Cellular biology (cytology) Books

Book SynopsisEndocytosis is the process by which cells absorb molecules (such as proteins) from outside the cell by engulfing it with their cell membrane. It is used by all cells of the body because most substances important to them are large polar molecules that cannot pass through the hydrophobic plasma membrane or cell membrane. Endocytosis is required for a vast number of functions that are essential for the well being of a cell. It intimately regulates many processes, including nutrient uptake, cell adhesion and migration, receptor signalling pathogen entry, neurotransmission, receptor down-regulation, antigen presentation, cell polarity, mitosis, growth and differentiation, and drug delivery. This book examines the functions and benefits of endocytosis in regards to cells within the body.

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Book SynopsisIn cell biology, a mitochondrion is a membrane-enclosed organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria are often described as "cellular power plants" because they generate most of the cell''s supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of the chemical energy. In addition to supplying cellular energy, mitochondria are involved in a range of other processes, such as signalling, cellular differentiation, cell death, as well as the control of the cell cycle and cell growth. This book reviews research on the mitochondrial metabolism in age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s disease; mitochondria and ageing; apoptosis and peritoneal injury; diabetes, mitochondria and brain endothelium dysfunction as a dangerous triad for neurodegeneration.

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Book SynopsisNeutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cells in mammals and form an essential part of the innate immune system. However, during the beginning (acute) phase of inflammation, particularly as a result of bacterial infection and some cancers, neutrophils are one of first-responders of inflammatory cells to migrate toward the site of inflammation, firstly through the blood vessels, then through interstitial tissue, following chemical signals in a process called chemotaxis. This book presents topical data on neutrophils including neutrophils as biological age markers and predictors of longevity; the role of neutrophils in acute myocardial infarction, Behcet''s Disease, bladder cancer, tuberculosis and others.

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Book SynopsisDendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells (APCs) that were discovered several decades ago. They play a crucial role in the innate and adaptive immune response against bacteria or viruses. This book reviews research in the field of dendritic cells including a review of the recent progress in understanding the correlation between the approach used to obtain dendritic cells and their related properties, in order to indicate a correct application of DCs for research or clinical studies.

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Book SynopsisChemotaxis is the phenomenon in which bodily cells, bacteria, and other single-cell or multicellular organisms direct their movements according to certain chemicals in their environment. This is important for bacteria to find food by swimming towards the highest concentration of food molecules, or to flee from poisons. In multicellular organisms, chemotaxis is critical to early and subsequent phases of development, as well as in normal function. This book discusses research in the study of chemotaxis including the cell migration signalosome, the role of chemotaxis in the association of the azospirillum brasilense plant, the role of CD46 in the control of chemotaxis of activated T cells in MS pathogenesis and the regulation of chemotaxis by heterotrimeric G proteins.

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Book SynopsisStem cells are the building blocks of the body. They can develop into any of the cells that make up our bodies. Stem cells carry a lot of hope for the treatment of a broad range of diseases and injuries, spanning from cancers, diabetes, genetic diseases, graft-versus-host disease, eye, heart and liver diseases, inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, to neurological diseases and injuries, particularly neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s diseases, cerebral strokes, and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. Stem cell research is therefore as important for understanding the Physio- and pathology of the body as for development and therapy as well as for understanding the nervous system. This book provides an overview and in depth analysis of recent developments in stem cell research and therapy.

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Book SynopsisOf the estimated trillion cells that build up our bodies, only a little number can self-renew and give rise to many different cell types. These unspecialised cells are called stem cells. Stem cell division and differentiation is fundamental to the development of the mature organism. Stem cells have recently attracted significant attention largely due to their potential medical benefits in the fields of therapeutic cloning and regenerative medicine. Because stem cells can become many specialised types of cells of the organs, they have the potential to treat many diseases, including Alzheimer''s disease, Parkinson''s disease, type-1 diabetes, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. This book focuses on the application of stem cells in regeneration and repair of the organs in disease and ageing.

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Book SynopsisChemokines are a family of small cytokines, or proteins secreted by cells. Their name is derived from their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. The major role of chemokines is to act as a chemoattractant to guide the migration of cells. Cells that are attracted by chemokines follow a signal of increasing chemokine concentration towards the source of the chemokine. This book presents current research in the study of chemokines from across the globe, including such topics as development of chemokine network targeting agents for the treatment of allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and cancers; chemokines in teleost fish species; gene regulation of chemokines in response to bacterial enterotoxins; and the role of chemokines in colorectal cancer and metastasis.

