Library Science

A collection of cutting-edge methods for investigating G protein signaling from a variety of perspectives ranging from in vitro biochemistry to whole animal studies. Among the readily reproducible techniques presented are those for the purification of G proteins and effectors enzymes, assays of these purified G proteins and effector enzymes, and for the study of G proteins interactions with effectors in intact cells. Additional methods are provided for assaying G protein coupled receptor structure, function, and localization; for studying the physiological roles for endogenous G proteins; and for examining lipid and phosphate modifications of RGS proteins.

Authors: Smrcka, Alan V.

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Expert laboratory researchers describe in a standard format all the diverse laboratory methods needed to perform state-of-the-art tissue engineering. Topics range from the synthesis, processing, and characterization of specific biomaterials, through the successful use of scaffolds in the engineering of tissues, to techniques useful in evaluating the biological quality of scaffold-engineered tissues. Topics of special interest include the incorporation of biological molecules into scaffold biomaterials and the use of a wide range of methods and techniques to generate a comprehensive description of cell–polymer construct quality.

Authors: Hollander, Anthony P.; Hatton, Paul V.

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Leading cell biologists and immunologists present their most useful and innovative techniques for studying the molecular and cellular basis of cell migration in the inflammatory process. The authors provide a series of focused, cutting-edge techniques proceeding from the in vitro analysis of cell migration and the molecular mechanisms underlying this process, to methodologies for the analysis of cell migration in vivo. Experimental approaches useful in establishing the role of cell migration in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic inflammatory diseases are emphasized. Methods for the analysis of rapid leukocyte adhesion under flow conditions in vitro are described, which may prove especially fruitful for scientists exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular recognition and leukocyte–endothelium interaction. Each fully tested protocol includes an introduction explaining the principle behind the technique, equipment and reagent lists, and tips on troubleshooting and how to avoid known pitfalls.

Ed. D’Ambrosio, Daniele; Sinigaglia, Francesco

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Leading scientists in cell biology, genetics, cell culturing, and gene transfer present their most productive methods for the preparation, characterization, and use of artificial chromosomes. The authors cover all relevant areas of artificial chromosome research-from basic genetics to daring attempts at building new gene therapy tools-and describe possible applications in genetic manipulation requiring large portions of the genome. Each fully tested protocol is described in step-by-step detail and includes a background introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, reagent and equipment lists, and tips on troubleshooting and how to avoid pitfalls.

Ed. Sgaramella, Vittorio; Eridani, Sandro

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A collection of basic cutting-edge techniques for studying the mechanisms underlying cell cycle regulation and checkpoint control. Using mammalian, yeast, and frog systems, these readily reproducible methods can be used to induce cell cycle checkpoints, detect changes in cell cycle progression, identify and analyze genes and proteins that regulate the process, and characterize chromosomal status as a function of cell cycle phase and progression. Each fully tested technique includes step-by-step instructions written by an investigator who routinely performs it, an introduction explaining the principle behind the method, equipment and reagent lists, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Ed. Lieberman, Howard B.

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Highly experienced physicians and biologists clearly explain the basic technical knowledge needed to use AFM and demonstrate its multifarious uses in biomedicine and the life sciences. The applications range widely from morphostructural analyses of cellular structures, to the investigation of subcellular structures, to functional investigations, and reveal a powerful new way of looking at biological samples. The methods clearly demonstrate the advantages of AFM over traditional life science microscopy, among them simultaneous very high magnification and resolution, minimal tissue and cell preparation, and the ability to obtain different views of the sample from a single data collection.

Ed. Braga, Pier Carlo; Ricci, Davide

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This new edition of Protein Purification Protocols (1996) completely updates the existing protocols to reflect recent advances and adds the enormous new array of proteomic techniques for protein isolation and analysis. These cutting-edge techniques include not only two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for analysis and characterization, but also analytical chromatography for multidimensional separations of proteins and peptides, and mass spectrometry for isolating proteins.

