Library Science

In this fully updated and revised 2nd edition of Gene Therapy Protocols, leading experts from academic and industrial laboratories around the world detail their most effective viral and nonviral methods of gene transfer, as well as discuss their applications in different organ systems. These methods range from those in which new molecular conjugates show great promise for targeting gene transfer and regulating transgene expression, to those used in such exciting applications as the delivery of therapeutic proteins, vaccination, and tissue engineering. Up-to-date and highly practical, Gene Therapy Protocols, 2nd Edition, offers a rich compilation of the revolutionary advances that have recently occurred in gene transfer technology, with each article providing proven the step-by-step laboratory procedures that enable its successful therapeutic application.

Authors: Morgan, Jeffrey R.

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Experts present methods and protocols essential for understanding parasites at the molecular level. The protocols cover culturing techniques for the major experimental organisms, methods for isolating and processing nucleic acids and proteins, PCR-based protocols for parasite identification, gene isolation and mutation, antibody-based procedures, chromosome and epitope mapping, flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and parasite transformation.

Authors: Hyde, John E.

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For volume 2: A broad-ranging collection of cutting-edge techniques for the study of HBV and HDV infections and for the development of therapies to treat them. In this second of two volumes, Immunology, Model Systems, and Clinical Studies, the authors focus on protocols for the study of host immune responses to infection, in vitro and in vivo models of infection, and the development of antivirals. Each fully tested protocol is described in step-by-step detail by an established expert in the field and includes a background introduction outlining the principle underlying the technique, equipment and reagent lists, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. An accompanying first volume, Detection, Genotypes, and Characterization, contains user-friendly protocols for the identification and quantification of viral markers, the detection and impact of viral variants, and the study of the viral life cycle. For both volumes: A broad-ranging collection of core techniques for the study of HBV and HDV infections and for the development of therapies to treat them. The first volume Detection, Genotypes, and Characterization, the authors focus on readily reproducible molecular methods for the identification and quantification of viral markers, the detection and impact of viral variants, and the study of the viral life cycle. The second volume, Immunology, Model Systems, and Clinical Studies, contains user-friendly protocols for the study of host immune responses to infection, in vitro and in vivo models of infection, and the development of antivirals. Each fully tested protocol is described in step-by-step detail by an established expert in the field and includes a background introduction outlining the principle underlying the technique, equipment and reagent lists, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. The set offers both new and experienced investigators an encyclopedic collection of powerful tools for studying HBV and HDV infections, an essential resource for finding new therapies to treat chronically infected patients.

Authors: Hamatake, Robert K. ; Lau, Johnson Y. N.

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A cutting-edge collection of updated and core techniques for the neurological study of drugs of abuse. Described in step-by-step detail by hands-on experts, these readily reproducible protocols cover a wide variety of coherent methods for gathering information on quantitative changes in protein and mRNA at both tissue and cellular levels. There are various methods for detecting single and multiple alterations in single and multiple gene expression, for analyzing the functional roles of genes and proteins, for studying the release kinetics of striatal dopamine, and for the quantitative measurement of such neurotransmitters as acetylcholine. Insightful review articles address key current topics on the effect of drugs of abuse on the brain.

Authors: Wang, John Q.

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Psychiatric Genetics provides the reader with a complete view of the methodological problems encountered in psychiatry genetics and proposes solutions to commonly occurring questions. The best European and American specialists have given a thorough review on the advantages and disadvantages of genetic epidemiological methods, the way to choose a genetic marker or a clinical interview and how to ascertain patients, unaffected relatives and controls and what should be the criteria to include a case or a control. New phenotypic methods are described focusing on candidate symptom and endophenotype approaches. Examples coming from cognitive neurosciences, biochemistry, electrophysiology and brain imaging techniques are reviewed. This book will serve as an essential handbook for psychiatrists, psychologists, and geneticists involved in the genetics of psychiatric disorders.

Authors: Leboyer, Marion ; Bellivier, Frank

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Expert researchers and physicians not only describe classic and contemporary laboratory methods for studying tissue repair using a broad range of wound healing models, but also provide sensitive assays for the assessment of tissue healing. The systems detailed include human, animal, in vitro, in vivo, and impaired healing models, as well as models in which underlying systemic and genetic conditions influence the healing process. These powerful models illustrate the biochemical, molecular, and surgical techniques designed for the analysis and manipulation of the healing wound, and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure robust results.

Authors: DiPietro, Luisa A. ; Burns, Aime L.

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The first comprehensive review of both the theory and practice of suicide gene therapy. The authors cover all the major aspects of suicide gene therapy, including the design and use of vectors in gene transduction, various enzyme and prodrug systems, the mechanistic analysis of the bystander effect, the design and synthesis of prodrugs, immunological implications, and its clinical impact. They also describe all the cutting-edge methods needed to explore, study, and advance understanding of the basic biology underlying gene therapy. Each fully tested method includes step-by-step instructions, a discussion of the principle behind the technique, equipment and reagent lists, tips on troubleshooting and avoiding pitfalls, and notes on the interpretation and use of results.

Authors: Springer, Caroline J.

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A collection of cutting-edge methods for investigating and detecting a wide variety of hematological disorders. Here, the reader will find reliable molecular protocols for the diagnosis of Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita, immunodeficiency, and most forms of hemoglobinopathy. In addition, there are detailed methods for molecular human platelet antigen genotyping, an effective PCR procedure for thrombophilia screening, and protocols for fluorescent in situ hybridization. Since the measurement of minimal residual disease (MRD) provides a much more accurate risk-directed therapy, three methods are presented for detecting residual leukemia below the threshold of light microscopy, along with relatively simple, rapid, and cheap methods for the detection of MRD in ALL and AML.

Authors: Goulden, Nicholas J.; Steward, Colin G.

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A collection of readily reproducible experimental and clinical techniques for studying the molecular basis of hemoglobin disorders. These step-by-step methods utilize a wide variety of the latest analytical techniques, including x-ray crystallography, high performance liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Additional methods are offered for prenatal diagnostic analysis, the DNA diagnosis of hemoglobin mutations, hemoglobin fluorescence, and the semisynthesis of hemoglobin.

Authors: Nagel, Ronald L

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A collection of basic and advanced molecular methods that reveal those markers essential for more accurate diagnoses of specific diseases, and in developing new treatment strategies. The techniques range from in vitro methods to in vivo models of prostate cancer, and include new methods for the accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer, proteome and microarray analyses, and new strategies for the treatment of refractory disease. Each method is described in step-by-step detail to ensure successful results and avoid failure.

Authors: Russell, Pamela J. ; Jackson, Paul ; Kingsley, Elizabeth A.

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A first-time collection of cutting-edge morphologic, permeability, transport, in vitro, and molecular techniques to study the workings of the blood???brain barrier in health and disease. Described in step-by-step detail, each readily reproducible method includes an explanation of the theoretical basis of the method, a discussion of its advantages and limitations, notes on avoiding pitfalls, and examples of results obtained using the technqiue. These powerful tools can be used to isolate undiscovered molecules, deepen our understanding of their role in health and disease, and identify targets for future gene therapy and therapeutic intervention.

Authors: Nag, Sukriti

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