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Book SynopsisThe field of movement disorders is relatively broad, encompassing disorders of increased movement, such as tremors, dystonia, and tics, to disorders characterized by a paucity of movement, such as Parkinson's disease. Our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and our treatment options are expanding at a rapid pace. This expansion ranges from the medical and surgical advances in treating Parkinson's disease to the flood of genetic abnormalities that have now been found to cause various movement disorders. Although many patients are seen by the movement disorders specialist in neurology clinics around the country, most of these patients receive their followup care from a primary care physician or "general" neurologist who must be versed in the character­ istics and treatment plans of this diverse group of disorders. The major goal of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for the Practicing Physician is to distill this immense amount of information and to educate the practitioner about the many facets of the movement disorders field. We believe that this book fills a large void, since most texts on movement disorders are more detailed and geared toward the specialist. We have asked the chapter authors to emphasize the clinical characteristics of each disorder, discuss the differential diagnosis and the diagnostic testing, and then outline the various treatment options, as if they were teaching during a preceptorship in their clinic.Trade Review". . .this book demystifies, enlightens, and educates. . .an outstanding accomplishment. . .the style is uniform and the text reader-friendly. . .punctuated with useful tables, [and] the clinical descriptions and practical approach to patient mamagement are what make this an exceptional text. General neurologists, movement disorders fellows, and internists will all find this book and excellent source."-Neurology "There are 35 well-written chapters aimed at the practicing neurologist, 12 of which cover the management of early and late Parkinson's disease. Considerable attention is given to the selection of drug treatment. The remaining chapters cover a variety of other movement disorders including tremor, myoclonus, tics, Wilson's disease, dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia. . ."-Doody's Health Science Book Review Journal ...this book has comprehensive coverage of Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The book is most useful for family practitioners, neurologists, gerontologists and residents. An appropriate book for institutional libraries as well." - Doody's Health Science Book Review JournalTable of ContentsPart A. Basic Diagnostic Principles. Approach to the Patient With a Movement Disorder: Basic Principles of Neurologic Diagnosis, J. Eric Ahlskog, phd, md. Motor Speech Disorders: Clues to Neurologic Diagnosis, Joseph R. Duffy, phd. Part B. Parkinson's Disease. What Is Parkinson's Disease? Neuropathology, Neurochemistry, and Pathophysiology, Howard Hurtig, md. Clinical Features of Parkinson's Disease, Richard B. Dewey, Jr., md. Epidemiology and Genetics of Parkinson's Disease, Demetrius M. (Jim) Maraganore, md. Parkinson's Disease: Etiologic Considerations, Peter A. LeWitt, md. Medication Strategies for Slowing the Progression of Parkinson's Disease, J. Eric Ahlskog, phd, md. Initial Symptomatic Treatment of Parkinson's Disease, J. Eric Ahlskog, phd, md. Advancing Parkinson's Disease and Treatment of Motor Complications, Ryan J. Uitti, md. Sleep and Parkinson's Disease, Cynthia L. Comella, md, absm. Autonomic Complications of Parkinson's Disease, Bradley C. Hiner, md. Treatment of Cognitive Disorders and Depression Associated With Parkinson's Disease, Erwin B. Montgomery, Jr., md. Surgical Treatment of Parkinson's Disease, Kathleen M. Shannon, md. Adjunctive Therapies in Parkinson's Disease: Diet, Physical Therapy, and Networking, Padraig E. O'Suilleabhain, mb, and Susan M. Murphy, md. Part C. Parkinsonism but Not Parkinson's Disease (Other Akinetic-Rigid Syndromes). Introduction. Secondary Causes of Parkinsonism, Eric S. Molho, md, and Stewart A. Factor, do. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Mark Stacy, md. Multiple System Atrophy, James H. Bower, md. Familial Adult-Onset Spinocerebellar Degenerations, James H. Bower, md. Corticobasal Degeneration, Bradley F. Boeve, md. Parkinsonism in Primary Degenerative Dementia, Richard J. Caselli, md. Part D. Movement Disorders Characterized by Excessive Movement (Hyperkinetic). Introduction. Tremor Disorders: Overview, Joseph Y. Matsumoto, md. Essential Tremor: Diagnosis and Treatment, Jean Pintar Hubble, md. Dystonia, Daniel Tarsy, md. Hemifacial Spasm, Mark F. Lew, md. Huntington's Disease and Other Choreas, John N. Caviness, md. Tardive Dyskinesias, Kapil D. Sethi, md, frcp. Myoclonus, John N. Caviness, md. Spasms and Stiff-man Syndrome, C. Michel Harper, Jr., md. Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome and Tic Disorders, Kathleen A. Kujawa, md, phd, and Christopher G. Goetz, md. Restless Legs Syndrome, Virgilio Gerald H. Evidente, md, and Charles H. Adler, md, phd. Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Movement Disorders, Charles H. Adler, md, phd. Part E. Other Movement Disorders. Wilson's Disease, Katrina A. Gwinn-Hardy, md. Gait Disorders: Recognition of Classic Types, Frank A. Rubino, md. Post-traumatic Movement Disorders, Sotirios A. Parashos, md, phd. Psychogenic Movement Disorders: Theoretical and Clinical Considerations, David S. Glosser, ScD, and Matthew B. Stern, md. Appendix. Index.

