Targeting Mechanotransduction-related Genes of the Hair Cell Using TALEN and CRISPR/Cas Technology


Book Description

Hair cells are specialized mechanoreceptor cells that reside in the inner ear with staircase-shaped bundles of stereocilia protruding from their apical surfaces. Hearing occurs when the hair bundle is tilted towards the tallest stereocilia, allowing the opening of mechanotransduction channels at the tips of stereocilia. The molecular identity of the mechanotransduction channel is unknown. Proteins with transmembrane domains are promising candidates for the mechanotransduction channel in hair cells. TALEN and CRISPR/Cas technologies are two technologies that have been shown to be efficient genome-editing tools in several organisms. In this study, we have successfully mutagenized the genes of several proteins that encode transmembrane domains with TALEN and CRISPR/Cas. Upon obtaining the knockout zebrafish, we will be able to assess the role of each gene in mechanotransduction. In summary, we have established a systematic platform to generate gene-specific knockout zebrafish with TALEN and CRISPR/Cas in order to determine the genes that regulate mechanotransduction in hearing.




'Essentials of Cancer Genomic, Computational Approaches and Precision Medicine


Book Description

This book concisely describes the role of omics in precision medicine for cancer therapies. It outlines our current understanding of cancer genomics, shares insights into the process of oncogenesis, and discusses emerging technologies and clinical applications of cancer genomics in prognosis and precision-medicine treatment strategies. It then elaborates on recent advances concerning transcriptomics and translational genomics in cancer diagnosis, clinical applications, and personalized medicine in oncology. Importantly, it also explains the importance of high-performance analytics, predictive modeling, and system biology in cancer research. Lastly, the book discusses current and potential future applications of pharmacogenomics in clinical cancer therapy and cancer drug development.




Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems


Book Description

Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems fourth edition presents a global and synthetic view of the main aspects of the development of the stato-acoustic system. Unique to this volume is the joint discussion of two sensory systems that, although close at the embryological stage, present divergences during development and later reveal conspicuous functional differences at the adult stage. This work covers the development of auditory receptors up to the central auditory system from several animal models, including humans. Coverage of the vestibular system, spanning amphibians to effects of altered gravity during development in different species, offers examples of the diversity and complexity of life at all levels, from genes through anatomical form and function to, ultimately, behavior. The new edition of Development of Auditory and Vestibular Systems will continue to be an indispensable resource for beginning scientists in this area and experienced researchers alike. - Full-color figures illustrate the development of the stato-acoustic system pathway - Covers a broad range of species, from drosophila to humans, demonstrating the diversity of morphological development despite similarities in molecular processes involved at the cellular level - Discusses a variety of approaches, from genetic-molecular biology to psychophysics, enabling the investigation of ontogenesis and functional development




Drug Discovery and Evaluation: Pharmacological Assays


Book Description

The 4th edition of this successful reference book contains an updated selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting the pharmacological effects of potential drugs. Effects covered include cardiovascular, analgesic, endocrine, psychotropic, respiratory, renal and immunomodulatory activities. Each of the more than 1,000 assays comprises a detailed protocol outlining the purpose and rationale of the method, a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance. In addition, animal models of rare diseases are described. For this 4th edition, all existing chapters have been revised and completely updated. A large number of assays were added. Sections that have been specifically enlarged include - Pharmacological assays in thrombosis and haemostasis, - Antidiabetic activity (includes completely new chapters such as Biochemical Methods in Diabetology), - Anti-atherosclerotic activity. New chapters are added such as Auditory Pharmacology, Oncology Activity, Stem Cells, Omics, Personalized Medicine, etc.




Animal Models of Human Birth Defects


Book Description

This book focuses on the use of animal models to study various human defects. It summarizes our current understanding of a variety of common human birth defects and the essential role of animal models in shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of these disorders. Birth defects are the leading cause of infant deaths, and cost billions of dollars in care for those affected. Unfortunately, the lack of a clear understanding of the mechanisms leading to many of these developmental disorders has hindered effective prevention and early intervention strategies. Studies using animal models have provided essential insights into several human birth defects. This book serves as a valuable reference resource for researchers and graduate students who are interested in learning the basic principles as well as the latest advances in the study of the mechanisms of human birth defects.




Genetic Hearing Loss


Book Description

Heredity, either alone or in combination with environmental factors, is the most prominent underlying cause of hearing impairment. Thanks in large part to positional cloning techniques, scientists have identified nearly 100 gene loci implicated in hearing loss since 1995-an extraordinarily rapid rate of gene identification. Genetic Hearing Loss branches into syndromic and nonsyndromic categorical directions in its coverage of the genetics behind hearing loss. Authored by 60 internationally recognized researchers, the book describes the normal development of the ear, updates the classification and epidemiology of hearing loss, and surveys the usage of audiometric tests and diagnostic medical examinations.




Encyclopedia of Biomedical Gerontology


Book Description

Encyclopedia of Biomedical Gerontology, Three Volume Set presents a wide range of topics, ranging from what happens in the body during aging, the reasons and mechanisms relating to those age-related changes, and their clinical, psychological and social modulators and determinants. The book covers the biological and medical aspects of gerontology within the general framework of the biological basis of assessing age, biological mechanisms of aging, age-related changes in biological systems, human age-related diseases, the biomedical practicality and impracticality of interventions, and finally, the ethics of intervention. Provides a ‘one-stop’ resource to information written by world-leading scholars in the field of biomedical gerontology Fills a critical gap of information in a field that has seen significant progress in the last 10 years




Myosins


Book Description

This highly authoritative volume highlights the remarkable superfamily of molecular motors called myosins, which are involved in such diverse cellular functions as muscle contraction, intracellular transport, cell migration and cell division. In a timely compilation of chapters written by leading research groups that have made key discoveries in the field, the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of these intriguing proteins is explored.




CRISPR-Cas Methods


Book Description

This second volume provides new and updated methods detailing advancements in CRISPR-Cas technical protocols. Chapters guide readers through protocols on prime editing, base editing, multiplex editing, editing in cell-free extract, in silico analysis of gRNA secondary structure and CRISPR-diagnosis. Authoritative and cutting-edge, CRISPR-Cas Methods, Volume 2 aims to serves as a laboratory manual providing scientists with a holistic view of CRISPR-Cas methodologies and its practical application for the editing of crop plants, cell lines, nematode and microorganism. The chapter “CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in human induced pluripotent stem cells” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.




The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research


Book Description

The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research: Biology, Husbandry, Diseases, and Research Applications is a comprehensive work that fulfills a critical need for a thorough compilation of information on this species. The text provides significant updates for working vivarium professionals maintaining zebrafish colonies, veterinarians responsible for their care and well-being, zoologists and ethologists studying the species, and investigators using the species to gain critical insights into human physiology and disease. As the zebrafish has become an important model organism for the study of vertebrate development and disease, organ function, behavior, toxicology, cancer, and drug discovery, this book presents an important resource for future research. - Presents a complete view of the zebrafish, covering their biology, husbandry, diseases and research applications - Includes the work of world-renowned authors - Provides the first authoritative and comprehensive treatment of zebrafish in biomedical research as part of the ACLAM series