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Between the Lines of Genetic Code lays out methodologies and tools for the measurement and evaluation of gene-gene and gene-environment studies and gives perspective on the future of this discipline. The book begins by defining terms for interaction studies, describing methodologies, and critically assessing the viability of current study designs and the possibilities for integrating designs. It then provides recent applications data with case studies in rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, myositis and other complex human diseases. Last, it examines current studies and directions for future applications in patient care. Recent multivariate studies show that gene-gene and gene-environment interactions can explain significant variances in inheritance that have previously been undetectable in univariate analysis. These links among genes and between genes and their environments during the development of diseases may serve as important hints for understanding pathogenic mechanisms and for developing new tools for prognosis, diagnosis, and treatment of various diseases. - Systematically integrates methods of defining and detecting gene interactions to provide an overview of the field - Critically analyzes current methods and tools to aid researchers in integrating gene interaction studies - Includes examples of current biomedical applications and presents current research expected to shape clinical research in the near future

Genomic Biomarkers for Pharmaceutical Development: Advancing Personalized Health Care provides an in-depth review of the state of translational science across all stages of pharmaceutical development with a special focus on personalized health care. This book provides a complete picture of biomarker development and validation in a pharmaceutical setting while addressing the inherent challenges of targeting the appropriate indications, biomarker robustness, regulatory hurdles, commercialization and much more. It features case studies devoted to the applications of pharmacogenomics, toxicogenomics, and other genetic technologies as they support drug discovery and development. With chapters written by international authorities in industry and academia, this work is a truly unique presentation of the thoughts and approaches that lead to the development of personalized medicine. Intended for all those involved in clinical translational research, this book is the ideal resource for scientists searching for the applications, strategies and successful approaches of translational science in pharmaceutical development. - Provides case studies in applications of pharmacodynamic and predictive markers in drug development in oncology, autoimmunity, respiratory diseases and infectious diseases - Shows how to identify potential new therapeutic targets in different diseases and provides examples of potential new disease indications for life cycle management of drugs - Authored by leading international experts from industry and academia

This book provides a premier resource on understanding the ribosome's essential nature and how it interacts with other proteins and nucleic acids to control protein synthesis. As one of the central foundations in our understanding of the biology at the molecular level, this topic appeals to a wide audience, from bench researcher to clinician. With the advent of atomic scale structures, methods to visualize and separate individual molecules, and the computational power to model the complex interactions of over a million atoms at once, our understanding of how gene expression is controlled at the level of protein translation is now deeply ensconced in the biophysical realm.

Building the Most Complex Structure on Earth provides readers with a basic biological education an easy and understandable introduction into a new epigenetic theory of development and evolution. This is a novel theory that describes the epigenetic mechanisms of the development and evolution of animals and explains the colossal evolution and diversification of animals from a new post-genetic perspective. Modern biology has demonstrated the existence of a common genetic toolkit in the animal kingdom, but neither the number of genes nor the evolution of new genes is responsible for the development and evolution of animals. The failure to understand how the same genetic toolkit is used to produce millions of widely different animal forms remains a perplexing conundrum in modern biology. The novel theory shows that the development and evolution of the animal kingdom are functions of epigenetic mechanisms, which are the competent users of the genetic toolkit. - Provides a comprehensive view of the epigenetic aspects of reproduction, development, and evolution. - Highly rigorous, but simple enough for readers with only a basic knowledge of biology.

In Situ Molecular Pathology and Co-Expression Analyses explains, in easy-to-understand language, simplified ways of understanding and performing in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry tests. The book also focuses on straightforward protocols used to simultaneously detect two or more proteins/nucleic acids within intact tissue by doing co-expression analyses. The fields of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry have expanded rapidly due to the use of computer-based analysis. To get the most out of these automated platforms, researchers and diagnostic biomedical investigators must have a solid understanding of the basics of in situ-based tests, protocols, and regimens for troubleshooting. Practicing molecular pathologists, clinical chemists, and toxicologists, as well as clinicians and researchers in training, will benefit from this book's clear presentation of protocols and theoretical framework. - Includes over 200 easy-to-follow experimental protocols - Features chapter-ending summaries of'Key Points to Remember'to bring beginners up to speed with any seasoned veteran in the field - Offers two chapters written by industry leaders in the fields of in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and computer software for co-expression analyses

This book evolved from the editors strong belief that the information and new developments that were evolving from the rapidly growing field of genomics and that are happening primarily in the developed world have not happened at a parallel rate in the developing world. One would have hoped that by now the technologies and approaches would have been adapted on a far greater scale. In addition to this, the associated information is not always easily accessible, and is not disseminated in a format that can become a useful reference for scientists, students and others who reside in developing countries.

