Homing Endonucleases and Inteins

Homing Endonucleases and Inteins PDF

Author: Marlene Belfort

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2008-09-22

Total Pages: 404

ISBN-13: 9783540852353

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This book provides the first and only comprehensive description and detailed summary of the genetics, structure, function, mechanisms of action, evolution and engineering of homing endonucleases and inteins. These two unique protein superfamilies, which are tied together through their frequent fusion and coevolution, have generated considerable excitement for their fundamental, structural, and functional properties, their evolution as parasitic elements, and their widespread applications as gene targeting agents and as instruments for the generation of modified proteins and novel protein combinations.

Split Inteins

Split Inteins PDF

Author: Henning D. Mootz

Publisher: Humana

Published: 2016-10-07

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781493964499

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This volume focuses on applications of split inteins, and the progress that has been made in the past 5 years on discovery and engineering of fast and more efficient split inteins. The first few chapters in Split Inteins: Methods and Protocols explore new techniques on how to use split inteins for affinity purification of overproduced proteins, and split-intein based technologies to prepare cyclic peptides and proteins. The next few chapters discuss semisynthetic protein trans-splicing using one synthetic intein piece, synthetic intein-extein pieces used to deliver other cargos for chemical modification both of purified proteins and of proteins in living cells, as well as isotopic labeling of proteins for NMR studies, and a discussion on how protein block copolymers can be generated by protein trans-splicing to form protein hydrogels. The last few chapters deal with intein applications in transgenic plants and conditional inteins that can be regulated in artificial ways by small molecules or light, a cassette-based approach to quickly test many intein insertion positions, and a computational approach to predict new intein split sites (the approach also works for other proteins). Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introduction 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, Split Inteins: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource that will provide guidance toward possibilities of split intein applications, explore proven and detailed protocols adaptable to various research projects, and inspire new method developments.

Autologous and Cancer Stem Cell Gene Therapy

Autologous and Cancer Stem Cell Gene Therapy PDF

Author: Roger Bertolotti

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 489

ISBN-13: 9812775862

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Stem cells provide for life-long cell replacement in tissues and organs, and have inherent homing abilities that are critical in therapeutic applications. Stem cells are also the driving force of cancer where genetic/epigenetic alterations culminate in tumorigenesis either in tissue stem cells or in some of their derivatives. As a rare subset of the tumor, cancer stem cells are the only drive of tumor initiation/propagation. Autologous and cancer stem cells are thus the key targets of 1) long-term and transient-regenerative/epigenetic gene therapy and 2) of recurrence-free anticancer therapy, respectively. While cancer stem cell gene therapy still needs time to accomplish, autologous stem cells have been instrumental in the first unequivocal successes for gene therapy whereby ex vivo retrovirally corrected hematopoietic stem cells have been returned to the patients.This timely book presents 1) the aforementioned stem cell gene therapy achievements that rely on random-integration of therapeutic transgenes into host chromosomes and 2) emerging experimental approaches aimed at eliminating random-integration oncogenic hazards through site-specific integration or gene targeting. Breakthrough endonuclease-boosted gene targeting for gene correction (inherited diseases) or targeted integration of therapeutic transgenes (other disorders) culminating in an efficiency compatible with clinical trials is one of the highlights of the book. Highlights also include the pioneering transplantation of adult pluripotent stem cells as a substitute for tissue-specific stem cells, thereby pinpointing the invaluable potential for stem cell gene therapy applications of autologous cells able to contribute to all three germ layers. Stem cell gene therapy is thus discussed in terms of 1) magnifying stem cell therapeutic homing through transient regenerative gene therapy and 2) of tackling most pathologies (including mitochondrial DNA diseases and ageing disorders) through stem cell repopulation dynamics into appropriate niches (long-term engraftment) and tissues (cell turn-over). Regarding cancer stem cell gene therapy, focus is on both the increasing number of identified tissue-specific cancer stem cells as the ultimate therapeutic targets and on the development of armed stem cells as tumor-homing vectors for targeted anticancer therapy.

Harnessing the Power of Viruses

Harnessing the Power of Viruses PDF

Author: Boriana Marintcheva

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2017-11-13

Total Pages: 296

ISBN-13: 0128105151

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Harnessing the Power of Viruses explores the application of scientific knowledge about viruses and their lives to solve practical challenges and further advance molecular sciences, medicine and agriculture. The book contains virus-based tools and approaches in the fields of: i) DNA manipulations in vitro and in vivo; ii) Protein expression and characterization; and iii) Virus- Host interactions as a platform for therapy and biocontrol are discussed. It steers away from traditional views of viruses and technology, focusing instead on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and offer means for addressing complex biological phenomena that positively influence everyday life. The book is written at an intermediate level and is accessible to novices who are willing to acquire a basic level of understanding of key principles in molecular biology, but is also ideal for advanced readers interested in expanding their biological knowledge to include practical applications of molecular tools derived from viruses. Explores virus-based tools and approaches in DNA manipulation, protein expression and characterization and virus-host interactions Provides a dedicated focus on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and address complex biological phenomena Includes an overview of modern technologies in biology that were developed using viral components/elements and knowledge about viral processes

Physiology and Genetics

Physiology and Genetics PDF

Author: Timm Anke

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-02-01

Total Pages: 464

ISBN-13: 3319717405

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In the last few decades, DNA-based tools for the investigation of fungal taxonomy, signal transduction and regulation, differentiation processes and biosynthetic potential have accelerated advances in our understanding of the Mycota. This completely updated and revised second edition presents a selection of exciting issues involving basic and applied aspects of fungal physiology and genetics. In 14 chapters, respected experts provide an overview of traditional, topical and future aspects of basic fungal principles and potential applications in biotechnology. The contributions will bring scientists up-to-date on the latest developments, and help students familiarize themselves with the different topics.

