Kemisk biologi

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the biological functions of melanins, their biotechnological production, and their industrial applications. The melanins form a group of polymeric pigments found in most organisms. These natural products are generated by the oxidation of phenolic and indolic molecules yielding melanins, which include eumelanin, pheomelanin, pyomelanin, and the allomelanins. These pigments have diverse biological functions, including photoprotection, thermoregulation, antioxidation, virulence, and metal ion sequestration. Melanins have physicochemical properties that have proven useful in the optical, electronic, material, agriculture, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. The chapters in this book provide an in-depth analysis of the current issues and challenges in this field. Topics covered include the properties, biogenesis, and evolution of melanosomes. The book also addresses the synthesis and industrial production of melanins by microorganisms. The metabolic pathways for the synthesis of several types of polymeric pigments in microorganisms and their role in pathogenesis are reviewed. The large-scale production and purification of melanins to provide this product for industrial applications is a formidable challenge. Two chapters present and discuss the state-of-the-art used for the generation of microbial melanin-production strains and the processes for the biotechnological synthesis and purification of these pigments. Melanins are polymers that can interact with metals, a chapter reviews this capacity in the context of technological applications, including electrochemical energy storage and metal recovery. These polymers are materials having favorable characteristics for photonic applications, including UV blocking and broadband absorption. The current advances in the application of these pigments in optically active materials are presented and discussed.

Cholesterol is an essential component of the plasma membrane. Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), although a minor phospholipid, is the most abundant membrane phosphoinositide. Both lipids play key roles in a variety of cellular functions including as signalling molecules and major regulators of protein function. Studies on these important lipids have traditionally focused on the effect of each lipid individually. Accumulating evidence indicates, however, that these lipids may cross-regulate each other¿s levels. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2 can act together to modulate protein function and biological processes. This book provides an overview of cellular functions and molecular mechanisms in which cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2 functions extend from parallel existence to crosstalk. It includes four sections. The first section introduces the reader to cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2. The second section demonstrates the mutual influence of these two critical lipids on their levels. The third section, divided into two parts, describes the co-modulation of protein function by cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2. The first part focuses on ion channels and the second - on lipid transfer proteins. The fourth section highlights other cellular processes at the intersection of cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2 involvement. Collectively, the book portrays the emerging relationship between cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2 in a broad array of biological systems and processes. The book will be of interest to a wide audience of research scientists with an interest in the biophysical properties of lipids and the physiological consequences of their presence in biological systems, as well as graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, basic and clinical researchers, and pharmaceutical scientists. Specifically, the content will be relevant to researchers in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biophysics, pharmacology, neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, among others.Provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge of the interplay between cholesterol and PI(4,5) P2Provides an overview of the emerging relationship between cholesterol and PI(4,5)P2 in biological systems and processesDiscusses cellular processes and molecular mechanisms where lipid functions extend from parallel existence to crosstalk

This book is written by international experts with both academic and industrial credentials. It presents for the first time, a collection of up-­to-­date scientific advances in the area of edible fats and oils technology, over a span of 10 years from 2009 to the year 2019. The book covers the existing and recent advanced techniques adopted in the edible fats and oils research and touches on the processing and modification, to the traceability and sustainability issues of fats and oils. Some recent technologies like supercritical carbon dioxide, microwave, ultrasound, and enzymatic¿ assisted processes, ionic liquid, enzymatic processes, biosensor and membrane technology are presented in the book. The book aims to provide the technologists and researchers in research, development and operations in the edible fats and oils industries with critical and readily accessible information on the recent advances in the field. The book is divided into three broad sections- Fats and Oils Chemistry and Processing, Fats and Oils Modification and Health Implications, and Fats and Oils Safety, Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts. It is an extremely comprehensive and valuable resource, which serves as an essential reference for students and lipid scientists from academia or industry.

This volume explores a collection of different protocols for the analysis and characterization of DNAzymes and their functions. The topics covered in this book range from bioinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations for the study or modification of nucleic acids to the descriptions of spectroscopic, fluorescence-based, or crystallographic methods to understand the structure and function of DNAzymes. 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.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, DNAzymes: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers interested in learning more about this evolving field.

Secondary metabolites are classified according to their chemical structures and this book will present the different classes of metabolites in turn while discussing their sources and distribution in plant families, their biosynthetic pathways, and their important and notable uses in phytochemistry and pharmacology.