Polyploidy – whole-genome duplication (WGD) – is a fundamental driver of biodiversity with significant consequences for genome structure, organization, and evolution. Once considered a speciation process common only in plants, polyploidy is now recognized to have played a major role in the structure, gene content, and evolution of most eukaryotic genomes. In fact, the diversity of eukaryotes seems closely tied to multiple WGDs. Polyploidy generates new genomic interactions – initially resulting in “genomic and transcriptomic shock” – that must be resolved in a new polyploid lineage. This process essentially acts as a “reset” button, resulting in genomic changes that may ultimately promote adaptive speciation. This book brings together for the first time the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of polyploid genome evolution with syntheses of the patterns and processes of genome evolution in diverse polyploid groups. Because polyploidy is most common and best studied in plants, the book emphasizes plant models, but recent studies of vertebrates and fungi are providing fresh perspectives on factors that allow polyploid speciation and shape polyploid genomes. The emerging paradigm is that polyploidy – through alterations in genome structure and gene regulation – generates genetic and phenotypic novelty that manifests itself at the chromosomal, physiological, and organismal levels, with long-term ecological and evolutionary consequences.

After having read this book you will never see birds in the same way again.The unexpected patterns displayed by a bird's body have been seen as bizarre events that demanded little attention or were described as ‘amazing curiosities'.None of these surprising features seem to be fortuitous. They appear to be an integral part of a rigid order and a coherent geometry, which is directed by simple gene interactions and molecular cascades occurring at various cellular levels, and at different times, during the organism's development.A novel geometry unfolds in front of your eyes, giving the body configurations another meaning.Lima-de-Faria is Professor Emeritus of Molecular Cytogenetics at Lund University, Lund, Sweden. This is his sixth book dealing with the molecular organization of the chromosome and its implications for the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for biological evolution.

Unique coverage of proteomic and glycomic approaches to better distinguish highly dangerous pathogens, as well as using these to explore novel treatment and prevention options. The editors and authors are either part of a specialized European network initiated to develop fast and reliable detection and therapy options, or are associated with the core military research complex of the United States. With its description of the methods, their advantages and limitations, as well as the principle outcomes, this is a must-have resource for all professionals dealing with BSL3 and/or BSL 4 agents.

Genomics research on animals has generated huge databases and several new concepts and strategies, which are used to elucidate origin, evolution and phylogeny of species. Genetic and physical maps of genomes give details on chromosomal location, function, expression and regulation of genes. The series Genome Mapping and Genomics in Animals provides comprehensive and up-to-date reviews on genomic research on selected animal systems contributed by leading scientists from around the world. This volume offers information on gene mapping and genomics research in domesticated and farmed animals including cattle, water buffalo, sheep, deer, poultry, turkeys, rabbits, dogs and pigs. While the genome maps for some species are very limited, full genome sequences are available for cattle, chickens and dogs. Genomic research contributes to the identification of genetic regions that control the functionality and well-being of animals. Several farmed species are also used as models for biomedical studies.

Achievements and progress in genome mapping and the genomics of microbes supersede by far those for higher plants and animals, in part due to their enormous economic implication but also smaller genome size. In the post-genomic era, whole genome sequences of animal-associated microbes are providing clues to depicting the genetic basis of the complex host-pathogen relationships and the evolution of parasitism; and to improving methods of controlling pathogens. This volume focuses on a globally important group of intracellular prokaryotic pathogens which affect livestock animals. These include Brucella, Mycobacterium, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, as well as the protozoan pathogens Cryptosporidium and Theileria, for which genome sequence data is available. Insights from comparative genomics of the microbes described provide clues to the adaptation involved in host-microbe interactions, as well as resources potentially useful for application in future research and product development.

Biological research and recent technological advances have resulted in an enormous increase in research data that require large storage capacities, powerful computing resources, and accurate data analysis algorithms. Bioinformatics is the field that provides these resources to life science researchers.The Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), which has celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2008, is an institution of national importance, recognized worldwide for its state-of-the-art work. Organized as a federation of bioinformatics research groups from Swiss universities and research institutes, the SIB provides services to the life science community that are highly appreciated worldwide, and coordinates research and education in bioinformatics nationwide. The SIB plays a central role in life science research both in Switzerland and abroad by developing extensive and high-quality bioinformatics resources that are essential for all life scientists. Knowledge developed by SIB members in areas such as genomics, proteomics, and systems biology is directly transformed by academia and industry into innovative solutions to improve global health. Such an astounding concentration of talent in a given field is unusual and unique in Switzerland.This book provides an insight into some of the key areas of activity in bioinformatics in Switzerland. With contributions from SIB members, it covers both research work and major infrastructure efforts in genome and gene expression analysis, investigations on proteins and proteomes, evolutionary bioinformatics, and modeling of biological systems.

