Molecular Beacons


Book Description

Molecular Beacons explains working principle of molecular beacons, discusses their design, synthesis, purification and characterization, explores their thermodynamic and kinetic properties, and more importantly, reviews their in vivo and in vitro applications with the emphasis on the design and modification of molecular beacons for in vivo mRNA imaging applications. This book is designed to bring together in a single resource an organized and comprehensive view of molecular beacons and will be a valuable resource for academic, clinical and industrial scientists and graduate students who may consider exploring molecular beacons in their research or practice. Chaoyong James Yang is the Lu Jiaxi Professor of Chemistry at Xiamen University, China. Weihong Tan is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at Hunan University, China and also a University of Florida Distinguished Professor and V. T. and Louis Jackson Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida, USA.




RNA Methodologies


Book Description

This laboratory guide represents a growing collection of tried, tested and optimized laboratory protocols for the isolation and characterization of eukaryotic RNA, with lesser emphasis on the characterization of prokaryotic transcripts. Collectively the chapters work together to embellish the RNA story, each presenting clear take-home lessons, liberally incorporating flow charts, tables and graphs to facilitate learning and assist in the planning and implementation phases of a project.RNA Methodologies, 3rd edition includes approximately 30% new material, including chapters on the more recent technologies of RNA interference including: RNAi; Microarrays; Bioinformatics. It also includes new sections on: new and improved RT-PCR techniques; innovative 5' and 3' RACE techniques; subtractive PCR methods; methods for improving cDNA synthesis.* Author is a well-recognized expert in the field of RNA experimentation and founded Exon-Intron, a well-known biotechnology educational workshop center * Includes classic and contemporary techniques * Incorporates flow charts, tables, and graphs to facilitate learning and assist in the planning phases of projects




CRISPR-Cas Enzymes


Book Description

CRISPR-Cas Enzymes, Volume 616, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Topics covered in this release include CRISPR bioinformatics, A method for one-step assembly of Class 2 CRISPR arrays, Biochemical reconstitution and structural analysis of ribonucleoprotein complexes in Type I-E CRISPR-Cas systems, Mechanistic dissection of the CRISPR interference pathway in Type I-E CRISPR-Cas system, Site-specific fluorescent labeling of individual proteins within CRISPR complexes, Fluorescence-based methods for measuring target interference by CRISPR-Cas systems, Native State Structural Characterization of CRISRP Associated Complexes using Mass Spectrometry, and more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series - Updated release includes the latest information on the CRISPR-Cas Enzymes




Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms


Book Description

A comprehensive collection of readily reproducible techniques for the difficult process of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) discovery and genotyping. These cutting-edge protocols for mutation/SNP detection utilize denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (dHPLC), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE), chemical cleavage, and direct sequencing. Equally powerful and up-to-date methods are given for genotyping SNPs, including molecular beacons, the Taqman assay, single-base extension approaches, pyrosequencing, ligation, the Invader assay, and primer extension with mass spectrometry detection.




RNA Chaperones


Book Description

This book provides a wide spectrum of methods to study RNA chaperones in vitro, at the single molecule level, and protocols useful for cell-based assays. Beginning with a section on a number of bacterial proteins for study, the volume also explores proteins from eukaryotic cells and how to delve into the complex interactions between RNA chaperones and the folding and unfolding of proteins. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, RNA Chaperones: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for scientists and students interested in RNA biology and RNA chaperones. Chapter 3 is available Open Access under a CC-BY 4.0 license via link.springer.com.




Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Protocols


Book Description

The aim of this book is to provide detailed protocols for studying the molecular biology of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its int- actions with host cells. As established mycobacterial laboratories move - wards exploiting the genome, and laboratories with expertise in other fields apply them to mycobacteria, both traditional and novel methodologies need to be reviewed. Thus the chapters in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protocols range from perspectives on storage of strains and safety issues to the application of the latest functional genomics technologies. The last few years have been remarkable ones for research into M. tuber- losis. The most important landmark by far has been the completion of the genome sequence of the widely studied H37Rv strain (1). We can now predict every protein and RNA molecule made by the pathogen. This information is or will soon be enriched by the addition of genome sequences of other strains from the M. tuberculosis complex: a second strain of M. tuberculosis, My- bacterium bovis, and the vaccine strain, M. bovis BCG. Valuable comparative data will also be provided by the genome sequences of Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium avium, and Streptomyces coelicolor. Another recent milestone for M. tuberculosis has been the development of efficient mutagenesis me- odologies, the lack of which has been a major handicap in functional studies.




