Essentials of Glycobiology


Book Description

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.







GM3 Signaling


Book Description

This book reviews recent progress in understanding of the signaling and biochemistry of GM3 ganglioside in eukaryotic cells. GM3 is the simplest of the gangliosides and the precursor of other gangliosides. It is expressed in the outer leaflet of plasma cell membranes and has roles in the recognition, interaction, binding, adhesion, and motility of cells. In addition, GM3 has been documented to have functional roles in cell migration, proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis. The full range of topics of interest are addressed in the book. The early chapters discuss the synthesis of GM3, its molecular localization in cells, and its basic function as an interacting molecule. The ways in which GM3 exerts its effects via various growth factor receptors are fully explored. Current knowledge of the part played by GM3 in health and disease is discussed in depth. For example, its roles in preventing inflammation, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth, and suppressing arthritis are highlighted, and attention drawn to the significance of GM3 as a driver of impaired wound healing in diabetics. The book will be of interest to all who want a comprehensive update on research in this field.




Medical Applications of Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

Mass spectrometry is fast becoming an indispensable field for medical professionals. The mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites and proteins promises to revolutionize medical research and clinical diagnostics. As this technology rapidly enters the medical field, practicing professionals and students need to prepare to take full advantage of its capabilities. Medical Applications of Mass Spectrometry addresses the key issues in the medical applications of mass spectrometry at the level appropriate for the intended readership. It will go a long way to help the utilization of mass spectrometry in medicine.The book comprises five parts. A general overview is followed by a description of the basic sampling and separation methods in analytical chemistry. In the second part a solid foundation in mass spectrometry and modern techniques of data analysis is presented. The third part explains how mass spectrometry is used in exploring various classes of biomolecules, including proteins and lipids. In the fourth section mass spectrometry is introduced as a diagnostic tool in clinical treatment, infectious pathogen research, neonatal diagnostics, cancer, brain and allergy research, as well as in various fields of medicine: cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, psychiatric diseases, hemato-oncology, urologic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecology and pediatrics. The fifth part covers emerging applications in biomarker discovery and in mass spectrometric imaging.* Provides a broad look at how the medical field is benefiting from advances in mass spectrometry.* Guides the reader from basic principles and methods to cutting edge applications.* There is NO comparable book on the market to fill this fast growing field.




Neural Surface Antigens


Book Description

Neural Surface Antigens: From Basic Biology towards Biomedical Applications focuses on the functionalrole of surface molecules in neural development, stem cell research, and translational biomedical paradigms.With an emphasis on human and rodent model systems, this reference covers fundamentals of neural stemcell biology and flow cytometric methodology. Addressing cell biologists as well as clinicians working in theneurosciences, the book was conceived by an international panel of experts to cover a vast array of particularsurface antigen families and subtypes. It provides insight into the basic biology and functional mechanisms ofneural cell surface signaling molecules influencing mammalian development, regeneration, and treatments. - Introduces early phase clinical trials of neural stem cells - Outlines characterization of surface molecule expression and methods for isolation which open unprecedented opportunities for functional study, quantitation & diagnostics - Highlights the role of stem cells in neural surface antigen and biomarker analysis and applications




Sphingolipids as Signaling and Regulatory Molecules


Book Description

This book attempts to analyze the latest discoveries in sphingolipid biology and how the alteration of their metabolism leads to altered signaling events and to the development of pathobiological disorders, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, diabetes, inflammation and infectious diseases.




Ganglioside Biochemistry


Book Description

This book presents the latest knowledge and the most recent research results in the field of ganglioside biochemistry. The early chapters cover all relevant background on sialic acids and their biosynthesis, on N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), which cannot be synthesized by humans, and on general aspects of ganglioside research. Ganglioside adsorption, disorders of ganglioside degradation, and the regulation of gangliosides are thoroughly discussed. A major focus of the book is the role of gangliosides in cancer. Here, the discussion encompasses, for example, the biological importance, antigenicity, and immunological actions of tumor-associated gangliosides (TAGs), the significance of different glycolipids and gangliosides as TAGs, and emerging anti-cancer vaccine strategies. The ability of sialic acids and TAGs of tumor cells to escape immunosurveillance and immunoediting also receives detailed attention. The significance of sialic acids in regulation of the complement system is explained, and the closing chapter focuses especially on the role of sialyl T antigen in cancer. The book will be of value for all who are interested in functional glycobiology and glycomic studies.




Biological Function of Gangliosides


Book Description

This book focuses on the role of gangliosides in three areas of medicine in which rapid progress has been made in the last decade: cancer, peripheral neuropathies and Alzheimer's disease. The volume further reflects progress in the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathies, and the controversial role of gangliosides, also in therapeutic administration. There is a section on the role of gangliosides in neuronal differentiation and development and their receptor functions and cell surface activities. This excellent addition to the renowned Progress in Brain Research series also contains an invaluable plenary lecture on molecular basis of cell adhesion by Nobel prizewinner Gerald Edelman.




Textbook of Critical Care


Book Description

A new multimedia e-dition package includes the book and CD-ROM plus access to the continuously updated website! The website (http://www.criticalcaretext.com) also offers links to important websites, calculators, the full text online, and all the illustrations--downloadable for presentations. A completely new editorial team presents the radical revision to this leading critical care text, previously edited by Shoemaker et al. Today's best coverage of both adult and pediatric critical care, with contributions from an impressive roster of world experts. In addition to numerous new chapters and many extensively rewritten ones, it features a completely new section on commonly encountered problems and a new, more user-friendly organization. Covers both adult and pediatric critical care. Features the authority of the top names in critical care from around the world, including an outstanding new editorial team as well as authors who are among the most highly respected researchers, instructors, and clinicians in the field. Offers a brand-new section that provides quick access to practical guidance on the problems most frequently encountered in the ICU. Explores hot new topics such as Inter- and Intra-Hospital Transport, Disaster Medicine for the ICU Physician, and Teaching Critical Care. Provides a new, more user-friendly organization. Presents only the most essential references within the text, with the rest provided on the enclosed CD-ROM. Is available in a multimedia package that combines the book with access to a fully searchable, continuously updated web site!. Your purchase entitles you to access the web site until the next edition is published, or until the current edition is no longer offered for sale by Elsevier, whichever occurs first. If the next edition is published less than one year after your purchase, you will be entitled to online access for one year from your date of purchase. Elsevier reserves the right to offer a suitable replacement product (such as a downloadable or CD-ROM-based electronic version) should access to the web site be discontinued.




Introduction to Spatial Mapping of Biomolecules by Imaging Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

Imaging mass spectrometry (MS) techniques are often utilized without an understanding of their underlying principles, making it difficult for scientists to determine when and how they can exploit MS to visualize their biomolecules of interest. Introduction to Spatial Mapping of Biomolecules by Imaging Mass Spectrometry is an essential reference to help scientists determine the status and strategies of biomolecule analysis, describing its many applications for diverse classes of biomolecules. The book builds a foundation of imaging MS knowledge by introducing ionization sources, sample preparation, visualization guidelines, molecule identification, quantification, data analysis, etc. The second section contains chapters focused on case studies on analyzing a biomolecule class of molecules. Case studies include an introduction/background, and a summary of successful imaging MS studies with illustrative figures and future directions. - Provides the introductory foundations of imaging mass spectrometry for those new to the technique - Organized by topic to facilitate a quick deep dive, allowing researchers to immediately apply the imaging MS techniques to their work - Includes case studies summarizing the imaging MS techniques developed for the class of molecules