Essentials of Glycobiology


Book Description

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.




Ganglioside Function


Book Description

The volume which is here presented reports all the lectures given at the International Satellite Meeting on Biochemical and Pharmacological Implications of Ganglioside Function held at Cor tona, Tuscany, Italy from 28 to 31 August, 1975. The Meeting was run just before the 5th International Congress of the International Society for Neurochemistry (Barcelona, 2-7 september, 1975) and was in fact organized on its frame. The general subject matter of gangliosides structure, biosyn thesis and degradation, of their functional role in neurochemistry, their pharmacological action and future potentialities, was deeply and throughly taken into consideration during the three-day Sympo sium, which was brilliantly directed and guided by Dr. L. Svenner holm. The meeting gave certainly, in our opinion, a valuable stimu lus to research workers interested in the biophysics, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology of gangliosides. The e ditors wish to express their thanhd to the speakers, the discussants, the Meeting Chairman, the section chairmen and to all the attendants who have taken part at the Symposium and who actively and deeply discussed the delivered lectures. Our final thank is also for Dr. Francesco della Valle, official representative of FIDIA Research Laboratories, Abano Terme, Padua, Italy, to whom we are grateful for his continuous and efficient support. The contribution of the Secretarial Staffs of both the v PREFACE Department of Biochemistry of Perugia University and FIDIA Labora tories to the editorial work is also gratefully acknowledged.




Introduction to Spatial Mapping of Biomolecules by Imaging Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

Imaging mass spectrometry (MS) techniques are often utilized without an understanding of their underlying principles, making it difficult for scientists to determine when and how they can exploit MS to visualize their biomolecules of interest. Introduction to Spatial Mapping of Biomolecules by Imaging Mass Spectrometry is an essential reference to help scientists determine the status and strategies of biomolecule analysis, describing its many applications for diverse classes of biomolecules. The book builds a foundation of imaging MS knowledge by introducing ionization sources, sample preparation, visualization guidelines, molecule identification, quantification, data analysis, etc. The second section contains chapters focused on case studies on analyzing a biomolecule class of molecules. Case studies include an introduction/background, and a summary of successful imaging MS studies with illustrative figures and future directions. - Provides the introductory foundations of imaging mass spectrometry for those new to the technique - Organized by topic to facilitate a quick deep dive, allowing researchers to immediately apply the imaging MS techniques to their work - Includes case studies summarizing the imaging MS techniques developed for the class of molecules




Medical Applications of Mass Spectrometry


Book Description

Mass spectrometry is fast becoming an indispensable field for medical professionals. The mass spectrometric analysis of metabolites and proteins promises to revolutionize medical research and clinical diagnostics. As this technology rapidly enters the medical field, practicing professionals and students need to prepare to take full advantage of its capabilities. Medical Applications of Mass Spectrometry addresses the key issues in the medical applications of mass spectrometry at the level appropriate for the intended readership. It will go a long way to help the utilization of mass spectrometry in medicine.The book comprises five parts. A general overview is followed by a description of the basic sampling and separation methods in analytical chemistry. In the second part a solid foundation in mass spectrometry and modern techniques of data analysis is presented. The third part explains how mass spectrometry is used in exploring various classes of biomolecules, including proteins and lipids. In the fourth section mass spectrometry is introduced as a diagnostic tool in clinical treatment, infectious pathogen research, neonatal diagnostics, cancer, brain and allergy research, as well as in various fields of medicine: cardiology, pulmonology, neurology, psychiatric diseases, hemato-oncology, urologic diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, gynecology and pediatrics. The fifth part covers emerging applications in biomarker discovery and in mass spectrometric imaging.* Provides a broad look at how the medical field is benefiting from advances in mass spectrometry.* Guides the reader from basic principles and methods to cutting edge applications.* There is NO comparable book on the market to fill this fast growing field.




Biology of the Sialic Acids


Book Description

Abraham Rosenberg assembles the groundbreaking work of preeminent international scientists to provide the most current, state-of-the-art presentation of research in siabiology. This concise volume examines the historical development of the field and reviews current knowledge on the genetic, immunologic, oncologic, neurodevelopmental, pathogenic, and cell regulatory properties of sialic acid. Outstanding features of this work include exhaustive reference material and detailed information tables.




