Library Science

Developments in genomics and proteomics rapidly generated focus on new -omics, particularly metabolomics and phenomics. Quinones, hydroquinones, semiquinones and their metabolites are naturally occurring compounds that serve as wonderful examples for this new paradigm of interdigitating ,-omics. In addition to a role as substrates and products in metabolism, quinone compounds are intermediates in many pathways of gene regulation, enzyme protein induction, feedback control, and waste product elimination. Quinones play a pivotal role in energy metabolism (Peter Mitchell’s proton-motive, Q cycle’), many other key processes, and even in chemotherapy where redox cycling drugs are utilized.

The present volume of Methods in Enzymology on quinones and quinone enzymes serves to bring together current methods and concepts on this topic. It focuses on the role in the so-called Phase II of drug metabolism (xenobiotics), but include aspects on Phase I (CYP, cytochromes P-450) and Phase III (transport systems) as well. This volume of Methods in Enzymology, Part B addresses mitochondrial ubiquinone and reductases, anticancer quinones, and the role of quinone reductases in chemoprevention and nutrition, as well as the role of quinones in age-related diseases, whereas (Part A) focused on quinones and quinone enzymes in terms of coenzyme Q (detection and quinone reductases), plasma membrane quinone reductases, and the role of quinones in cellular signaling and modulation of gene expression. Phase II Enzymes, Part C, will be focusing on glutathione, glutathione S-transferases, and other conjugation enzymes.

The enzyme, NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase, is the subject of a major section in this volume. This enzyme, discovered in 1958 in Stockholm by Lars Ernster, and named DT-Diaphorase by him, has multiple roles, some of which were only recently discovered.

Human polymorphisms exist in these enzymes that relate to variations in cancer risk, and enzymes targeted by quinones are being investigated. Modern methods in assaying quinone reactions and, indeed, various quinones themselves, are also included in this volume.

Following its discovery in 1957, ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10) as a major naturally occurring quinone became a highlight of scientific interest and an established role in mitochondrial electron transport by Frederick Crane. Fundamental contributions were made by Karl Folkers on its supplemental use for health benefits in disease prevention and by Andre? s O.M. Stoppani, a pioneer of Argentinian biochemistry, in utilizing quinones for the treatment of Chagas disease.

Ed. Helmut Sies and Lester Packer

quinones-and-quinone-enzymes-part-b.pdf

Read the rest of this entry »

The speed of laboratory computers doubles every year or two. As a consequence, complex and time-consuming data analysis methods, that were prohibitively slow a few years ago, can now be routinely employed. Examples of such methods within this volume include wavelets, transfer functions, inverse convolutions, robust fitting, moment analysis, maximum-entropy, and singular value decomposition. There are also many new and exciting approaches for modeling and prediction of biologically relevant molecules such as proteins, lipid bilayers, and ion channels.

There is also an interesting trend in the educational background of new biomedical researchers over the last few years. For example, three of the authors in this volume are Ph.D. mathematicians who have faculty appointments in the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia. The combination of faster computers and more quantitatively oriented biomedical researchers has yielded new and more precise methods for the analysis of biomedical data. These better analyses have enhanced the conclusions that can be drawn from biomedical data and they have changed the way that the experiments are designed and performed. This is our fourth ‘‘Numerical Computer Methods’’ volume for Methods in Enzymology. The aim of volumes 210, 240, 321, and the present volume is to inform biomedical researchers about some of these recent applications of modern data analysis and simulation methods as applied to biomedical research.

Authors: Ludwig Brand and Michael L. Johnson

Download Books

Read the rest of this entry »

As these volumes were being completed, American Paul C. Lauterbur and Briton Sir Peter Mansfield won the 2003 Nobel Prize for medicine for discoveries leading to the development of MRI.

The Washington Post story on October 6, 2003 announced the accolade, noting: “Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, has become a routine method for medical diagnosis and treatment. It is used to examine almost all organs without need for surgery, but is especially valuable for detailed examination of the brain and spinal cord.” Unfortunately, the article overlooked the growing usefulness of this technique in basic research.

Authors have been selected based on research contributions in the area about which they have written and based on their ability to describe their methodological contributions in a clear and reproducible way. They have been encouraged to make use of graphics and comparisons to other methods, and to provide tricks and approaches that make it possible to adapt methods to other systems. MRI, along with other imaging methods, has made it possible to glance inside the living system. For patients, this may obviate the need for surgery; for researchers, it becomes a noninvasive method that enables the model systems to continue “doing what they do” without being disturbed. The value and potential of these techniques is enormous, and that is why these once clinical methods are finding their way to the laboratory.

Ed. P. Michael Conn

Read the rest of this entry »

As these volumes were being completed, American Paul C. Lauterbur and Briton Sir Peter Mansfield won the 2003 Nobel Prize for medicine for discoveries leading to the development of MRI.

The Washington Post story on October 6, 2003 announced the accolade, noting: “Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, has become a routine method for medical diagnosis and treatment. It is used to examine almost all organs without need for surgery, but is especially valuable for detailed examination of the brain and spinal cord.” Unfortunately, the article overlooked the growing usefulness of this technique in basic research. MRI, along with other imaging methods, has made it possible to glance inside the living system. For patients, this may obviate the need for surgery; for researchers, it becomes a noninvasive method that enables the model systems to continue “doing what they do” without being disturbed. The value and potential of these techniques is enormous, and that is why these once clinical methods are finding their way to the laboratory.

Authors have been selected based on research contributions in the area about which they have written and based on their ability to describe their methodological contributions in a clear and reproducible way. They have been encouraged to make use of graphics and comparisons to other methods, and to provide tricks and approaches that make it possible to adapt methods to other systems. 

Authors: P. Michael Conn

Read the rest of this entry »

In Crystallographic Methods and Protocols leading specialists in the application of X-ray crystallography to biological problems provide a basic and comprehensive guide to its successful use in obtaining detailed three-dimensional structures of proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes. These deeply experienced researchers describe in clear practical terms their proven methods for preparing samples, crystallizing them, obtaining preliminary characterizations, acquiring and analyzing data, and solving and refining structures. Their step-by-step instructions give biologically trained workers immediate access to a powerful technique essential to solving many biologically relevant problems.

Authors: Jones, Christopher; Mulloy, Barbara; Sanderson, Mark R.

Crystallographic.pdf

Read the rest of this entry »

in-vitro-transcription-and-translation-protocols.pdf 

Authors: Trower, Michael K.

Read the rest of this entry »