Search results for ""author zbigniew j. witczak""

The book consists of a brief introduction, a foreward provided by professor Danishefsky of Columbia University, and about 14 - 16 chapters, each written by one or two eminent scholars/authors describing their recent research in the area of either domino reactions or intramolecular rearrangements in carbohydrate chemistry. Three or four chapters will be reviews. The domino (cascade, tandem) reactions are always intramolecular. They are usually very fast, clean and offer highly complex structures in a one pot process. Intramolecular rearrangements offer very similar advantages and often lead to highly complex products as well. Although many recently isolated carbohydrates fulfill various sophisticated functions, their structures are often very complex. The editors cover the broadest scope of novel methodologies possible. All the synthetic and application aspects of domino/cascade reactions are explored in this book. A second theme that will be covered is intramolecular rearrangement, which is also fast, stereoselective, and often constitutes one or more steps of domino / cascade process. Selected examples of intramolecular rearrangements are presented. Together, both processes offer an elegant and convenient approach to the synthesis of many complex molecules, which are normally difficult to synthesize via alternative routes. It appears that domino and intramolecular rearrangements are ideally suited to synthesize certain specific modified monosaccharides. What is particularly important is that both processes are intermolecular and almost always yield products with very well-defined stereochemistry. This high definition is absolutely crucial when synthesizing advanced, modified mono and oligosaccharides. The choice of contributors reflects an emphasis on both therapeutic and pharmacological aspects of carbohydrate chemistry.

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The comprehensive guide to the current understanding of galectins and their promising potential in drug design This is the first book focusing on galectins. It was inspired by topics discussed at the symposium "Galectins: Structures, Functions, and Therapeutic Targets" that was a part of the 234th American Chemical Society meeting in 2007. To help chemists, biochemists, and others understand the challenges inherent in the study of galectins and build on recent advances in the field, the editors have compiled articles from leading experts on galectins and their biomedical applications. Galectins includes: * An overview of early galectin research * An explanation of the nature of galectins * A discussion of the structure and functions of galectins, their ligand specificity and molecular mechanisms of action, and the localization of galectins in the cell * An exploration of the roles galectins play in tumor growth and cancer, fibrosis, inflammation, and immunity * A discussion of the effect of galectins on cell migration, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance * An introduction to new approaches to designing galectin inhibitors This is the premier reference on galectins for organic, medicinal, carbohydrate, and pharmaceutical chemists, biochemists, molecular and cell biologists, pharmacologists, cancer researchers, and graduate-level students in these disciplines, as well as clinicians and drug developers.

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