After the deciphering of the human genome and the genomes of many other organisms, the investigation of the function of gene products and their orchestral interplay is now one of the most important challenges in the life sciences. In "Nucleic Acid and Peptide Aptamers: Methods and Protocols", expert researchers contribute state-of-the-art methods focused on these two vital molecule types which are so often employed for in vitro selection procedures. Divided conveniently into two distinct parts beginning with nucleic acid aptamers and ending with peptide aptamers, the volume provides methodologies for the isolation, characterization, and application of both types. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, all chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and Notes sections, which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and easy to use, "Nucleic Acid and Peptide Aptamers: Methods and Protocols" will provide researchers with an inspiring and helpful guide to the application of these compounds to their own distinct research issues.

Neurological disease affects nearly 25%–30% of the world’s population, exerting enormous financial strain on the healthcare system. Estimated current costs are around $800 annual billion, and this number is expected to increase exponentially as the global population ages. As such, new and alternative neuroprotective strategies are urgently needed. This book examines some of the most promising approaches in neuroprotection as well as discusses current goals and prospects. Organized into three sections, chapters cover such topics as the use of cannabinoids, medicinal plants, and essential oils in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s; protein misfolding and the neuroprotective potential of vitamin E in cerebral ischemia; and potential new neurological treatments and their mechanisms of action.

This book compiles recent research on the modification of nucleic acids. It covers backbone modifications and conjugation of lipids, peptides and proteins to oligonucleotides and their therapeutic use. Synthesis and application in biomedicine and nanotechnology of aptamers, fluorescent and xeno nucleic acids, DNA repair and artificial DNA are discussed as well.

This volume presents detailed laboratory protocols for in vitro synthesis of mRNA with favorable properties, its introduction into cells by a variety of techniques, and the measurement of physiological and clinical consequences such as protein replacement and cancer immunotherapy. Synthetic techniques are described for structural features in mRNA that provide investigational tools such as fluorescence emission, click chemistry, photo-chemical crosslinking, and that produce mRNA with increased stability in the cell, increased translational efficiency, and reduced activation of the innate immune response. Protocols are described for clinical applications such as large-scale transfection of dendritic cells, production of GMP-grade mRNA, redirecting T cell specificity, and use of molecular adjuvants for RNA vaccines. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Synthetic mRNA: Production, Introduction into Cells, and Physiological Consequences is a valuable and cutting-edge resource for both laboratory investigators and clinicians interested in this powerful and rapidly evolving technology.

This book provides a compelling overall update on current status of RNA interference

This edited book, "Nucleic Acids - From Basic Aspects to Laboratory Tools", contains a series of chapters that highlight the development and status of the various aspects of the nucleic acids related to DNA chemistry and biology and the molecular application of these small DNA molecules and related synthetic analogues within biological systems. Furthermore, it is hoped that the information in the present book will be of value to those directly engaged in the handling and use of nucleic acids, and that this book will continue to meet the expectations and needs of all who are interested in the different fascinating aspects of molecular biology.

This book spans diverse aspects of modified nucleic acids, from chemical synthesis and spectroscopy to in vivo applications, and highlights studies on chemical modifications of the backbone and nucleobases. Topics discussed include fluorescent pyrimidine and purine analogs, enzymatic approaches to the preparation of modified nucleic acids, emission and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy for studying nucleic acid structure and dynamics, non-covalent binding of low- and high-MW ligands to nucleic acids and the design of unnatural base pairs. This unique book addresses new developments and is designed for graduate level and professional research purposes.

The study of RNA-protein interactions is crucial to understanding the mechanisms and control of gene expression and protein synthesis. The realization that RNAs are often far more biologically active than was previously appreciated has stimulated a great deal of new research in this field. Uniquely, in this book, the world's leading researchers have collaborated to produce a comprehensive and current review of RNA-protein interactions for all scientists working in this area. Timely, comprehensive, and authoritative, this new Frontiers title will be invaluable for all researchers in molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology.

With extensive coverage of synthesis techniques and applications, this text describes chemical biology techniques which have gained significant impetus during the last five years. It focuses on the methods for obtaining modified and native nucleic acids, and their biological applications. Topics covered include: chemical synthesis of modified RNA expansion of the genetic alphabet in nucleic acids by creating new base pairs chemical biology of DNA replication: probing DNA polymerase selectivity mechanisms with modified nucleotides nucleic-acid-templated chemistry chemical biology of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) the interactions of small molecules with DNA and RNA the architectural modules of folded RNAs genesis and biological applications of locked nucleic acid (LNA) small non-coding RNA in bacteria microRNA-guided gene silencing nucleic acids based therapies innate immune recognition of nucleic acid light-responsive nucleic acids for the spatiotemporal control of biological processes DNA methylation frameworks for programming RNA devices RNA as a catalyst: The Diels-Alderase-Ribozyme evolving an understanding of RNA function by in vitro approaches the chemical biology of aptamers: synthesis and applications nucleic acids as detection tools bacterial riboswitch discovery and analysis The Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids is an essential compendium of the synthesis of nucleic acids and their biological applications for bioorganic chemists, chemical biologists, medicinal chemists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists.

In recent years, due to advancing technology and diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, medicine and health care have become more patient-oriented. This concept of personalized medicine or theranostics can be traced back to the beginnings of nuclear medicine when radioisotopes were uncovered as diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Nowadays, the field of theranostics is in flux, as new techniques and materials allow a growing range of applications beneficial for patients. This book examines new developments in theranostics and provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in this exciting discipline.