Biocomputing

Biocomputing PDF

Author: Panos M. Pardalos

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-12-01

Total Pages: 265

ISBN-13: 1461302595

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In the quest to understand and model the healthy or sick human body, re searchers and medical doctors are utilizing more and more quantitative tools and techniques. This trend is pushing the envelope of a new field we call Biomedical Computing, as an exciting frontier among signal processing, pattern recognition, optimization, nonlinear dynamics, computer science and biology, chemistry and medicine. A conference on Biocomputing was held during February 25-27, 2001 at the University of Florida. The conference was sponsored by the Center for Applied Optimization, the Computational Neuroengineering Center, the Biomedical En gineering Program (through a Whitaker Foundation grant), the Brain Institute, the School of Engineering, and the University of Florida Research & Graduate Programs. The conference provided a forum for researchers to discuss and present new directions in Biocomputing. The well-attended three days event was highlighted by the presence of top researchers in the field who presented their work in Biocomputing. This volume contains a selective collection of ref ereed papers based on talks presented at this conference. You will find seminal contributions in genomics, global optimization, computational neuroscience, FMRI, brain dynamics, epileptic seizure prediction and cancer diagnostics. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the sponsors, the authors of the papers, the anonymous referees, and Kluwer Academic Publishers for making the conference successful and the publication of this volume possible. Panos M. Pardalos and Jose C.

Fundamentals of Protein Structure and Function

Fundamentals of Protein Structure and Function PDF

Author: Engelbert Buxbaum

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-11-27

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13: 331919920X

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This book serves as an introduction to protein structure and function. Starting with their makeup from simple building blocks, called amino acids, the 3-dimensional structure of proteins is explained. This leads to a discussion how misfolding of proteins causes diseases like cancer, various encephalopathies, or diabetes. Enzymology and modern concepts of enzyme kinetics are then introduced, taking into account the physiological, pharmacological and medical significance of this often neglected topic. This is followed by thorough coverage of hæmoglobin and myoglobin, immunoproteins, motor proteins and movement, cell-cell interactions, molecular chaperones and chaperonins, transport of proteins to various cell compartments and solute transport across biological membranes. Proteins in the laboratory are also covered, including a detailed description of the purification and determination of proteins, as well as their characterisation for size and shape, structure and molecular interactions. The book emphasises the link between protein structure, physiological function and medical significance. This book can be used for graduate and advanced undergraduate classes covering protein structure and function and as an introductory text for researchers in protein biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, chemistry, biophysics, biomedicine and related courses. About the author: Dr. Buxbaum is a biochemist with interest in enzymology and protein science. He has been working on the biochemistry of membrane transport proteins for nearly thirty years and has taught courses in biochemistry and biomedicine at several universities.

Molecular Biotechnology

Molecular Biotechnology PDF

Author: Bernard R. Glick

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 724

ISBN-13:

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The second edition explains the principles of recombinant DNA technology as well as other important techniques such as DNA sequencing, the polymerase chain reaction, and the production of monclonal antibodies.

The Dynamic Bacterial Genome

The Dynamic Bacterial Genome PDF

Author: Peter Mullany

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2005-09-26

Total Pages: 452

ISBN-13: 9780521821575

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"This book provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms and biological consequences of genome rearrangements in bacteria. Each chapter examines the mechanisms involved in genome rearrangements and the direct biological consequences of these events. Because genome rearrangements are so important in evolution, at least one of the chapters views the phenomenon from an evolutionary angle. This book provides the reader with a holistic view of genome rearrangements (i.e., studies on both the biological consequences of genome rearrangement and the mechanisms underlying these processes are presented)." "The book is written by leading research workers in the field and is aimed at final-year undergraduates, postgraduate and postdoctoral workers, and established biologists."--BOOK JACKET.

Cellular and Animal Models in Human Genomics Research

Cellular and Animal Models in Human Genomics Research PDF

Author:

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2019-07-30

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 012816574X

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Cellular and Animal Models in Human Genomics Research provides an indispensable resource for applying comparative genomics in the annotation of disease-gene associated variants that are identified by human genomic sequencing. The book presents a thorough overview of effective protocols for the use of cellular and animal modeling methods to turn lists of plausible genes into causative biomarkers. With chapters written by international experts, the book first addresses the fundamental aspects of using cellular and animal models in genetic and genomic studies, including in-depth examples of specific models and their utility, i.e., yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice and large animals. Protocols for properly conducting model studies, genomic technology, modeling candidate genes vs. genetic variants, integrative modeling, utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells, and employing CRISPR-Cas9 are also discussed in-depth. Provides a thorough, accessible resource that helps researchers and students employ cellular and animal models in their own genetic and genomic studies Offers guidance on how to effectively interpret the results and significance of genetic and genomic model studies for human health Features chapters from international experts in the use of specific cellular and animal models, including yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice, and large animals, among other organisms