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Book SynopsisBeta cells or ß-cells, are a type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They make up 65-80% of the cells in the islets. Pancreatic B-cell is the only cell type that produces insulin to regulate glucose metabolism in the body. The insufficiency of insulin-producing B-cells results in dysregulation of blood glucose control, termed as type 1 diabetes. This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of Beta-cells, including the induction of pancreatic cancer cell death by elevated concentrations of extracellular zinc; the role of Rab GTPases and their effectors in the insulin secretory pathway of the pancreatic beta cell; In vivo reprogramming of pancreatic A-cells into B-like cells; and the role of glucocortoids, exercise and glucolipotoxicity with regard to stress and pancreatic B-cell function.

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Book SynopsisThe Human Genome Project has facilitated the identification of various genetic regions associated with disease susceptibility. This identification step is important as it yields clues into the pathways implicated in defining disease susceptibility and may uncover important therapeutic targets. Indeed, by performing genome-wide scans, one can identify many genetic loci associated with auto-immune disease susceptibility. However, the odds ratio of each locus is relatively low. Therefore, the limitation of these studies is in the biological translation of the data. This raises the question of how one verifies the true biological impact that each of these genetic variations has on human disease. This book presents an alternative strategy for the identification of various genetic regions associated with disease susceptibility.

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Book SynopsisDefined as, “The science about the development of an embryo from the fertilization of the ovum to the fetus stage,” embryology has been a mainstay at universities throughout the world for many years. Throughout the last century, embryology became overshadowed by experimental-based genetics and cell biology, transforming the field into developmental biology, which replaced embryology in Biology departments in many universities. Major contributions in this young century in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry and genomics were integrated with both embryology and developmental biology to provide an understanding of the molecular portrait of a “development cell.” That new integrated approach is known as stem-cell biology; it is an understanding of the embryology and development together at the molecular level using engineering, imaging and cell culture principles, and it is at the heart of this seminal book. Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: From Molecular Embryology to Tissue Engineering is completely devoted to the basic developmental, cellular and molecular biological aspects of stem cells as well as their clinical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It focuses on the basic biology of embryonic and cancer cells plus their key involvement in self-renewal, muscle repair, epigenetic processes, and therapeutic applications. In addition, it covers other key relevant topics such as nuclear reprogramming induced pluripotency and stem cell culture techniques using novel biomaterials. A thorough introduction to stem-cell biology, this reference is aimed at graduate students, post-docs, and professors as well as executives and scientists in biotech and pharmaceutical companies.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“The Introduction by the two editors is clearly telling the aim of such a bible, to cover from the basic aspects of molecular embriology dealing with the stemness cellular capacity … till the new challenging opportunities of tissue engineering. I think the price of the book (€ 170) is worthy enough for what the reader will get. … a book with all the figures in colour, this is a great help while looking at cytology, histology or entangled graphs!” (Carlo Alberto Redi, European Journal of Histochemistry, Vol. 55, 2011)Table of ContentsSection 1: Stem Cell Biology.- Introduction to Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine.- Embryonic Stem Cells: Discovery, Development, and Current Trends.- Bmi1 in self-renewal and homeostasis of pancreas.- Cancer Stem Cells in Solid Tumors.- Adipose-derived stem cells and skeletal muscle repair.- Regeneration of sensory cells of adult mammalian inner ear.- Stem Cells and Their Use in Skeletal Tissue Repair.- Section 2: Epigenetic and microRNA Regulation in Stem Cells.- Epigenetic identity in cancer stem cells.- Function of MicroRNA-145 in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency.- Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Liver Regeneration.- Section 3: Stem Cells for Therapeutic Applications.- The Role of Time-Lapse Microscopy in Stem Cell Research and Therapy.- Therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stem/multipotent stromal cells.- Gastrointestinal stem cells.- Lung epithelial stem cells.- Placental Derived Stem Cells, Potential Clinical Applications.- Bone Marrow Cell Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Clinical Trial Review.- Stem cell Transplantation to the Heart.- Adult Neural Progenitor Cells and Cell Replacement Therapy for Huntington’s Disease.- Migration of Transplanted Neural Stem Cells in Experimental Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases.- Prospects for neural stem cell therapy of Alzheimer’s disease.- Section 4: Nuclear Reprogramming and induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.- Nuclear transfer ES cells as a new tool for basic biology.- Pluripotent stem cells in reproductive medicine: Formation of the human germ line in vitro.- Prospects for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Therapy for Diabetes.- Keratinocyte induced pluripotent stem cells: from hair to where?.- Generation and Characterization of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Pig.- Induced pluripotent stem cells, on the road toward clinical applications.- Direct reprogramming of human neural stem cells by the single transcription factor Oct 4.- Section 5: Tissue Engineering.- Stem cells and biomaterials: the tissue engineering approach.- Micro-technology for stem cell culture.- Using Lab-on-A-Chip Technologies for Stem cell Biology.- The Development of Small Molecules and Growth Supplements to Control the Differentiation of Stem Cells and the Formation of Neural Tissues.- Long-term propagation of neural stem cells: Focus on 3D culture systems and mitogenic factors.- Section 6: Regenerative Medicine.- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine in Urology.- Muscle derived stem cells: a model for stem cell therapy in regenerative medicine.- Regenerative strategies for cardiac disease.- Collecting, Processing, Banking and Use of Cord Blood Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine.