This textbook is designed for students of biology, molecular biology, ecology,medicine, agriculture, forestry and other professions where the knowledge of organic chemistry plays an important role. The work may also be of interest to non-professionals, as well as to teachers in high schools. The book consists of 13 chapters that cover the essentials of organic chemistry, including - basic principles of structure and constitution of organic compounds, - the elements of the nomenclature, - the concepts of the nature of chemical bond, - introductions in NMR and IR spectroscopy, - the concepts and main classes of the organic reaction mechanisms, - reactions and properties of common classes or organic compounds, - and the introduction to the chemistry of the natural organic products followed by basic principles of the reactions in living cells. This second edition includes revisions and suggestions made by the readers of the first edition and the author's colleagues. In addition, it includes substantial changes compared to the first edition. The chapter on Cycloaddition has been completed by including the other pericyclic reactions (sigmatropic rearrangements, electrocyclic reactions). The chapter on Organic Natural Products has been extended to include new section covering the principles of organic synthesis. New chapter "Organic Supramolecular and Supermolecular Structures" is added. This chapter covers the basic knowledge about the molecular recognition, supramolecular structures, and the mechanisms of the enzyme catalyzed reactions.

This book summarizes the progress made to functional immobilize G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) through site-specific or orientated recognition in both non-covalent and covalent manners. The last decade is the dawn of the ¿post-structural biology¿ era for G protein-coupled receptor research. As an emerging approach for state-of-the-art immobilization, this book discusses efforts to explore the elegance of naturally-occurring biochemical reactions by using their high specificity and robust reactivity in the complex system, such as site-specific conjugation by covalent recognition between enzymes and their substrates. With the perspective of protein-drug interactions, this book also reviews the applications of protein immobilization, with an emphasis on G protein-coupled receptors, in drug discovery and protein-ligand interaction analysis. In addition, the merits, opportunities and disadvantages are analyzed for different immobilization methods, and a perspective for future directions is presented. Given its scope, this book appeals to a broad readership, particularly researchers engaged in the field of analytical chemistry, bioconjugate chemistry, and chemical biology, and other related field, as well as teachers of relevant majors in colleges and universities.

This detailed volume explores perspectives and methods using cell-free expression (CFE) to enable next-generation synthetic biology applications. The first section focuses on tools for CFE systems, including a primer on DNA handling and reproducibility, as well as methods for cell extract preparation from diverse organisms and enabling high-throughput cell-free experimentation. The second section provides an array of applications for CFE systems, such as metabolic engineering, membrane-based and encapsulated CFE, cell-free sensing and detection, and educational kits. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, Cell¿Free Gene Expression: Methods and Protocols serves as an idealguide for researchers seeking technical methods to current aspects of CFE and related applications.

Wir sind umgeben von Chemikalien. Schon die Natur besteht aus Chemie und ist keineswegs immer ungefährlich. Synthetisch hergestellte Chemikalien machen unser Leben schöner, bunter, sicherer und leichter. Sie kommen zu uns als Lebensmittel, Kosmetika, Farben und Lacke, Funktionskleidung, Pflanzendünger, Fahrradhelme, Medikamente, Hausdämmung, Kondome und Handys. Ohne Chemikalien wäre unser heutiges Leben schlichtweg nicht denkbar. Aber manche davon sind bedenklich, einige sogar gefährlich. Immer mehr künstlich hergestellte Stoffe gelangen in die Umwelt und in unseren Körper. Stickoxide gelangen in die Luft, Pflanzenschutzmittel in den Boden, Plastik in die Weltmeere, Schwermetalle ins Trinkwasser. Es gibt bedenkliche Stoffe in Kosmetika, Lebensmitteln und Haushaltsreinigern. Wenn bestimmte Konzentrationen überschritten werden, handelt es sich um Gifte. Über Auftreten, Herkunft, Wirkungen, Grenzwerte und mögliche Folgen der Gifte in unserer Umwelt berichtet dieses Buch leicht verständlich auch für Laien.

The book presents recent remediation techniques for heavy metal contamination in wastewater, with a focus on recently-developed and sustainable materials such as metal oxides and their composites, two-dimensional materials, organic-inorganic ion exchange materials, nanomaterials, bagasse, and olive-oil waste chelating materials. Chapters also describe the analysis of heavy metals, membranes for water treatment, sources and impact of heavy metals and opportunities and challenges in heavy metal remediation.

