Nearly 25 years of intensive research have uncovered many diverse functions for the dimeric transcription factor known as NF-kappaB (nuclear factor-kappaB). NF-kappaB affects most aspects of cellular physiology—from immunity and inflammation to apoptosis, cell survival, growth, and proliferation

This book presents the diverse clinical, cellular and molecular manifestations of NF-KB-related genetic diseases. It shows that studying patient-related pathologies affecting the components of the NF-KB signaling pathway offers the opportunity to understand the various functions of NF-KB in humans, complementing studies performed with mouse models. In addition, people treating those patients acquire a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of the pathophysiological processes.

Focusing on essential insight into the methods and techniques required to dissect the complex mechanisms of NF-κB activation, regulation, and function. NF-kappa B: Methods and Protocols guides readers through standard approaches to detect NF-κB pathway activation, detection and analysis of NF-κB signaling, and methods to study the control of NF-κB signaling. As a volume in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, NF-Kappa B: Methods and Protocols provides a timely and invaluable resource for researchers seeking to perform experiments aimed at understanding the role of NF-κB signaling in health and disease.

Seventeen years after its initial description, nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB) endures as one of the most studied transcription factors. NF-KB has attracted widespread interest based on the variety of stimuli that activate it, the diverse genes and bio logical responses that it controls, the striking evolutionary conservation of struc ture and function among species, and its involvement in a variety of human diseases. The biochemical basis by which several stimuli converge to activate NF-KB has been largely elucidated during recent years. While first discovered as a key regulatory factor of the immune system, NF-KB is now recognized as an important player in the functioning of many organs and cell types. The ongoing examination of NF-KB signaling has revealed its ever expanding role in immune and inflammatory responses, but also in cancer and development. For this reason, numerous efforts are underway to develop safe inhibitors of NF-KB to be used in the treatment of both chronic and acute disease situations. The present book is the first to review and synthesize our knowledge of this interesting transcription factor. As such, the choice of subjects to review was daunting. To set the stage, an introductory chapter on activators and target genes, as well as the role they play in several responses, has been included.

The book addresses the development of muscle atrophy, which can be caused by denervation, disuse, excessive fasting, aging, and a variety of diseases including heart failure, chronic kidney diseases and cancers. Muscle atrophy reduces quality of life and increases morbidity and mortality worldwide. The book is divided into five parts, the first of which describes the general aspects of muscle atrophy including its characteristics, related economic and health burdens, and the current clinical therapy. Secondly, basic aspects of muscle atrophy including the composition, structure and function of skeletal muscle, muscle changes in response to atrophy, and experimental models are summarized. Thirdly, the book reviews the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy, including protein degradation and synthesis pathways, noncoding RNAs, inflammatory signaling, oxidative stress, mitochondria signaling, etc. Fourthly, it highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms of muscle atrophy in aging and disease. The book’s fifth and final part covers the diagnosis, treatment strategies, promising agents and future prospects of muscle atrophy. The book will appeal to a broad readership including scientists, undergraduate and graduate students in medicine and cell biology.

This book covers a very important research field; specifically, it tries to decrease the gap between theoretical and clinical research. The tendency of world research is to gain a detailed insight into the living organs of animals and humans. However, we must not lose sight of the problems that these organs can present; for example, we need to understand their molecular and biochemical mechanisms, as well as new drug productions to counteract diseases. Very deep mechanisms can offer new therapeutic pathways in hematology and oncology, among other fields. However, at least 8-l0 years of further clinical studies are necessary to make a final decision regarding the real clinical importance of basic research. Ideally, an interdisciplinary efforts among basic and clinical researchers are necessary in common research fields. At the same time, genetic research is increasing dramatically (e.g. enzyme mutations). The primary aim of this book is to demonstrate how such research can be used in both fields. This book gathers knowledge from experts in basic and clinical science, biochemistry, pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, genetics, and other fields.

Divided into two volumes the work offers a so far unmatched broad and at the same time deep knowledge on molecular and cellular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and offers comprehensive insight into clinical, therapeutic and technological aspects. This 1st Volume presents tumor entities of the ocular system, the thyroid organ, the oesophagus, gliomas, non-glial brain tumors, head and neck as well as lung cancer. In addition it also discusses in-depth potential novel molecular players and the role of stem cells as well as the endocannabinoid system in carcinogenesis, it furthermore explains tumor metabolism components and signaling pathways. Each of the chapters discusses potential therapeutic strategies and novel drug targets. The book addresses basic scientists and medical researchers interested in translational cancer research.

The plant-derived polyphenol curcumin has been used in promoting health and combating disease for thousands of years. Its therapeutic effects have been successfully utilized in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to treat inflammatory diseases. Current results from modern biomolecular research reveal the modulatory effects of curcumin on a variety of signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation and cancer. In this context, curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and even anti-metastatic activities are discussed. On the cellular level, the reduced activity of several transcription factors (such as NFkB or AP-1) and the suppression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix degrading enzymes, metastasis related genes and even microRNAs are reported. On functional levels, these molecular effects translate into reduced proliferative, invasive, and metastatic capacity, as well as induced tumor cell apoptosis. All these effects have been observed not only in vitro but also in animal models. In combination with anti-neoplastic drugs like Taxol, kinase inhibitors, and radiation therapy, curcumin potentiates the drugs’ therapeutic power and can protect against undesired side effects. Natural plant-derived compounds like curcumin have one significant advantage: They do not usually cause side effects. This feature qualifies curcumin for primary prevention in healthy persons with a predisposition to cancer, arteriosclerosis, or chronic inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, curcumin is considered safe, although potential toxic effects stemming from high dosages, long-term intake, and pharmacological interactions with other compounds have yet to be assessed. This Special Issue examines in detail and updates current research on the molecular targets, protective effects, and modes of action of natural plant-derived compounds and their roles in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

This detailed book serves as a systematic examination of the analytical methods to study the transcription factor NF-κB in physiology and disease. It provides an up-to-date guidebook to navigate both conventional and highly specialized methods to detect and analyze the different signaling pathways of NF-κB activation and contextualize them within organismal physiology and disease pathogenesis, using genetic and biochemical techniques and some of the most advanced computational and systems biology methods. Additionally, the volume includes several examples of approaches utilized by leading experts in the NF-κB field to analyze and modulate NF-κB signaling in specific physiological and disease contexts, along with some of the most promising approaches to pharmacologically target the NF-κB pathway in human disease. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions 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. Authoritative and practical, NF-κB Transcription Factors: Methods and Protocols is an up-to-date guide intended for both basic and translational scientists who are working in the dynamic NF-κB field.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of important immune molecules and their structure-function relationships. The immune system is highly complex, consisting of a network of molecules, cells, tissues and organs, and the immune reaction is involved in various physiological as well as pathological processes, including development, self-tolerance, infection, immunity, and cancer. Numerous molecules participate in immune recognition, inhibition and activation, and these important immune molecules can be roughly divided into cell surface receptors, intracellular receptors and intracellular signaling molecules. The study of how these immune molecules function at molecular level has laid the foundation for understanding the immune system. The book provides researchers and students with the latest research advances concerning the structural biology of key immune molecules/pathways, and offers immunologists essential insights into how these immune molecules function.