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Book SynopsisThis book gives an up-to-date overview of the biomedical aspects of autophagy research, a large interdisciplinary field emerging on intersection of (i) cell, developmental, and cancer biology, (ii) tissue remodelling and plasticity, ageing and longevity; (iii) immunology, microbiology, toxicology, and pathobiology; (iv) regenerative and adaptive biomedicine; and (v) pharmacology.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the causes, types and treatment options for dysplasia. Topics discussed include colonic polyps and hereditary polyposis syndromes; developmental hip dysplasia; the causes and treatment options for bone dysplasia; a discussion on whether elevated intracellular chloride causes epilepsy in cortical dysplasia and dysplasia in ulcerative colitis.

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Book SynopsisThe eosinophil is an enigmatic cell with a continuing ability to fascinate. In this book, experts in the field of eosinophil biology comprehensively update our knowledge on the human eosinophil in health and disease. Topics discussed include a synopsis of eosinophil characteristics, properties and role in disease. Important information on how eosinophils release their potent and toxic granule proteins will be covered and how these basic proteins give rise to pathologies including issues such as the function of the nerves.

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Book SynopsisThis book examines the latest research developments in the study of the production, types and roles in disease of granulocytes. Topics include the regulation of granulocyte differentiation by microRNA and transcription factors; chemotactic assay of human neutrophils and eosinophils; basophilic granulocytes; and the role of granulocytes on the onset of tissue-destructive diseases.

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Book SynopsisWhite blood cells, or leukocytes are cells of the immune system involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Five different and diverse types of leukocytes exist, but they are all produced and derived from a multipotent cell in the bone marrow known as a hematopoietic stem cell. They live for about 3 to 4 days in the average human body. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology, classification and role in disease of leukocytes. Topics include an analysis of peptides and proteins isolated from alligator leukocytes; modification of immune cell activity by neuroendocrine mediators and development of disease; congenital defects of phagocytes; leukocyte mitochondrial membrane potential in type 1 diabetes; biology of human myeloid dendritic cells; and the leukocyte expression of CD36 as a biomarker for Alzheimer''s disease.

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Book SynopsisProline might be the most studied amino acid in nature. Many authors have reviewed its many functions in cell homoeostasis. Not only it is essential in primary metabolism, but it is also involved in cell defence response to a variety of stresses. This book presents topical research data in the study of pro-line functions, including role of pro-line in plant subject to salinity, pro-line cycle and its role in secondary metabolite accumulation, role of pro-line in catalysing the asymmetric reaction, studies of polyproline peptides, structural characteristics and transition mechanisms of proline-rich peptides, functions of proline in behaviour of neonatal chicks and tumour suppressor activities of proline oxidase.

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Book SynopsisAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides which exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and often activity against virus. In addition, AMPs exert several functions including endotoxin neutralization, chemotactic and immunomodulating activities, angiogenesis, and wound repair. In this book, the authors discuss the innate immune system and lipopolysaccharides; the biological role of fish antimicrobial peptides; casein-derived peptides; antimicrobial peptides in intestinal inflammation and infection; insect antimicrobial peptides in immunity and mechanisms of action; potential of AMPs as therapeutic tools against infectious disease; and how LC-MS/MS-based quantitative protein profiling can aid mechanistic studies of antimicrobial peptides.

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Book SynopsisCellular proliferation, as a result of cell growth and cell division, is one of the most fundamental biological processes. Although there is a great deal which remains unclear, significant advances have been made in past decades in our understanding of the process and regulation of cell proliferation. There is considerable evidence that this understanding of different cells and cell proliferation behaviour provides useful information that may be of major importance in disease control, drug discovery, biomaterial development and medical device improvement. This book studies and discusses recent developments in the field of cell proliferation including: the controlling factors for cell proliferation; changes occurring in the cells; therapeutic effects of the biological molecules to the cells; and analysis of cell proliferation based on the quantal concept. Furthermore, the effects that biomaterials and drugs have on cell proliferation are also reviewed in this book.

