Library Science

Thirty protocols by leading researchers describe in detail all the essential molecular methods for working with gene transfer systems, along with the methods for gene transfer to specific tissue types either in vivo or ex vivo. The easily reproducible methods range from those for specific viral and nonviral for both genetic and acquired diseases, to those concerned with gene delivery to particular tissues. Methods for applying specific therapeutic systems, such as ribozymes and tumor supressor genes for the treatment of AIDS and cancer, are also included in this authoritative collection.

Ed. Robbins, Paul D.

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A revised and updated collection readily reproducible techniques for culturing human cells. This edition includes a wide range of human cell types relevant to human disease and new chapters on fibroblasts, Schwann cells, gastric and colonic epithelial cells, and parathyroid cells. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Medicine? 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.

Leading clinicians and expert researchers bring together under one cover a comprehensive guide to the newest and most essential molecular techniques-particularly PCR-for diagnosing and monitoring hematological and solid tumors. These distinguished practitioners demonstrate step-by-step the use of PCR, FISH, CGH, Southern analysis, sequencing, and SSCP to assess cancer markers, to detect minimal disease and apoptosis, and to uncover particular translocations, mutations, and deletions. Their readily reproducible results offer physicians and scientists a promising entre into the powerful possibilities of using these techniques to improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of cancer.

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Expert clinical investigators present their best and most reliable methods for the molecular diagnosis of common genetic disorders. The methods-organized by disease or diagnostic area-are robust and reproducible. They contain not only essential day-to-day benchtop wisdom and instruction, but also offer possibilities for introducing new molecular genetic diagnostic tests, as well as invaluable advice on controls, quality standards, and interpretation. Among the genetic diseases discussed are Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, familial adenomatous polyposis, X-chromosome inactivation, Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes, Huntington’s disease, myotonic dystrophy, fragile X disease, cystic fibrosis, familial hypochloresterolemia, and the hemoglobinopathies.

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Expert practitioners present a comprehensive approach to vaccine development, production, and assessment that can be adapted successfully to any vaccine. Their approach not only includes state-of-the-art techniques for developing live viral and bacterial vectors, expressing foreign vaccine antigens, and producing peptide and conjugate vaccines, but also offers advice and guidance on clinical trials and regulatory requirements. Additional techniques describe such powerful tools as the use of adjuvants, freeze drying vaccines, microencapsulation of vaccines, the full assessment of immunogenicity and potency of vaccines in animal models, and the creation of DNA vaccines, chimeric proteins, and recombinant toxoids.

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Leading researchers and clinicians describe their state-of-the-art findings and hypotheses arising from a variety of different approaches to this group of diseases. Their approaches include clinical presentations, epidemiology, transgenic methods, and diagnostic tests via transmission electron microscopy and immunoblotting. The diseases treated range from human to animal spongiform encephalopathies and include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, mad cow disease, and scrapie.

Ed. Baker, Harry F. ; Ridley, Rosalind M.

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A timely primer on the new reality of antisense and RNA inhibition for treating a broad range of diseases. The authors show how antisense oligonucleotides are being designed and studied in relation to hypertension, various cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, brain disorders, the blood-brain barrier, and drug delivery. Highlights include RNA-based therapies for many diseases, up-to-date methods and applications, and insight into the enormous potential to provide a new generation of drugs.Ed. S.Agrawal