Membrane Fusion Techniques


Book Description

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. * * Major topics covered include: * Cell-cell fusion mediated by viruses and viral proteins * Conformational changes of proteins during membrane fusion * Membrane fusion during exocytosis * Intracellular membrane fusion * Membrane fusion in fertilization * Introduction of macromolecules into cells by membrane fusion * Protoplast fusion.




The Giant Vesicle Book


Book Description

Giant vesicles are widely used as a model membrane system, both for basic biological systems and for their promising applications in the development of smart materials and cell mimetics, as well as in driving new technologies in synthetic biology and for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry. The reader is guided to use giant vesicles, from the formation of simple membrane platforms to advanced membrane and cell system models. It also includes fundamentals for understanding lipid or polymer membrane structure, properties and behavior. Every chapter includes ideas for further applications and discussions on the implications of the observed phenomena towards understanding membrane-related processes. The Giant Vesicle Book is meant to be a road companion, a trusted guide for those making their first steps in this field as well as a source of information required by experts. Key Features • A complete summary of the field, covering fundamental concepts, practical methods, core theory, and the most promising applications • A start-up package of theoretical and experimental information for newcomers in the field • Extensive protocols for establishing the required preparations and assays • Tips and instructions for carefully performing and interpreting measurements with giant vesicles or for observing them, including pitfalls • Approaches developed for investigating giant vesicles as well as brief overviews of previous studies implementing the described techniques • Handy tables with data and structures for ready reference




The Membranes of Cells


Book Description

In this new edition of The Membranes of Cells, all of the chapters have been updated, some have been completely rewritten, and a new chapter on receptors has been added. The book has been designed to provide both the student and researcher with a synthesis of information from a number of scientific disciplines to create a comprehensive view of the structure and function of the membranes of cells. The topics are treated in sufficient depth to provide an entry point to the more detailed literature needed by the researcher. Key Features * Introduces biologists to membrane structure and physical chemistry * Introduces biophysicists to biological membrane function * Provides a comprehensive view of cell membranes to students, either as a necessary background for other specialized disciplines or as an entry into the field of biological membrane research * Clarifies ambiguities in the field







Structure and Dynamics of Membranes


Book Description

The first volume of the Handbook deals with the amazing world of biomembranes and lipid bilayers. Part A describes all aspects related to the morphology of these membranes, beginning with the complex architecture of biomembranes, continues with a description of the bizarre morphology of lipid bilayers and concludes with technological applications of these membranes. The first two chapters deal with biomembranes, providing an introduction to the membranes of eucaryotes and a description of the evolution of membranes. The following chapters are concerned with different aspects of lipids including the physical properties of model membranes composed of lipid-protein mixtures, lateralphase separation of lipids and proteins and measurement of lipid-protein bilayer diffusion. Other chapters deal with the flexibility of fluid bilayers, the closure of bilayers into vesicles which attain a large variety of different shapes, and applications of lipid vesicles and liposomes. Part B covers membrane adhesion, membrane fusion and the interaction of biomembranes withpolymer networks such as the cytoskeleton. The first two chapters of this part discuss the generic interactions of membranes from the conceptual point of view. The following two chapters summarize the experimental work on two different bilayer systems. The next chapter deals with the process ofcontact formation, focal bounding and macroscopic contacts between cells. The cytoskeleton within eucaryotic cells consists of a network of relatively stiff filaments of which three different types of filaments have been identified. As explained in the next chapter much has been recently learned aboutthe interaction of these filaments with the cell membrane. The final two chapters deal with membrane fusion.




Neurotransmitter Release


Book Description

This book provides the reader with background information on neurotransmitter release. Emphasis is placed on the rationale by which proteins are assigned specific functions rather than just providing facts about function.




Membrane Fusion


Book Description

This balanced volume provides a broad and coherent overview of recent progress in membrane fusion research—highlighting an interdisciplinary treatment of the subject from the fields of biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, virology, and biotechnology—in a single volume., Featuring easy-access sections on the general properties of membranes and applications of membrane fusion techniques, this valuable sourcebook outlines membrane structure, lipid polymorphism, and intermembrane forces ... covers membrane fusion in model systems ... presents the fusogenic properties of enveloped viruses ... discusses the fusion and flow of intracellular membranes and cell-cell fusion occurring during fertilization and myogenesis ... offers applications of membrane fusion techniques in cell-biological research and biotechnology ... and more. Supplying a comprehensive view of this exciting topic, Membrane Fusion is a working resource for molecular, cell, and membrane biologists; biophysicists; biochemists; virologists; biotechnologists; microbiologists; immunologists; physiologists; and graduate and medical school students in biophysics, biochemistry, physiology, virology, cell biology, and biotechnology.