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Book SynopsisOsteoblasts are highly specialised mesenchymal cells that are mainly responsible for the formation and maintenance of the skeletal architecture. They produce extracellular matrix proteins and are regulators of matrix mineralisation during bone formation and remodelling. In this book, the authors discuss the morphology, functions and clinical implications of osteoblasts. Topics include osteoblasts under mechanical strain; mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into osteoblasts for bone tissue engineering; osteoblast function and their role in skeletal bone diseases; bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) and osteoblastogenesis inhibitors; the effect of molecular and biochemical differentiation agents on bone formation; and the evaluation of characteristics of osteoblasts and factors related to osteoblastic differentiation and mineralisation.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides an overview of the scientific methods used to search, analyse, appraise and synthesise studies on angiogenesis. It is intended to serve as a comprehensive piece of literature that encompasses all aspects from the molecular features of angiogenesis to the clinical value and potential pitfalls of angiogenic-based therapies. The primary motion to write this book is to provide an overview of the current status of the research in this field, with a focus on both tumoural and non-tumoural disease. Effects of various anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic molecules are also addressed in detail. This book comes at an important time in the development of so-called "translational medicine". Its purpose is to explain all the molecular bases underlying the angiogenic process and apply them to the clinical world. Reviewed and addressed are the basic concepts and importance of new drugs in clinical trials to inhibit or promote angiogenesis. This book may be considered as a scholarly reference work for libraries and researchers across the world and as a supplementary text for courses in medicine, physiology, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. It is expected that readers, both basic researchers and clinicians, will gain a good understanding of the essential value of angiogenesis in health and disease.

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Book SynopsisThe fungal cell wall is a shield that protects the cells against changes in the extracellular environment, and from the high internal pressure generated during cell growth. These protective attributes are associated with cell wall robustness and strength, but at the same time the wall has to be plastic and dynamic to allow cell growth and communication with the external environment. The main components of the cell wall are sugars, proteins and lipids. Sugars are the most abundant components of the wall, and are mostly present as polysaccharides of glucose (alpha- and beta-glucans), N-acetylglucosamine (chitin), and glucosamine (chitosan). Most of the cell wall proteins are glycoproteins modified by a glycolipid and/or oligosaccharides covalently attached to asparagine (N-linked glycosylation) or serine/threonine residues (O-linked glycosylation). These wall proteins play important roles in cell wall integrity and structure, sensing changes in the extracellular environment, and some of them have adhesive properties and hydrolytic activities.

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Book SynopsisSignal transduction plays a pivotal role in cell regulation. Hormones, cytokines and neurotransmitters bind to their specific receptors in the plasma membranes of cells. The receptors of many hormones are coupled to G-protein coupled signalling pathways. Insulin and growth factors are coupled to receptor-linked kinase. The second messenger is generated in cells once the first messenger binds to the receptors of plasma membranes. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP), inositol 1,3,5-triphosphate (IP3) and calcium ion (Ca2+) have been demonstrated to play a role as a second messenger in cells. The pivotal role of Ca2+ in cellular regulation was established with the finding of calmodulin and protein kinase C that modulates the effect of Ca2+ in the regulation of cellular functions. Many receptor classes and their downstream kinases activate Erk, Akt, Stat, Smad, NF-κB and other cascades to regulate gene expression and cellular function. This book provides recent research in the study of the new developments in signalling transduction in cells.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of germ cells. Topics include the molecular signature and sub-cellular machinery of metazoan gametogenic stem cells; recent advances in understanding germ cell-specific organelles and their functions; low-dose radiation induces apoptosis in male germ cells of mice and attenuates it in type 1 diabetes rats; oocyte nuclear structure during mammalian oogenesis; and chromatoid body assembling and nuclear cycles.

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Book SynopsisThe human skin is constantly exposed to a large number of external pathogens, due to daily contact with the environment. The observation that extensive skin infections are relatively rare suggests the presence of an efficient host defence system at the skin surface. Recent findings indicate the importance of keratinocytes as effectors of innate immunity, but also as regulators of acquired immune responses, inflammation and wound repair. This book considers the current findings regarding the role of keratinocytes in the epidermis with special interest to mechanisms involved in host defence. Finally, the clinical relevance of the functions of keratinocytes in the innate immunity is also discussed.

