Untangling the Double Helix


Book Description

The problem of unraveling two intertwined strands during the duplication of DNA was recognized shortly after the proposal of the DNA double helix structure in 1953. A group of enzymes called DNA topoisomerases solve this problem by breaking and rejoining DNA molecules in a controlled manner, thereby allowing strands to be passed through each other and thus untangled—not just during DNA replication, but also during many other basic cellular processes. Because of their intimate involvement in the workings of the cell, topoisomerases are also the logical targets of many antibiotics (including Cipro) and anticancer agents. This book, written by James Wang, the discoverer of the first topoisomerase and a leader in the field since, presents ten chapters covering the historical backdrop of the DNA entanglement problem and the discovery of the DNA topoisomerases, how DNA topoisomerases perform their magic in DNA replication, transcription, genetic recombination and chromosome condensation, and how they are targets of therapeutic agents. The book should appeal to readers from undergraduates upwards with interests in the biological and clinical aspects of topoisomerase function, or in the mathematics and physics of topology.




DNA Topoisomearases: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology


Book Description

Each volume of Advances in Pharmacology provides a rich collection of reviews on timely topics. Emphasis is placed on the molecular basis of drug action, both applied and experimental.




DNA Topoisomerase Protocols


Book Description

DNA Topoisomerase Protocols, I: DNA Topology and Enzymes brings together an unprecedented collection of cutting-edge experimental protocols for investigating DNA structure, topology, and DNA topoisomerase function. Described by expert experimentalists who have perfected the techniques, these unfailingly reproducible methods utilize new approaches to study changes in DNA topology (linking number, knotting, catenation, and relaxation) and DNA structure (bending), as well as to assess chromosome structure through FLP-mediated recombination and to analyze bacterial nucleoid structure. State-of-the-art protocols also detail the expression and purification of bacterial, viral, and eukaryotic DNA topoisomerases from a variety of sources, including baculovirus, and bacterial, yeast and mammalian expression systems. A companion volume, DNA Topoisomerase Protocols, v. 2: Enzymology and Drugs, provides detailed protocols to study the catalytic activities of DNA topoisomerases, as well as their specific interactions with topoisomerase-targeted antitumor and antibacterial drugs. DNA Topoisomerase Protocols, I: DNA Topology and Enzymes will be of immense value to the many basic scientists and clinicians who want better to understand and to exploit proficiently the wealth of recent discoveries about chromatin structure and its relation to gene expression, about DNA topoisomerases as the targets of antitumor and antibacterial agents, and about DNA repair.







DNA Topology


Book Description

"A key aspect of DNA is its ability to form a variety of structures, this book explains the origins and importance of such structures"--Provided by publisher.




Bacterial and Bacteriophage Genetics


Book Description

Bacterial genetics has become one of the cornerstones of basic and applied microbiology and has contributed key knowledge for many of the fundamental advances of modern biology. The second edition of this comprehensive yet concise text, first published in 1981, has been thoroughly updated and redesigned to account for new developments in this rapidly expanding field. All of the major topics in modern bacterial and bacteriophage genetics are presented, among them mutations and mutagenesis, genetics of T4 bacteriophage and other intemperate and temperate phages, transduction, transformation, conjugation and plasmids, recombination and repair, probability laws for prokaryote cultures, as well as applied bacterial genetics.




Experiments in Molecular Biology


Book Description

Experiments in Molecular Biology provides a thorough introduction to recombinant DNA methods used in molecular biology and nucleic acid biochemistry. This unique laboratory manual is particularly appropriate for courses in molecular cloning, molecular genetics techniques, molecular biology techniques, recombinant DNA techniques, bacterial genetics techniques, and genetic engineering. Included is an especially helpful section to aid new instructors in avoiding potential pitfalls of specific experiments. Key Features * Contains student-tested, easy-to-follow protocols * Presents background information that reinforces principles behind the methods presented * Includes questions at the end of laboratory exercises * Provides both detailed descriptions of experimental procedures and a theoretical support section * Sequentially links experiments to provide a "project" approach to studying molecular biochemistry * Includes student-tested, easy-to-follow protocols * Background information reinforces principles behind the methods presented * Includes questions at the end of laboratory exercises * Advises new instructors on potential pitfalls of specific experiments * Provides both detailed descriptions of experimental procedures and a theoretical support section * Sequentially links experiments to provide a "project" approach to studying




DNA Topoisomerases and Cancer


Book Description

DNA topoisomerases represent an essential family of DNA processing enzymes and a large number of topoisomerase inhibitors are used clinically for the treatment of various human cancers. Novels drugs are in clinical development both against type I and type II topoisomerases. The book will include basic biochemical and structural reviews for the cancer-relevant topoisomerases. It will describe how topoisomerase dysfunctions can damage the genome and increase the risk of cancers, and the involvement of topoisomerases in programmed cell death. The book will also present the various topoisomerase inhibitors in clinical use and development and their molecular and cellular mechanisms of action.




Molecular Docking for Computer-Aided Drug Design


Book Description

Molecular Docking for Computer-Aided Drug Design: Fundamentals, Techniques, Resources and Applications offers in-depth coverage on the use of molecular docking for drug design. The book is divided into three main sections that cover basic techniques, tools, web servers and applications. It is an essential reference for students and researchers involved in drug design and discovery. - Covers the latest information and state-of-the-art trends in structure-based drug design methodologies - Includes case studies that complement learning - Consolidates fundamental concepts and current practice of molecular docking into one convenient resource




Mathematics of DNA Structure, Function and Interactions


Book Description

Propelled by the success of the sequencing of the human and many related genomes, molecular and cellular biology has delivered significant scientific breakthroughs. Mathematics (broadly defined) continues to play a major role in this effort, helping to discover the secrets of life by working collaboratively with bench biologists, chemists and physicists. Because of its outstanding record of interdisciplinary research and training, the IMA was an ideal venue for the 2007-2008 IMA thematic year on Mathematics of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The kickoff event for this thematic year was a tutorial on Mathematics of Nucleic Acids, followed by the workshop Mathematics of Molecular and Cellular Biology, held September 15--21 at the IMA. This volume is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas R. Cozzarelli, a dynamic leader who fostered research and training at the interface between mathematics and molecular biology. It contains a personal remembrance of Nick Cozzarelli, plus 15 papers contributed by workshop speakers. The papers give an overview of state-of-the-art mathematical approaches to the understanding of DNA structure and function, and the interaction of DNA with proteins that mediate vital life processes.