Neuropeptide Y Protocols


Book Description

The observation that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundant peptide present in the mammalian nervous system and the finding that it elicits the most powerful orexigenic signal have led to active investigations of the properties of the NPY family of hormones, including peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Nearly two decades of research have led to the identification of several NPY receptor subtypes and the development of useful receptor selective ligands. Moreover, these investigations have imp- cated NPY in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases, including feeding disorders, seizures, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and heart failure. Vigorous efforts are therefore continuing, not only to understand the bioche- cal aspects of NPY actions, but also toward developing NPY-based treatments for a variety of disorders. To facilitate these efforts, it was decided to produce the first handbook on NPY research techniques as part of the Methods in Molecular Biology Series. In compiling Neuropeptide Y Protocols, I have gathered contributions on techniques considered critical for the advancement of the NPY field from experts in various disciplines. Each chapter starts with a brief introduction, with Materials and Methods sections following. The latter sections are presented in an easy to follow step-by-step format. The last section of the chapter, Notes, highlights pitfalls and the maneuvers employed to overcome them. This information, not usually disseminated in standard research pub- cations, may prove extremely useful for investigators employing these te- niques in NYP research.




Combinatorial Peptide Library Protocols


Book Description

During the course of evolution, an imbalance was created between the rate of vertebrate genetic adaptation and that of the lower forms of living organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This imbalance has given the latter the advantage of generating, relatively quickly, molecules with unexpected structures and features that carry a threat to vertebrates. To compensate for their weakness, vertebrates have accelerated their own evolutionary processes, not at the level of whole organism, but in specialized cells containing the genes that code for antibody molecules or for T-cell receptors. That is, when an immediate requirement for molecules capable of specific interactions arose, nature has preferred to speed up the mode of Darwinian evolution in pref- ence to any other approach (such as the use of X-ray diffraction studies and computergraphic analysis). Recently, Darwinian rules have been adapted for test tube research, and the concept of selecting molecules having particular characteristics from r- dom pools has been realized in the form of various chemical and biological combinatorial libraries. While working with these libraries, we noticed the interesting fact that when combinatorial libraries of oligopeptides were allowed to interact with different selector proteins, only the actual binding sites of these proteins showed binding properties, whereas the rest of the p- tein surface seemed "inert. " This seemingly common feature of protein- having no extra potential binding sites--was probably selected during evolution in order to minimize nonspecific interactions with the surrounding milieu.




Glycoanalysis Protocols


Book Description

Now fully updated and considerably expanded, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., makes available to all protein scientists, and particularly those working with today's pharmaceuticals, the most advanced and reproducible glycoanalysis techniques currently in use. Developed by highly experienced carbohydrate chemists, biochemists, and physical chemists, these detailed, up-to-date, and proven analytical techniques cover the areas of glycoprotein macromolecular structural analysis, oligosaccharide profiling, lipid conjugate characterization, microorganism structure determination, and proteoglycan function. Special attention has been given to advanced analytical techniques in biotechnology during the production of recombinant glycoproteins and other therapeutics. Hailed as "indispensable" in its first edition, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., continues with vital, time-tested techniques addressing the needs of both biomedical researchers and protein macromolecular structural chemists. It will well serve all those starting work on the analysis of glycoproteins, as well as more experienced investigators seeking to augment their expertise.




Immunochemical Protocols


Book Description

This much anticipated second edition provides a user-friendly, up-to-date handbook of reliable immunochemical techniques optimized for molecular biologists. It covers the breadth of relevant established methods from protein blotting and immunoassays through to visualization of cellular antigens and in situ hybridization, each with their latest refinements. Protocols for the production and purification of important classes of immunochemical reagents are also provided, including "conventional" and recombinant antibodies, fusion proteins and their various conjugates. This book will open the door to a new generation of immunochemical reagents with exciting possibilities.