This volume details applications, methods, and protocols on nucleic acid amplification. Chapters detail the management of organ and stem cell transplantation, constitutional genetics and genomics, epidemiology, public health, nucleic acid detection, methods for amplification and sequencing, nuclease-assisted mutant allele enrichment, isothermal, and high-throughput sequencing. 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. Cutting-edge and thorough, Clinical Applications of Nucleic Acid Amplification is a valuable resource for both novice and expert scientists in this developing field.

This second edition further develops the principles of applying kinetic principles to drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Chapters are divided into six sections detailing fundamental principles of enzyme kinetics, enzyme and transporter structures, highlighting specific oxidative and conjugative drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, modeling approaches for drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters, understanding of variability both experimental and interindividual (pharmacogenomic), and expanded case studies that provide real life examples of applying these principles. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, in some cases step-by-step instructions with readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls with extensive cross referencing to assist in learning. Authoritativeand fully updated, Enzyme Kinetics in Drug Metabolism: Fundamentals and Applications, Second Edition serves as a practical teaching tool for novice and advanced scientists interested in the fundamental concepts.

This collection explores detailed experimental protocols necessary for setting up a variety of in vitro cytochrome P450 (CYP) assays that are vital in selecting drug candidates in a drug discovery pipeline. Major factors affecting drug metabolism include CYP expression levels, kinetic parameters for individual CYP enzymes, CYP inhibition and induction, time-dependent inhibition (TDI), CYP stability, non-CYP stability, UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT) stability, excretion mechanisms, and drug-drug interactions (DDI), all addressed in this volume. Written for the Methods in Pharmacology and Toxicology series, chapters include helpful background information on the in vitro assay, a list of all the materials, reagents, and equipment necessary to carry out the assay, a step-by-step protocol, notes containing common and unexpected experimental problems in the assay, as well as references containing important supplementary reading. Authoritativeand practical, Cytochrome P450: In Vitro Methods and Protocols serves as a key guide for researchers in the area of discovery and development of new medicines.

Oncogenic transcription factors are an increasingly important target for anticancer therapies. Inhibiting these transcription factors could allow tumour cells to be "e;reprogrammed"e;, leading to apoptosis or differentiation from the malignant phenotype. As the use of kinase inhibitors is gradually declining, transcription factor inhibition is the next hot topic for oncology research and merits much attention. This book highlights recent progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of oncogenic transcription factors. It also presents the evidence that this important protein class can be modulated in a number of ways to develop novel classes of therapeutic agents. The broad range of aspects covered by the book is noteworthy and renders it enormously valuable. This title serves as a unique reference book for postgraduates, academic researchers and practitioners working in the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, cell and molecular biology and bio-inorganic chemistry.

Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer in older women. A number of adipose-derived and obesity-related factors have been shown to affect tumour cell growth. These include adipokines, insulin, IGF-1 and oestrogens. The majority of obesity-related postmenopausal breast cancers are oestrogen-dependent. Since the ovaries no longer produce oestrogens after menopause, and that circulating levels are negligible, it is evident that it is the oestrogens produced locally within the breast adipose that are responsible for the increased growth of breast cancer cells. Aromatase is the enzyme that converts androgens into oestrogens and its regulation is dependent on the activity of a number of tissue-specific promoters. Targeting oestrogen biosynthesis in obesity may be useful for the prevention of breast cancer. Aromatase inhibitors are efficacious at treating postmenopausal breast cancer and recent studies suggest that they may also be useful in the prevention setting. However, these compounds inhibit the catalytic activity of aromatase and as a consequence lead to a number of undesirable side-effects, including arthralgia and possible cognitive defects due to inhibition of aromatase in the bone and brain, respectively. Novel therapies, such as those employed to treat obesity-associated disease, including anti-diabetics, may prove successful at inhibiting aromatase specifically within the breast. This SpringerBrief will explore all of these issues in depth and the authors are in a unique position to write about this topic, having extensive experience in the field of aromatase research.

This volume explores analytical methods to study complex lipid mixtures from plants and algae. The chapters in this book are organized into five parts and cover topics such as basic methods of lipid isolation and analysis; mass spectrometry and NMR analysis; lipid isolation and analysis from plant tissues, cell compartments and organelles; lipid signaling, lipid-protein interactions, and imaging; and lipid databases. 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.Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Plant Lipids: Methods and Protocols is a valuable guide for experienced researchers and undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students. This book is also an excellent resource for novice scientists with little to no experience inlipid experiments who are interested in approaching this field experimentally.