Signal Transduction Protocols


Book Description

In 1995, Signal Transduction Protocols, edited by David A. Kendall and Stephen J. Hill, was published in the Methods in Molecular Biology series. This second edition represents an update to that previous work with an emp- sis on new methodologies that have developed in the last few years. The goal, then and now, is to provide procedures written by experts with first-hand ex- rience in a detail that goes far beyond what is generally encountered in the “methods” section of most journals and thus actually permits a particular p- cedure to be replicated. In addition, we have had as a secondary goal the id- tification of protocols for the assay of general classes of signal transduction components that, ideally, can be adapted to the assay of any member of that class. The ability to do this has resulted in large part from the use of affini- based assays, the ease with which specific proteins can be specifically tagged, and an explosion in the availability of highly specific antibodies from comm- cial sources, especially antibodies raised against signaling proteins of human origin. The number of available approaches is, fortunately for those working in signaling research, far too great to fit within the confines of this volume, so hard choices as to what to include had to be made.




Plant Signal Transduction


Book Description

This fully updated volume reflects the spectacular advances in our knowledge of signal transduction pathways with a selection of ‘classic’ as well as newly developed approaches. These detailed approaches expand into the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, cell biology, genetics, and genomics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Practical and up-to-date, Plant Signal Transduction: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for researchers exploring the vast array of signals produced by plants to ensure their survival.




Signal Transduction Protocols


Book Description

As our understanding of the biological sciences expands, the bou- aries between traditional disciplines tend to blur at the edges. Physio- gists and pharmacologists, for instance, now need to embrace techniques that until recently were the strict preserves of biochemists and mole- lar biologists. However, the acquisition of new technologies can be a time-consuming and frustrating business, and unless an expert is on hand to give instruction, precious hours can be spent poring over half-described Methods sections with no guarantee of eventual success. The aim of Signal Transduction Protocols has been to get experts with "hands-on" experience in particular techniques to give detailed accounts of experimental protocols in a recipe-type format, which we hope will circumvent the problems of ambiguity often encountered when reading the literature. The techniques described in Signal Transduction Protocols are those that we think will be most useful in addressing questions in the area of receptor-mediated cell signaling, with particular regard to those receptors that are part of the G-protein-linked superfamily. To keep it to a manageable size, we have omitted any reference to electrophysi- ogy and have instead concentrated on more biochemical approaches.




Plant Signal Transduction


Book Description

During recent years, research has greatly expanded our understanding of the sophisticated molecular network of responses which enable plants to develop, survive and propagate under a wide range of conditions. In Plant Signal Transduction: Methods and Protocols, an international panel of experts provide well-established methods vital to analyzing plant signal transduction on the molecular level. Featuring experimental procedures on several of the most popular model organisms, the volume focuses on in planta analyses and the proteins involved in signal transduction in order to aid with the establishment of laboratory techniques or the modification of the protocols for other plants. As part of the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series, the chapters include brief introductions to the subject, lists of necessary materials, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on trouble-shooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Plant Signal Transduction: Methods and Protocols will benefit plant scientists wishing to improve their experimental approaches and delve further into this exciting and important field of study




Receptor Signal Transduction Protocols


Book Description

This second edition of Receptor Signal Transduction Protocols not only has a new editor, but also a greater focus on G-protein-coupled receptors, their properties per se, and their coupling to immediate downstream binding partners—principally, although not exclusively, the heterotrimeric G-proteins. The new edition combines updates of key chapters from the first edition, as well as a large number of new contributions covering key methodologies that have emerged, or been extended to receptor/G-protein research, in the past 5–6 years. In common with many fields, the range of methods used to assess the first steps in signal transduction are continually expanding and methods that might have been considered too specialized five years ago are now sufficiently routine to be included here. Unlike many research areas, where off-the-shelf kits have made research basically foolproof, signal transduction research still requires considerable expertise, and the methods included here are provided by internationally recognized experts in their fields who have many years of experience using the methods they describe. This not only allows each chapter to impart a clear description of the method, but also to furnish invaluable troubleshooting advice for when things do not go entirely according to plan. Once again we would like to thank the Series Editor, John Walker, for the invitation to compile this second edition, and to express our gratitude to all of the authors who have enthusiastically agreed to provide the uniformly excellent contributions.




Ethylene Signaling


Book Description

This volume provides a collection of protocols aimed toward the study of ethylene signaling in plants. Ethylene Signaling: Methods and Protocols is divided into three sections: ethylene biosynthesis, the signal transduction pathway, and the diverse ethylene responses of dicots and monocots. The chapters in section one discuss techniques for the measurement of activities related to the biosynthetic enzymes ACC synthase and ACC oxidase, the levels of ethylene synthesized by plants, and the treatment of plants with exogenous ethylene. Section two focuses on the analysis of the new membrane-associated proteins involved in the initial perception and transduction of the ethylene signal, such as ethylene receptors, CTR1, and EIN2. The third section covers assays applicable to dicots and monocots, including methods related to the roles of ethylene in germination, growth, abscission, abiotic stress, and defense. Section three also includes information on Arabidopsis mutants and the variety of chemical inhibitors that affect ethylene responses. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Thorough and comprehensive, Ethylene Signaling: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both experienced and beginner researchers with prior experience in the study of ethylene signaling and for those who are just entering this exciting research field.




Signal Transduction


Book Description

"This textbook provides a comprehensive view of signal transduction, covering both the fundamental mechanisms involved and their roles in key biological processes. It first lays out the basic principles of signal transduction, explaining how different receptors receive information and transmit it via signaling proteins, ions, and second messengers. It then surveys the major signaling pathways that operate in cells, before examining in detail how these function in processes such as cell growth and division, cell movement, metabolism, development, reproduction, the nervous system, and immune function"--




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.




Hedgehog Signaling


Book Description

This detailed book explores the technical breakthroughs with biophysical and cell biological approaches that have advanced the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and transduction of the hedgehog (HH) signal, indicating the important role of sterols in this pathway. Within its pages, the volume examines techniques involving several key protein components in this pathway, including HH, the signaling ligand; Dispatched, a HH secretion regulator; Patched, the receptor of HH; Smoothened, the signal transducer used to transduce the HH signal across the plasma membrane; and GLI, the transcription factor to turn on HH target genes. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters feature introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols, as well as tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Hedgehog Signaling: Methods and Protocols provides researchers in clinical and basic science with a fresh and reliable reference for analyzing HH signal transduction through cell biological, biochemical, and biophysical approaches.




Calcium Signaling Protocols


Book Description

In the first edition of Calcium Signaling Protocols I began by writing “The regula- 2+ tion of intracellular Ca is a common theme presented in many papers over the last 20 2+ or so years and the description of the Ca -sensitive indicator dye fura-2 in 1985 resulted in a massive increase in these types of studies. ” This statement is as true in 2005 as it was in 1999, but 20 or so years is now 30 years! There has been some reorganization of the volume such that there are now 22 ch- ters including five new ones, all written by experts in their field. These new chapters 2+ include use of the FlexStation and electrophysiological measurement of Ca channel activity. The book is broken into six parts. Part I is a general coverage of basic theory and the simplest use of fluorescent indicators. Part II covers specialist measurement 2+ systems and Part III covers measurement of Ca channel activity. Assessment of 2+ release of stored Ca is covered in some detail in Part IV, with Parts V and VI cover- 2+ ing specialist measurement techniques and Ca -sensitive targets. Putting a book like this together, even as a second edition, takes time and I am, again, indebted to the individual authors for their help and patience. I am also very grateful to Professor John M. Walker, the series editor, for his continued help and advice over the course of this project.