GM3 Signaling


Book Description

This book reviews recent progress in understanding of the signaling and biochemistry of GM3 ganglioside in eukaryotic cells. GM3 is the simplest of the gangliosides and the precursor of other gangliosides. It is expressed in the outer leaflet of plasma cell membranes and has roles in the recognition, interaction, binding, adhesion, and motility of cells. In addition, GM3 has been documented to have functional roles in cell migration, proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis. The full range of topics of interest are addressed in the book. The early chapters discuss the synthesis of GM3, its molecular localization in cells, and its basic function as an interacting molecule. The ways in which GM3 exerts its effects via various growth factor receptors are fully explored. Current knowledge of the part played by GM3 in health and disease is discussed in depth. For example, its roles in preventing inflammation, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis and tumor growth, and suppressing arthritis are highlighted, and attention drawn to the significance of GM3 as a driver of impaired wound healing in diabetics. The book will be of interest to all who want a comprehensive update on research in this field.







Ganglioside Structure, Function, and Biomedical Potential


Book Description

This volume contains the proceedings of the symposium on "Ganglioside Structure, Function and Biomedical Potential" which was held at Parksville, Vancouver Island, B. C. , Canada on July 6-10, 1983. The symposium was organized ao a satellite to the ninth meeting of the International Society for Neurochemistry, held immediately afterward in Vancouver City, B. C. Close to 50 speakers from 9 countries presented papers on a wide range of topics on the ganglioside theme. These encompassed the many aspects of basic research that have evolved over the past half-century, as well as some newer topics relating to the biomedical potential of gangliosides as therapeutic agents. One of the purposes of the meeting was to encourage dialogue between investigators in these seemingly diverse areas in the hope that each would come away with fresh perspective toward his own work. Judging from the many spirited, informed discussions that took place throughout the four day meeting, this goal was achieved. The charm and beauty of Vancouver Island undoubtedly contributed to the congenial atmosphere which quickly developed among the 120 or so participants. Drawn from 13 countries of Europe (East and West), America (North and South), Asia and the Middle East, this gathering reflected the broad geographical scale on which ganglioside research is now conducted. That this field is still in its "logarithmic" stage of growth is indicated by the increasing number of citations appearing each year in the various abstracts (e. g. fig. next page).




Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease


Book Description

Understanding the impact of diet, exercise, genetics, and hormones on the risk and development of Alzheimer’s and other neurogenerative diseases Diet is widely known to impact on neurological function. Nevertheless, academic texts discussing this relationship are relatively few in number. This book therefore fills an important gap in the current literature. Opening with an overview of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, the text then focuses on explaining the means by which glycemic control and lipid metabolism – and associated nutritional and lifestyle variables – may factor into such disorders’ prevention and treatment. An international group of experts in the fields of food science and neurodegeneration have contributed chapters that examine Alzheimer’s disease within a broad range of contexts. Offering dietary, genetic, and hormonal perspectives, the authors explore topics ranging from sugar consumption to digestive fermentation, and Alzheimer’s disease animal models to the cognition-enhancing effects of physical exercise. Also included are overviews of the latest research into current and developing methods of treatment and diagnosis, as well as differential diagnostics. This groundbreaking book: Explores how glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and high intake of refined carbohydrates are linked to Alzheimer's disease Discusses how genetic makeup can impact risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease Examines cognitive changes in neurodegeneration, lists current tests for determining cognitive impairment, and provides information concerning differential diagnosis Discusses potential advantages of increasing antioxidant and micronutrient intake Reviews hormonal influences on neurodegeneration Examines the links between protein intake and Alzheimer’s disease. Neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's Disease is an essential resource for researchers, medical practitioners, dietitians, and students with an interest in neurological diseases and their diagnosis and risk factors, as well as diet-related conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Lifestyle and diet influence neurodegeneration risk, and a better understanding of this evidence amongst health professionals will hopefully lead to greater public awareness of how to reduce the likelihood of these widespread conditions.




Gangliosides


Book Description

This detailed volume explores methods of examining gangliosides, membrane amphiphilic lipids that are deeply involved in the modulation of the overall properties of cellular membranes, as well as of the functions of membrane-associated proteins. The contents take into account the vital availability of new enzymatic approaches, the knowledge of an incredibly extensive number of glyco-enzymes, and the improvement of multi-genetic analyses. 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. Authoritative and practical, Gangliosides: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable guidebook for entering in the vast research world of gangliosides.