Engineering in Translational Medicine


Book Description

This book covers a broad area of engineering research in translational medicine. Leaders in academic institutions around the world contributed focused chapters on a broad array of topics such as: cell and tissue engineering (6 chapters), genetic and protein engineering (10 chapters), nanoengineering (10 chapters), biomedical instrumentation (4 chapters), and theranostics and other novel approaches (4 chapters). Each chapter is a stand-alone review that summarizes the state-of-the-art of the specific research area. Engineering in Translational Medicine gives readers a comprehensive and in-depth overview of a broad array of related research areas, making this an excellent reference book for scientists and students both new to engineering/translational medicine and currently working in this area. The ability for engineering approaches to change biomedical research are increasing and having significant impact. Development of basic assays and their numerous applications are allowing for many new discoveries and should eventually impact human health. This book brings together many diverse yet related topics to give the reader a solid overview of many important areas that are not found together elsewhere. Dr. Weibo Cai has taken great care to select key research leaders of many sub-disciplines who have put together very detailed chapters that are easy to read yet highly rich in content. _______________ This book brings together many diverse yet related topics to give the reader a solid overview of many important areas that are not found together elsewhere. Dr. Weibo Cai has taken great care to select key research leaders of many sub-disciplines who have put together very detailed chapters that are easy to read yet highly rich in content. It is very exciting to see such a great set of chapters all together to allow one to have a key understanding of many different areas including cell, gene, protein, and nano engineering as well as the emerging field of theranostics. I am sure the readers will find this collection of important chapters helpful in their own research and understanding of how engineering has and will continue to play a critical role in biomedical research and clinical translation. Sanjiv Sam Gambhir M.D., Ph.D. Stanford University, USA Engineering in Translational Medicine is a landmark book bridging the fields of engineering and medicine with a focus on translational technologies and methods. In a single, well-coordinated volume, this book brings together contributions from a strong and international scientific cast, broadly covering the topics. The book captures the tremendous opportunities made possible by recent developments in bioengineering, and highlights the potential impact of these advances across a broad spectrum of pressing health care needs. The book can equally serve as a text for graduate level courses, a reference source, a book to be dipped into for pleasure by those working within the field, or a cover-to-cover read for those wanting a comprehensive, yet readable introduction to the current state of engineering advances and how they are impacting translational medicine. Simon R. Cherry, Ph.D. University of California, Davis, USA




MicroRNA Expression Detection Methods


Book Description

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous noncoding regulatory mRNAs of - nucleotides, have rapidly emerged as the central players in gene expression regulation. Owing to their ever-increasing implications in the control of various biological and pathological processes, miRNAs have now been considered novel biomarkers of various human diseases including, cancer, viral disease, cardiov- cular disorders, metabolic disturbances, etc. Particular expression pro?les have been associated with particular pathological states. Expression pro?ling of miR- NAs have therefore become extremely important not only for fundamentalists but also for clinicians. However, the methodologies used for detecting protein-coding mRNAs cannot be directly applied to miRNAs because of their small size. Over the past years, researchers have made great efforts to developing techniques suitable for miRNA detection and quanti?cation; a wide spectrum of creative and inno- tive techniques (more than 30 different methods) have been invented and validated. It has come to the time now to summarize these methods and present them in an orderly manner for better understanding and utilization of these methods to miRNA research and applications. In particular, the development of methods for quantifying circulating miRNAs opens up a fascinating opportunity for realizing miRNA as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of human disease. A book on this subject may help boosting up the passion of researchers to further improve the existing techniques and develop more new methods to ?t to new application needs. These considerations prompted us and urged us to undertake the work: writing a book focusing on miRNA expression detection methods.




Imaging Cellular and Molecular Biological Functions


Book Description

This book offers a comprehensive selection of essays by leading experts, which covers all aspects of modern imaging, from its application and up-scaling to its development. The chapter content ranges from the basics to the most complex overview of method and protocols. There is ample practical and detailed "how-to" content on important, but rarely addressed topics. This first edition features all-colour-plate chapters, licensed software and a unique, continuously updated website forum.




The PCR Revolution


Book Description

Examines the latest innovations and the overall impact of PCR on areas of molecular research.