Nonmammalian model organisms have become a cornerstone of systems biology research. Like the Rosetta Stone, which enabled modern scholars to decode ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, model organisms enable biologists to decipher the genetic code underlying the complex physiological processes common to all life. C. elegans provides a particularly striking example of the experimental utility of model organisms. Genetic, molecular and systems biological characterization of this organism is greatly facilitated by its short life cycle and high rate reproduction, and by the ease with which it can be cultured in the laboratory. C. elegans also has a fully sequenced and well-annotated genome, which is assembled in readily accessible public databases along with virtually all other biological data on this organism. C. elegans: Methods and Applications aims to enhance the readily available methodologies for the study of C. elegans by providing overviews and concise, step-by-step descriptions of the most state-of-the-art methods currently being utilized in the field. Some of the methods presented include forward and reverse genetic analysis, data mining and comparative genomics strategies, electron and fluorescence microscopy methods, automated imaging methods for worm behavioral analysis, functional genomics strategies, and cutting-edge methods for physiological analyses. This comprehensive collection of methods, written by experts in the field, endeavors to serve as a roadmap for researchers, illustrating the type or research that is possible with C. elegans, and illuminating its potential as a vehicle for future discovery.
For over forty years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been scrutinized and studied, garnering much attention due to their broad therapeutic efficacy. In Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols, leaders in the field were assembled to contribute detailed methodologies for the isolation and characterization of human and rodent MSCs. Recently, these vital cells have shown therapeutic benefits in the treatment of myocardial infarction, stroke, lung diseases, spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders, thus promising a boundless future in their study. Cutting edge and easy to use, Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Methods and Protocols is the perfect resource for scientists attempting to pursue this important and ever-developing field of research.
Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology emphasizes a variety of well-tested methods in plant molecular biology and biotechnology. For each detailed and tested protocol presented, a brief overview of the methodology is provided. This overview considers why the protocol is used, what other comparable methods are available, and what limitations can be expected with the protocol. Other chapters in the book present overviews regarding how to approach particular problems and introduce unique methods, such as how to use computer methodology to study isolated genes. The book will be a practical reference for plant physiologists, plant molecular biologists, phytopathologists, and microbiologists.
Protein Phosphatase Protocols presents a broad range of protocols for the study of protein phosphatases, all written by experts and innovators from phosphatase laboratories around the world. This volume is a compendium of resources for the study of protein phosphatases and their potential as drug targets. Experimental methodologies are taken from proteomics, bioinformatics, genomics, biochemistry, RNAi, and genetics. Included protocols utilize several model organisms, including yeast, Drosophila, and various plant and human cells. Protein Phosphatase Protocols provides a concise introduction to protein phosphatase research, with particular attention to phosphatase families. Assays for identification, quantification, purification, and functional characterization are presented throughout in specific detail.
Due to the vital biological importance of RNA and proteins functioning together within a cell, a protocol volume describing experimental procedures to study their interactions should find a home in many laboratories. RNA-Protein Interaction Protocols, Second Edition updates, complements, and expands upon the popular first edition by providing a collection of cutting-edge techniques developed or refined in the past few years along with tried-and-true methods. The expert contributors explore the isolation and characterization of RNA-protein complexes, the analysis and measurement of RNA-protein interaction, and related novel techniques and strategies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, the chapters include brief introductions to the material, lists of necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section which highlights tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, RNA-Protein Interaction Protocols, Second Edition is an ideal guide for researchers continuing the study of this all-important biological partnership.
Recent advances in the biosciences have led to a range of powerful new technologies, particularly nucleic acid, protein and cell-based methodologies. The most recent insights have come to affect how scientists investigate and define cellular processes at the molecular level. Molecular Biomethods Handbook, 2nd Edition expands upon the techniques included in the first edition, providing theory, outlines of practical procedures, and applications for a range of techniques. Part A of the book describes nucleic acid methods, such as gene expression profiling, microarray analysis and quantitative PCR. In Part B, protein and cell-based methods are outlined, in subjects ranging from protein engineering to high throughput screening. Written by a well-established panel of research scientists, Molecular Biomethods Handbook, 2nd Edition provides an up-to-date collection of methods used regularly in the authors? own research programs. This book will prove to be an invaluable reference for those engaged in or entering the field of molecular biology, and will provide the necessary background for those interested in setting up and using the latest molecular techniques.
Despite exciting advances in genome sequencing, isolating a protein from its expression system in its native form still presents a complex challenge. In High Throughput Protein Expression and Purification: Methods and Protocols, leading scientists detail the most successful protocols currently in use, including various high throughput cloning schemes, protein expression analysis, and production protocols. This volume describes the use of E. coli, insect, and mammalian cells, as well as cell-free systems for the production of a wide variety of proteins, including glycoproteins and membrane proteins, in order to best represent strategies that create and exploit common features to enable simplified cloning, stable expression, and purification of proteins. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, the chapters present brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section for tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, High Throughput Protein Expression and Purification: Methods and Protocols is an ideal reference for protein biochemists and all those who wish to apply these easy-to-use protocols to the many applicable fields.
With the growing global fear of a major pandemic, avian influenza virus research has increased greatly in importance during this young century. In Avian Influenza Virus, an expert team of researchers and diagnosticians examine the fundamental yet essential virological methods for AI virus research and diagnostics as well as some of the newest molecular procedures currently used for basic and applied research. Exciting, cutting-edge new methods focus on studying the virus itself and work with avian hosts, an area greatly lacking in research. Following the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series, each chapter provides readily reproducible laboratory protocols offering step-by-step instruction and lists of the necessary equipment for the task. Comprehensive and timely, Avian Influenza Virus equips diagnosticians and researchers with the current tools and information they need to learn more about this high impact disease.
Ranging from the evolution of pathogenicity to oceanic carbon cycling, the many and varied roles that bacteriophages play in microbial ecology and evolution have inspired increased interest within the scientific community. Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols pulls together the vast body of knowledge and expertise from top international bacteriophage researchers to provide both classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques. With its well-organized modular design, Volume 2: Molecular and Applied Aspects examines a multitude of topics, including the bacteriophage genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, along with applied bacteriophage biology. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, chapters consist of brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section which details tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference for experienced bacteriophage researchers as well as an easily accessible introduction for newcomers to the subject.
Hands-on researchers describe in step-by-step detail 73 proven laboratory methods and bioinformatics tools essential for analysis of the proteome. These cutting-edge techniques address such important tasks as sample preparation, 2D-PAGE, gel staining, mass spectrometry, and post-translational modification. There are also readily reproducible methods for protein expression profiling, identifying protein-protein interactions, and protein chip technology, as well as a range of newly developed methodologies for determining the structure and function of a protein. The bioinformatics tools include those for analyzing 2D-GEL patterns, protein modeling, and protein identification. All laboratory-based protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology? series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.