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Book SynopsisThis volume investigates how the mitochondrial genome is transmitted, segregated, and inherited. It starts by describing mtDNA mutations and deletions and how these impact on the offspring’s well-being. It progresses to discuss how mutations to the mtDNA-nuclear-encoded transcription, replication and translational factors lead to mtDNA-depletion syndromes and how these affect cellular function and lead to the pathology of human mitochondrial disease. It also highlights the importance of the mitochondrial assembly factors and how mutations to these can lead to mitochondrial disease. The reader is then introduced to how mtDNA is transmitted through the oocyte and how stem cells can be used to study mitochondrial biogenesis and mtDNA replication and transcription in undifferentiated pluripotent and differentiating cells and how mitochondria adapt during this process. It then discusses how diseases like cancer are initiated and regulated by mutations to mitochondrial DNA and dysfunctional mitochondria. Finally, it draws on assisted reproductive technologies to discuss how some of these approaches might be adapted to prevent the transmission of mutant and deleted mtDNA from one generation to the next.Table of ContentsClinical Approach to the Diagnosis of Mitochondrial Disease.- Mitochondrial DNA Mutations and Their Effects on Complex I Biogenesis: Implications for Metabolic Disease.- Embryonic Stem Cells: A Signalling Perspective.- From Oocytes and Pluripotent Stem Cells to Fully Differentiated Fates: (Also) A Mitochondrial Odyssey.- From Pluripotency to Differentiation: The Role of mtDNA in Stem Cell Models of Mitochondrial Diseases.- The Role of Mitochondrial DNA in Tumor Cells.- Assisted Reproductive Technologies to Prevent the Transmission of mtDNA from one Generation to the Next.

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Book SynopsisNeurons in the nervous system organize into complex networks and their functions are precisely controlled. The most important means for neurons to communicate with each other is transmission through chemical synapses, where the release of neurotransmitters by the presynaptic nerve terminal of one neuron influences the function of a second neuron. Since the discovery of chemical neurotransmission by Otto Loewi in the 1920s, great progress has been made in our understanding of mol- ular mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The last decade has seen an explosion of knowledge in this field. The aim of Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release is to provide up-to-date, in-depth coverage of essentially all major mole- lar mechanisms of neurotransmitter release. The contributors have made great efforts to write concisely but with sufficient background information, and to use figures/diagrams to present clearly key concepts or experiments. It is hoped that this book may serve as a learning tool for neuroscience students, a solid reference for neuroscientists, and a source of knowledge for people who have a general interest in neuroscience. I was fortunate to be able to gather contributions from a group of outstanding scientists. I thank them for their efforts. In particular, I want to thank Dr. Erik Jorgensen who offered valuable suggestions about the book in addition to contrib- ing an excellent chapter. I thank US National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health for their supports.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: “Molecular Mechanisms of Neurotransmitter Release edited by Zhao Wen Wang provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the complex interactions occurring in pre synaptic neurons involved with chemical communication. … High quality illustrations a large number of which are in full color, support the information in the text … . This book is recommended for the researcher and student of neuroscience … . Neurology residents undergoing specialty training in neuromuscular disease will find this book to be an invaluable resource.” (Joseph Vito Russo, Medical Science Books, April, 2010)Table of Contents1. The Architecture of the Presynaptic Release Site R. Grace Zhai 2. Multiple modes of fusion and retrieval at the calyx of Held synapse Liming He, Benjamin McNeil, and Ling-Gang Wu 3. Roles of SNARE proteins in synaptic vesicle fusion Mark T. Palfreyman and Erik M. Jorgensen 4. Roles and sources of calcium in synaptic exocytosis Zhao-Wen Wang, Bojun Chen, Qian Ge 5. Regulation of presynaptic calcium channels Allen W. Chan and Elise F. Stanley 6. Synaptotagmin: transducing Ca2+-binding to vesicle fusion Carin Loewen and Noreen Reist 7. Functional interactions between the SNARE regulators UNC-13, tomosyn and UNC-18 Robby M. Weimer and Janet E. Richmond 8. Roles of the ELKS/CAST family and SAD kinase in Neurotransmitter Release Toshihisa Ohtsuka and Yoshimi Takai 9. The role of potassium channels in the regulation of neurotransmitter release. Laurence O. Trussell and Michael T. Roberts 10. Modulation of neurotransmitter release and presynaptic plasticity by protein phosphorylation Zu-Hang Sheng 11. Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis Liesbet Smitz and Patrik Verstreken 12. Lipids and secretory vesicle exocytosis Shona L. Osborne and Frederic A. Meunier 13. Neurotransmitter reuptake and synaptic vesicle refilling Richard J. Reimer*, Kimberly A. Zaia, and Hiroaki Tani 14. Regulation of neurotransmitter release by presynaptic receptors Matthew Frerking, and Joyce Wondolowski 15. Trans-synaptic regulation of presynaptic release machinery in central synapses by cell adhesion molecules Kensuke Futai and Yasunori Hayashi 16. Differential regulation of small clear vesicles and large dense-core vesicles Tao Xu and Pingyong Xu