Basic Cell Culture Protocols


Book Description

Now completely revised and updated from the original, much-acclaimed and bestselling first edition, Basic Cell Culture Protocols, 2nd ed. offers today's most comprehensive collection of easy-to-follow, cutting-edge protocols for the culture of a wide range of animal cells. Its authoritative contributors provide explicit, step-by-step instructions, along with extensive notes and tips that allow both experts and beginners to successfully achieve their desired results. Topics range from basic culture methodology to strategies for culturing previously uncultured cell types and hard-to-culture differentiated cells. Methods are also provided for the analysis of living cells by FACS, video microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Like the first edition, this book should be in every cell culture laboratory and be of use to all who use cell cultures in research.




Neuropeptides


Book Description

This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.




Polyamine Protocols


Book Description

A unique collection of hands-on enzyme assay techniques to study polyamines and their function. The techniques range from assay methods for enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism to measurements of polyamines, polyamine transport, and polyamine effects on cell growth. The methods are presented by leading researchers who have perfected them to a high art, and include clear, step-by-step instructions with numerous hints and tips to ensure readily reproducible results.




Protein Targeting Protocols


Book Description

It is by no means a revelation that proteins are not uniformly distributed throughout the cell. As a result, the idea that protein molecules, because of the specificity with which they can engage in interactions with other proteins, may be aimed—via these interactions—at a restricted target, is a fundamental one in contemporary molecular life sciences. The target may be variously c- ceived as a specific molecule, a group of molecules, a structure, or a more generic type of intracellular environment. Because the concept of protein targeting is intuitive rather than expl- itly defined, it has been variously used by different groups of researchers in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. For those working in the field of intracellular signaling, an influential introduction to the topic was the seminal article by Hubbard & Cohen (TIBS [1993] 18, 172–177), which was based on the work of Cohen’s laboratory on protein phosphatases. Sub- quently, the ideas that they discussed have been further developed and extended by many workers to other key intermediaries in intracellular sign- ing, including protein kinases and a great variety of modulator and adaptor proteins.




Transmembrane Signaling Protocols


Book Description

This collection of practical, cutting-edge techniques for the study of cell signaling provides detailed, step-by-step instructions, helpful notes, and troubleshooting tips that make even the most powerful of the newest techniques readily reproducible. The protocols presented include the use of peptide libraries to study transmembrane signaling; the use of single-cell assays to analyze signal transduction pathways; the reconstitution of signaling complexes; methods for analyzing protein-protein interactions, and more. Introductory reviews explain the basic theory and enable researchers new to the area to rapidly gain understanding, as well as command of the practical knowledge and expertise afforded by the protocols. Transmembrane Signaling Protocols makes available to all researchers the many state-of-the-art techniques that have recently led to landmark discoveries in transmembrane signaling.




Cytochrome P450 Protocols


Book Description

In Cytochrome P450 Protocols, Ian Phillips and Elizabeth Shephard assemble a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge techniques for the investigation of cytochromes P450. Described in detail by hands-on experimentalists for easy reproducibility, these methods include spectral analysis, purification and enzymatic assays, expression in heterologous systems, and the production and use of antibodies, as well as methods for quantification of gene expression, transfection of hepatocytes, and for the investigation of DNA-protein interactions and genetic polymorphisms. In addition, because of the growing importance of in vitro systems in pharmacological toxicology, the book contains techniques for the culture of rodent and human hepatocytes and human epidermis. Cytochrome P450 induction as a biomarker for environmental pollution and the generation of mice with targeted gene disruptions complete this exhaustive collection of core techniques. Cytochrome P450 Protocols includes in one volume both state-of-the-art and classic methods that have not been superseded but remain extremely useful. The collection provides both novice and experienced researchers across many fields-toxicology, pharmacology, environmental biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology-all the tools needed to elucidate the crucial biological role played by cytochromes P450 in the metabolism of therapeutic drugs, chemical carcinogens, and environmental pollutants.