Principles of Cloning


Book Description

Principles of Cloning, Second Edition is the fully revised edition of the authoritative book on the science of cloning. The book presents the basic biological mechanisms of how cloning works and progresses to discuss current and potential applications in basic biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. Beginning with the history and theory behind cloning, the book goes on to examine methods of micromanipulation, nuclear transfer, genetic modification, and pregnancy and neonatal care of cloned animals. The cloning of various species—including mice, sheep, cattle, and non-mammals—is considered as well. The Editors have been involved in a number of breakthroughs using cloning technique, including the first demonstration that cloning works in differentiated cells done by the Recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine – Dr John Gurdon; the cloning of the first mammal from a somatic cell – Drs Keith Campbell and Ian Wilmut; the demonstration that cloning can reset the biological clock - Drs Michael West and Robert Lanza; the demonstration that a terminally differentiated cell can give rise to a whole new individual – Dr Rudolf Jaenisch and the cloning of the first transgenic bovine from a differentiated cell – Dr Jose Cibelli. The majority of the contributing authors are the principal investigators on each of the animal species cloned to date and are expertly qualified to present the state-of-the-art information in their respective areas. - First and most comprehensive book on animal cloning, 100% revised - Describes an in-depth analysis of current limitations of the technology and research areas to explore - Offers cloning applications on basic biology, agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine




Fusion Protein Technologies for Biopharmaceuticals


Book Description

The state of the art in biopharmaceutical FUSION PROTEIN DESIGN Fusion proteins belong to the most lucrative biotech drugs—with Enbrel® being one of the best-selling biologics worldwide. Enbrel® represents a milestone of modern therapies just as Humulin®, the first therapeutic recombinant protein for human use, approved by the FDA in 1982 and Orthoclone® the first monoclonal antibody reaching the market in 1986. These first generation molecules were soon followed by a plethora of recombinant copies of natural human proteins, and in 1998, the first de novo designed fusion protein was launched. Fusion Protein Technologies for Biopharmaceuticals examines the state of the art in developing fusion proteins for biopharmaceuticals, shedding light on the immense potential inherent in fusion protein design and functionality. A wide pantheon of international scientists and researchers deliver a comprehensive and complete overview of therapeutic fusion proteins, combining the success stories of marketed drugs with the dynamic preclinical and clinical research into novel drugs designed for as yet unmet medical needs. The book covers the major types of fusion proteins—receptor-traps, immunotoxins, Fc-fusions and peptibodies—while also detailing the approaches for developing, delivering, and improving the stability of fusion proteins. The main body of the book contains three large sections that address issues key to this specialty: strategies for extending the plasma half life, the design of toxic proteins, and utilizing fusion proteins for ultra specific targeting. The book concludes with novel concepts in this field, including examples of highly relevant multifunctional antibodies. Detailing the innovative science, commercial realities, and brilliant potential of fusion protein therapeutics, Fusion Protein Technologies for Biopharmaceuticals is a must for pharmaceutical scientists, biochemists, medicinal chemists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists, and genetic engineers interested in determining the shape of innovation in the world of biopharmaceuticals.




Membrane Biogenesis


Book Description

Membrane proteins and membrane lipids form complex interactive systems that are highly dynamic and able to be studied only by combinations of different in vivo and in vitro techniques. In Membrane Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field present a broad collection of methods to study the biogenesis and function of cellular membranes. Beginning with how membrane lipids or membrane proteins can be studied, this detailed volume continues with sections covering different procedures to investigate the interaction of membrane proteins among each other or with membrane lipids, methods to study the biogenesis of membrane proteins and the dynamics of organelles, as well as protocols for the analyses of the functions or complex organization of membrane proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Extensive and easily applicable, Membrane Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols provides readers with a comprehensive but still concise collection including both basic protocols of rather general application and more specialized methods for specific and novel techniques.