Integrins: Molecular and Biological Responses to the Extracellular Matrix will help basic, applied, and clinical researchers keep up with the explosion of literature on the integrin family of proteins. This volume extends material previously covered in Receptors for Extracellular Matrix. It addresses some of the most exciting areas of integrin biology, including the varied roles of integrins in cell division, differentiation, movement, wound healing, inflammation, thrombosis, osteoporosis,...

The evolution of single cells into multicellular organisms was mediated, in large part, by the extracellular matrix. The proteins and glycoconjugates that make up the extracellular matrix provide structural support to cellular complexes, facilitate cell adhesion and migration, and impart mechanical properties that are important for tissue function. Each class of ECM macromolecule has evolved to incorporate distinctive properties that are defined by conserved modules that are mixed together...

Cells in the developing embryo depend on signals from the extracellular environment to help guide their differentiation. An important mediator in this process is the extracellular matrix – secreted macromolecules that interact to form large protein networks outside the cell. During development, the extracellular matrix serves to separate adjacent cell groups, participates in establishing morphogenic gradients, and, through its ability to interact directly will cell-surface receptors, provi...

The chapters in this book thoroughly cover the structure, regulation, and function of matrix metalloproteinases, and provide information on the latest strategies to inhibit enzyme activity. This work will be an indispensable reference tool for investigators with an interest in extracellular matrix biology, matrix turnover, enzymology and biochemistry of proteinases, developmental biology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions. - Provides state-of-the-art information on a field with broa...

Methods in Extra Cellular Matrix, Volume 142, a new volume in the Methods in Cell Biology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Unique to this updated volume are sections devoted to Elastin, Quantification of collagen and elastin, Fibrillins, Lysyl oxidase, Fibulins, Matrilins, Hyaluronic Acid, Small leucine-rich proteoglycans, Syndecans, Fibronectin, SPARC, Thrombospondins, Tenascins, Collagen IV, Multi-photon analysis ...

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling.This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive gl...

Regulated turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of tissue homeostasis. In recent years, the enzymes that participate in, and control ECM turnover have been the focus of research that touches on development, tissue remodeling, inflammation and disease. This volume in the Biology of Extracellular Matrix series provides a review of the known classes of proteases that degrade ECM both outside and inside the cell. The specific EMC proteases that are discussed...

Computer-Assisted Surgery (CAS) is a new tool for performing complex procedures in a predictable and safe way. This book is designed to serve as a comprehensive review of Computer-Assisted Surgery, covering the current status of both research and applications.CAS includes Virtual Preoperative Planning (VPP) and Intraoperative Virtual Navigation (IVN), which are a set of technologies used to measure oncological margins in 3-Dimensions (3D), to locate small intraosseous tumors and ap...

The Evolution of Molecular Biology: The Search for the Secrets of Life provides the historical knowledge behind techniques founded in molecular biology, also presenting an appreciation of how, and by whom, these discoveries were made. It deals with the evolution of intellectual concepts in the context of active research in an approachable language that accommodates readers from a variety of backgrounds. Each chapter contains a prologue and epilogue to create continuity and provide a comple...

In the most recent years, each of the RNA silencing pathways of plants have appeared to generate ncRNAs with dedicated functions, specialized biological activities and specific functional scopes. RNA silencing plays a crucial role in coordinating the expression, stability, protection and inheritance of eukaryotic genomes. It compromises several mechanisms, that invariably depend on core small non coding RNAs and that achieve dedicated sequence-specific functions. RNA silencing has been rec...

How will increased understanding of the human genome affect our ability to diagnose and treat disease? The subject of recombinant DNA technology is no longer limited to the research laboratory; it is being discussed in ever-widening medical circles. Introduction to Molecular Medicine is especially written for the physician who is not a genetics expert but wishes to understand this new science and find entry to the more specialized publications. The first chapters present t...

This book serves as an introduction to protein structure and function. Starting with their makeup from simple building blocks, called amino acids, the 3-dimensional structure of proteins is explained. This leads to a discussion how misfolding of proteins causes diseases like cancer, various encephalopathies, or diabetes. Enzymology and modern concepts of enzyme kinetics are then introduced, taking into account the physiological, pharmacological and medical significance of this often neglec...