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Book SynopsisResearch into the field of stem cell biology has developed exponentially over recent years, and is beginning to offer significant promise for unravelling the molecular basis of a multitude of disease states. Importantly, in addition to offering the opportunity to delve deeply into the mechanisms that drive disease aetiology the research is realistically opening the doors for development of targeted and personalized therapeutic applications that many considered, until recently, to be nothing more that a far fetched dream. This volume provides a timely glimpse into the methods that have been developed to instigate, and the mechanisms that have been identified to drive, the process of nuclear reprogramming, chronicling how the field has developed over the last 50-60 years. Since the early 1950s a small number of notable experiments have provided significant impetus to the field, primarily the demonstration of reprogramming ability, first by the complex cytoplasmic milieu that constitutes the amphibian egg, then that of the mammalian egg, and finally that of the mammalian embryonic stem cell. Most recently, the demonstration that a limited pool of defined molecules is capable of reprogramming a multitude of cell types has provided massive impetus and facilitated transition towards realistic therapeutic application. We have therefore reproduced some of the key articles that elegantly document these dramatic stages of development of the field in an inclusive appendix to the book, for the benefit of readers keen to investigate the history of how the field of stem cell biology has evolved. Owing to the ever broadening nature of this field, and the incredible rate at which it is evolving, the main content of this volume focuses on areas that have shown significant movement in recent years, are most likely to translate into personalized therapeutic application, and thus provide greatest potential for significant impact on human health in the not too distant future. We recognize that research into many other disease states and cell types are all equally worthy of discussion. We would therefore like to acknowledge those researchers involved whose work we have not been able to include in this volume. Nuclear Reprogramming and Stem Cells will serve as a valuable resource for all researchers in the field of stem cell biology, including those just setting out on their career path as well as those already established in the field.Table of ContentsIntroduction by John Gurdon and Azim Surani.- Introduction by Ian Wilmut.- Inherent Nuclear Reprogramming in Mammalian Embryos.- Epigenetic Reprogramming During Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and the Development of Primordial Germ Cells.- Epigenetic Reprogramming with Oocyte Molecules.- Cell Fusion-Mediated Nuclear Reprogramming of Somatic Cells.- Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Somatic Cells.- The Consequences of Reprogramming a Somatic Cell for Mitochondrial DNA Transmission, Inheritance and Replication.- The Function of Nanog in Pluripotency.- The Function of Oct3/4 and Sox2 in Pluripotency.- Generation of Neural Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells.- Non-Cell Autonomous Reprogramming Towards a Pluripotent State.- Towards Regeneration of Retinal Function Using Pluripotent Stem Cells.- Reprogramming Towards Pancreatic beta-Cells.- Pancreatic Plasticity and Reprogramming – Novel Directions Towards Disease Therapy.- Phenotype and Developmental Potential of Cardiomyocytes from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Human Embryonic Stem Cells.- The Generation of Disease Specific Cell Lines and Their Use for Developing Drug Therapies.- Advances in the Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells.- Culture adaptation of pluripotent stem cells: challenges and opportunities.- Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the molecular structure, physiochemical properties and interactions with the environment of cell membranes. Topics discussed in this compilation include the generation and characterisation of recombinant HM-1 single-chain anti-idiotypic antibodies and their applications; large conductance of calcium activated potassium channels from protein complexes to function in mitochondrial associated ER membranes; unexpected plasma membrane location for a disulphide isomerase protein; and the effects of surface charge and particle size of cell-penetrating peptide/nanoparticle complexes on cellular internalisation.

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Book SynopsisNeutrophil granulocytes (PMN) are our primary defence cells against bacteria, fungi, parasites, or micro-thrombi. Their main weapons and signals are the reactive oxygen species (ROS), H2O2 being mother ROS, radicalic OH and non-radicalic 1ΔO2* being the two daughter ROS. 1ΔO2* is the most important ROS because it is harmful against "non-self" and harmless against "self". 1ΔO2* is highly reactive against S-H, S-S, or C=C groups and releases photons (hν). The activation of the assembly of their NADPH-oxidase, one main trigger (zymosan A) and one main primer (1ΔO2*/hv) are of great physiological and pathophysiological importance in inflammation and in hemostasis. There is photonic communication: the neutrophils generate different types of photons and they can "see" them in other cells. The approximate 300-400 nm photons are the main signals and the photons of lowest wave length seem to especially alert them in emergency.

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Book SynopsisPast, present, and future research of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs; also called vitamin A-storing cells, lipocytes, interstitial cells, fat-storing cells, Ito cells) are summarised and discussed in this review. Kupffer discovered black-stained cells in the liver by the gold chloride method and named the cells the stellate cells (Sternzellen in German) in 1876. Wake re-discovered the cells in 1971 using the same gold chloride method and various modern histological techniques including electron microscopy. Between the discovery and re-discovery, the HSCs disappeared from the history of research. Identification, establishment of cell isolation and culture methods, and the development of cellular and molecular biological techniques have promoted HSC research after the re-discovery of the cell. The research is entering a new era, namely, the golden age after the dark ages. In the future, the research of HSCs will develop more into not only the clinical field but also into the basic research fields. In this book, we describe the past, present, and future of HSC research.

