge for clinicians. This outstanding book compiles the emerging knowledge into a single expert resource, cataloguing and organizing it into an accessible and understandable format. With increased focus on the comprehension of cellular mechanisms involved in steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumors, which has led to changes in the management of these diseases, this new edition also sees the introduction of exciting new chapters on key emerging areas such as: Autophagy Notch Pathway P13K/PTEN Signaling in Liver Diseases Sirtuins Hepcidin and Iron Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Liver Fibrosis Oxidative Stress and Signaling in the Liver. Professors Dufour and Clavien have assembled an all-star cast of chapter authors, each of whom has provided clear and appropriate illustrations to reinforce the text, with a key points box offering a concise and handy summary. Self-assessment questions and answers allow the reader to test their own knowledge. Signaling Pathways in Liver Disease, Third Edition is the perfect educational and reference tool to bridge the information exchange between the laboratory, the clinical ward, and the operating room, and an essential tool for the modern-day hepatologist.