Since the discovery of circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria in the late 1980s, the field has exploded with new information. The cyanobacterial model system for studying circadian rhythms,'Synechococcus elongatus', has allowed a detailed genetic dissection of the bacterial clock due to the methods currently available in molecular, structural, and evolutionary biology. This book addresses multiple aspects of bacterial circadian programs: the history and background of the cyanobacteria and circadian rhythms in microorganisms, the molecular basis, structure, and evolution of the circadian clock, entrainment of the oscillator with the environment and the control of downstream processes by the clock, the demonstration of adaptive significance and the prokaryotic clock's remarkable stability, and mathematical and synthetic oscillator models for clock function. Experts in the field provide a timely and comprehensive review and a stepping-stone for future work on this amazing group of microorganisms and timing.

Numerous emerging technologies have propelled the growth of proteomics into a wide-ranging discipline with great potential to improve human health through the discovery of new protein biomarkers and therapeutics. In New and Emerging Proteomic Techniques, a panel of leading researchers and innovators describe in step-by-step detail the latest techniques that promise to significantly impact the practice of proteomics, as well as its success in developing novel clinical agents. The methods described here span the entire spectrum of top-down and bottom-up approaches, including microarrays, gels, chromatography, and affinity separations, and address every aspect of the human proteome, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The techniques of protein detection utilized are diverse and range from fluorescence and resonance light scattering to surface plasmon resonance and mass spectrometry. Where necessary, two or more distinct techniques are provided for a given problem, and advanced bioinformatics approaches are presented for the analysis of complex proteomic data. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and easy to use, New and Emerging Proteomic Techniques offers expert and novice investigators alike today's most promising proteomics techniques for probing the biological processes and understanding the diseases of the human body.

Chemical genomics is an exciting new field that promises to transform biological chemistry into a high-throughput industrialized process, much in the same way that genomics has transformed molecular biology. In Chemical Genomics: Reviews and Protocols, leading edge researchers introduce the uninitiated into the various'flavors'of chemical genomics and describe a series of readily reproducible techniques for applications in organic chemistry, protein chemistry, and computer science, with emphasis on the high-throughput approaches that are the essence of chemical genomics. The techniques range from the classic design of small molecules as affinity ligands for specific protein families, to in silico docking for computational approaches, to protein-small molecule interactions, to producing highly diverse collections of proteins, carbohydrates, and small molecules for use in arrays containing large numbers of these molecules. There are also methods for the production of proteins and carbohydrates using different expression systems, for analyzing proteins using mass spectrometry, and for arraying proteins and carbohydrates on solid supports. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, each offering step-by-step laboratory instructions, an introduction outlining the principles behind the technique, lists of the necessary equipment and reagents, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and timely, Chemical Genomics: Reviews and Protocols offers researchers an accessible introduction by pioneers to the key areas and methods of chemical genomics, as well as its use in the discovery and evaluation of novel drug targets.

The past decade has witnessed a true revolution in our understanding of how RNA molecules can reduce or silence gene expression, a process that holds great promise in basic research and for antiviral and anticancer applications. In RNA Silencing: Methods and Protocols, many of the most notable and distinguished researchers in the field describe in step-by-step detail their best methods for the design, preparation, and use of RNAs to reduce gene expression in cells and organisms. The techniques range widely and include methods addressing the biochemical aspects of the silencing machinery, RNA silencing in non-mammalian organisms, and the in vivo delivery of siRNAs and silencing vectors. There are also techniques for designing, preparing, and using RNAs to silence gene expression, for fine-tuning regulation by targeting specific isoforms of a given gene, and for the study and use of microRNAs. The protocols follow the successful Methods in Molecular Biology 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. Comprehensive and state-of-the-art, RNA Silencing: Methods and Protocols offers today's laboratory investigators a host of optimized and validated techniques to study RNA silencing and translate its concepts into successful practical applications.

Genome analysis is essential both to understanding the molecular bases of physiological processes and to the development of novel therapies for treating human diseases. In Genomics Protocols, an expert panel of internationally acclaimed researchers from academia, industry, and leading genome centers provides a comprehensive generic set of protocols for gene hunting and genome analysis. Drawing on emerging technologies in the fields of bioinformatics and proteomics, these protocols cover not only those traditionally recognized as genomics, but also early therapeutic approaches exploiting the potential of gene therapy. Highlights include methods for the analysis of differential gene expression, SNP detection, comparative genomic hybridization, and the functional analysis of genes, as well as the use of bioinformatics for gene identification and the prediction of protein function. Each method includes step-by-step instructions and invaluable notes that describe the quirks in a procedure and the little tricks that make all the difference to a successful outcome. Comprehensive and eminently practical, Genomics Protocols provides academic and pharmaceutical researchers alike with richly detailed accounts of the most up-to-date genomics techniques, including the emerging technologies from proteomics-all highly effective tools that will help investigators expand their research horizons and better understand gene function.

This book assesses the scientific value and merit of research on human genetic differences—including a collection of DNA samples that represents the whole of human genetic diversity—and the ethical, organizational, and policy issues surrounding such research. Evaluating Human Genetic Diversity discusses the potential uses of such collection, such as providing insight into human evolution and origins and serving as a springboard for important medical research. It also addresses issues of confidentiality and individual privacy for participants in genetic diversity research studies.