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Book SynopsisB cells belong to a group of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, making them a vital part of the immune system. The human body makes millions of different types of B cells each day that circulate in the blood and lymphatic system performing the role of immune surveillance. They do not produce antibodies until they become fully activated. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the molecular biology, developmental origin and impact on the immune system of B cells. Topics discussed include the role of B cells in intracellular bacterial pathogen infections; dynamic clustering of BCR-lipid rafts in antigen affinity discrimination by B cells; and B cells as a key player in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.

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Book SynopsisAdipogenesis is the process of cell differentiation by which preadipocytes become adipocytes. Adipogenesis has been one of the most intensively studied models of cellular differentiation. The exact mechanisms of adipogenesis remain unclear, since it involves abundant gene, growth factors, cytokines and environmental factors. This book provides an in-depth overview of current knowledge about the subject of adipogenesis in the human body, including what is known about molecular mechanisms (eg: cytokine- and growth-factor-related). Transcriptional regulators control the expression of target genes by the interaction with cofactors, coactivators, chromatin remodelling complexes and also with general transcriptional machinery. Current data suggests that adipogenesis is regulated by complex signalling pathway interactions involving multiple transcription factors. Many signaling pathways follow an inverse relationship between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. To provide better insight into the basic mechanisms of MSC fate determination, it is crucial to understand the various signalling pathways and cytokine interactions that co-ordinate this process. Further elucidation of this dichotomy may both improve understanding of human disease and speed the realisation of MSC mediated tissue engineering. There are a number of gaps in current knowledge of how adipogenesis actually occurs, and the authors are hopeful that the publication of this book will help researchers in this field to decide where to focus their future efforts. Contributions are therefore sought from anyone who is undertaking research in this area. The book will also provide an overview for surgeons and clinicians who wish to be kept abreast of developments in this fascinating subject.

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Book SynopsisNot all that cannot be seized is an illusion! Many effective powers in nature cannot be seized, including magnetism, electricity and sound. However, they contribute to shaping the quality of human life on a daily basis, transcending health and disease as they interact with the human body. Magnetism is important for stability on earth; however, exposure of the body to magnetic fields is not inert. Such exposure has been reported to alter hormone secretion and stimulate bone formation in vivo. Its coupling with electricity provides light and heat to our planet at certain wavelengths. Yet, the infiltration of shorter or longer wavelengths can be disastrous. For instance, ultraviolet radiation can cause inflammatory skin reactions and carcinogenesis at certain levels. In addition, ionising radiation is claimed to be the driving force for the origin of power resources on earth, while human exposure to radiation is related to the world''s most devastating events. On the other hand, sound, which is a mechanical wave, has been reported to affect cells at inaudible levels, causing alterations in the gene expression and cell death. All these energies as such are identified to exert physical stresses in a biological milieu especially when thresholds of exposure are exceeded. But still "hard times" have significance! Researchers have been accumulating knowledge on the biological effects of these physical stressors and their underlying mechanisms on the molecular and genetic levels, that over years they were able to achieve control over these physical stressors for the benefit of human kind. Nowadays, we see most of these energies employed in diagnosis such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound as well as in therapeutics. In our rigorous war against cancer, numerous patients have been cured from tumours by physical means such as ionising radiation, heating (RF and MW hyperthermia or ablation) or high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Through the chapters of this book, the readers will get introduced to such physical stressors and their biological effects. Recent findings on molecular mechanisms will be thoroughly presented. In addition, perspectives on the modulation of these energies to achieve further therapeutic advantages will be discussed.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biology, characterisation and potential clinical application of progenitor cells. Topics discussed include endothelial progenitor cells and cardiovascular disease; isolation, expansion and clinical therapy of human corneal epithelial stem/progenitor cells; genetically engineered blood pharming; regulation of neural progenitor cells by Wnt5a-signaling in the developmental central nervous system; endothelial progenitor cells in a clinical setting; role of microRNAs in endothelial progenitor cells and their implication for cardiac repair; and cellular origins in amphibian regeneration.

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Book SynopsisIn this book the authors present current research in the study of the biology and regulation, role in cancer progression and potential implications for therapy of myeloid cells. Topics discussed include the differentiation signalling induced by retinoic acid and vitamin D3; proline rich homeodomain (Prh/Hhex) protein in the control of haematopoiesis and myeloid cell proliferation and its potential as a therapeutic target in myeloid leukaemias and other cancers; apoptosis, cell cycle and epigenetic processes deregulation in myeloproliferative neoplasms; use of animal models to evaluate myeloid cell dysfunction in cancer; use of animal models to evaluate myeloid cell dysfunction in cancer; and the biology of myeloid cells mediating tumour recurrence after radiotherapy.

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