Ed. Cutler, Paul

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Highly experienced researchers describe in step-by-step detail methods that have proven most useful in delivering genes to mammalian cells. Volume 1: Nonviral Gene Transfer Techniques focuses on gene delivery by a variety of chemical and physical methods, including ultrasound, biolistics, peptides, PNA clamps, liposomes, microinjection, electroporation, particle bombardment, dendrimers, and hydrodynamics. An accompanying volume, Volume 2: Viral Gene Transfer Techniques, details procedures for delivering genes to cells in vitro and in vivo, including the use of lentiviral vectors.

Ed. Heiser, William C.

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Highly experienced researchers describe in step-by-step detail methods that have proven most useful in delivering genes to mammalian cells. Volume 2: Viral Gene Transfer Techniques, details procedures for delivering genes to cells in vitro and in vivo, including the use of lentiviral vectors. An accompanying volume, Volume 1: Nonviral Gene Transfer Techniques focuses on gene delivery by a variety of chemical and physical methods, including ultrasound, biolistics, peptides, PNA clamps, liposomes, microinjection, electroporation, particle bombardment, dendrimers, and hydrodynamics.

Authors: Heiser, William C.

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For volume 1 alone: A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. Volume 1: Sperm and Oocyte Analysis focuses on sperm cells, oocyte analysis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preparation techniques. Highlights include in vitro maturation and fertilization of human, porcine, and canine oocytes; the cryopreservation of sperm cells; establishment of an in vitro spermatogenesis system; visualization of sperm accessory structures; and motility assays of stallion spermatozoa. Each readily reproducible protocol is described in step-by-step detail and contains an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. For both volumes: A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. The methods cover sperm and egg activation, motility, fertilization, nuclear development, nuclear cloning, the molecular characterization of specific events, and the imaging of cell structures. Volume 1: Sperm and Oocyte Analysis focuses on sperm cells, oocyte analysis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preparation techniques. Volume 2: Molecular Embryo Analysis, Live Imaging, Transgenesis, and Cloning contains methods for molecular egg analysis, live egg imaging, nuclear cloning, oocyte preservation, and nuclear transfer. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Germ Cell Protocols offers both novice and established researchers a gold-standard collection of hard-to-find methods of high impact research, diverse procedures that are easy-to-follow, well-illustrated, and allow a cross-species transfer of knowledge from lower vertebrates to higher mammalian systems.

Ed. Schatten, Heide

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For volume 2 alone: A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. Volume 2: Molecular Embryo Analysis, Live Imaging, Transgenesis, and Cloning focuses on molecular egg analysis, live egg imaging, nuclear cloning, oocyte cryopreservation, and nuclear transfer. Highlights include the identification and characterization of Oct-4, germline chromatin silencing by RNAi, cDNA subtraction and cloning in the field of trophoblast/placental development, and selective ablation. Each readily reproducible protocol is described in step-by-step detail and contains an introduction outlining the principle behind the technique, lists of equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Germ Cell Protocols offers both novice and established researchers a gold-standard collection of hard-to-find methods of high impact research, diverse procedures that are easy-to-follow, well-illustrated, and allow a cross-species transfer of knowledge from lower vertebrates to higher mammalian systems. For both volumes: A gold-standard collection of readily reproducible techniques for the molecular and genetic analysis of germ cells in a variety of different reproductive systems. The methods cover sperm and egg activation, motility, fertilization, nuclear development, nuclear cloning, the molecular characterization of specific events, and the imaging of cell structures. Volume 1: Sperm and Oocyte Analysis focuses on sperm cells, oocyte analysis, oocyte maturation, fertilization, and preparation techniques. Volume 2: Molecular Embryo Analysis, Live Imaging, Transgenesis, and Cloning contains methods for molecular egg analysis, live egg imaging, nuclear cloning, oocyte preservation, and nuclear transfer. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, Germ Cell Protocols offers both novice and established researchers a gold-standard collection of hard-to-find methods of high impact research, diverse procedures that are easy-to-follow, well-illustrated, and allow a cross-species transfer of knowledge from lower vertebrates to higher mammalian systems.

Authors: Schatten, Heide

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