Many individual aspects of the dynamics and assembly of biological membranes have been studied in great detail. Cell biological approaches, advanced genetics, biophysics and biochemistry have greatly contributed to an increase in our knowledge in this field.lt is obvious however, that the three major membrane constituents - lipids, proteins and carbohydrates- are studied, in most cases separately and that a coherent overview of the various aspects of membrane biogenesis is not readily available. The NATO Advanced Study Institute on "New Perspectives in the Dynamics of Assembly of Biomembranes" intended to provide such an overview: it was set up to teach students and specialists the achievements obtained in the various research areas and to try and integrate the numerous aspects of membrane assembly into a coherent framework. The articles in here reflect this. Statting with detailed contributions on phospholipid structure, dynamics, organization and biogenesis, an up to date overview of the basic, lipidic backbone of biomembranes is given. Extensive progress is made in the research on membrane protein biosynthesis. In particular the post- and co-translational modification processes of proteins, the mechanisms of protein translocation and the sorting mechanisms which are necessary to direct proteins to their final, intra - or extracellular destination have been characterized in detail. Modern genetic approaches were indispensable in this research area: gene cloning, hybrid protein construction, site directed mutagenesis and sequencing techniques elucidated many functional aspects of specific nucleic acid and amino acid sequences.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the fast moving field of protein transport across and into intracellular membranes. The soluble and membrane-bound components assisting in these processes are introduced, and their functions described. Besides a detailed analysis of protein translocation across the bacterial plasma membrane, the mechanisms of protein targeting within the eukaryotic cell are discussed with special focus on the transport of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, peroxisomes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Providing stimulating hypotheses and models, the book is well suited for advanced students, graduate students, and for newcomers to the field seeking a general, yet accurate introduction to present knowledge in membrane transport of proteins.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in the fast moving field of protein transport across and into intracellular membranes. The soluble and membrane-bound components assisting in these processes are introduced, and their functions described. Besides a detailed analysis of protein translocation across the bacterial plasma membrane, the mechanisms of protein targeting within the eukaryotic cell are discussed with special focus on the transport of proteins to the endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, peroxisomes, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.Providing stimulating hypotheses and models, the book is well suited for advanced students, graduate students, and for newcomers to the field seeking a general, yet accurate introduction to present knowledge in membrane transport of proteins.

This book is about membrane biogenesis and protein transport across biological membranes. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic membrane transport systems are considered. The characteristics of targeting signals and membrane receptors on various intracellular organelles are described. Protein targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum and secretion via vesicular transport are discussed. In addition, recent developments in protein targeting and membrane transport to mitochondria, chloroplasts, peroxisomes and the nucleus are described. An introductory chapter on biological membranes is included as a review while a chapter on the transport of lipids to intracellular membranes precedes discussions on protein transport and membrane translocation.

This text concentrates on the following specific topics: the dynamic character of lipids and proteins in biological membranes; the existence of specific domains in membranes including their visualisation; the molecular mechanisms of intracellular transport of membrane constituents and the involvement of lipid-protein interactions in these processes; protein assembly; structure and folding and transport through membranes; and the intracellular sorting and targeting of individual membrane components as well as different organelles."

Since the first TRP ion channel was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989, the progress made in this area of signaling research has yielded findings that offer the potential to dramatically impact human health and wellness. Involved in gateway activity for all five of our senses, TRP channels have been shown to respond to a wide range of st