This invaluable volume, written by an international group of scientists, presents an overview of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases, with special emphasis on structure-function relationships.S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is the second most commonly used enzyme cofactor after ATP. The AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases act on a wide variety of target molecules, including DNA, RNA, protein, polysaccharides, lipids and a range of small molecules.The well-conserved architecture of these enzymes, and the implications of this conservation for their evolutionary history, are major themes of this book. The thirteen chapters describe in detail the structures, enzyme kinetics and biological roles of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases from a wide range of cell types: plant, animal, bacterial and archaeal.

This is an unusually comprehensive 2001 account of the broad range of medical implications of homocysteine.

Radical SAM Enzymes, Volume 606, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on the Characterization of the glycyl radical enzyme choline trimethylamine-lyase and its radical S-adenosylmethionine activating enzyme, Diphathimide biosynthesis, Radical SAM glycyl radical activating enzymes, Radical SAM enzyme BioB in the biosynthesis of biotin, Biogenesis of the PQQ cofactor, Role of MoaAC in the biogenesis of the molybdenum cofactor, Biosynthesis of the nitrogenase cofactor, Bioinformatics of the radical SAM superfamily, The involvement of SAM radical enzymes in the biosynthesis of methanogenic coenzymes, methanopterin and coenzyme F420, and more.

Recent studies have indicated that epigenetic processes may play a major role in both cellular and organismal aging. These epigenetic processes include not only DNA methylation and histone modifications, but also extend to many other epigenetic mediators such as the polycomb group proteins, chromosomal position effects, and noncoding RNA. The topics of this book range from fundamental changes in DNA methylation in aging to the most recent research on intervention into epigenetic modifications to modulate the aging process. The major topics of epigenetics and aging covered in this book are: 1) DNA methylation and histone modifications in aging; 2) Other epigenetic processes and aging; 3) Impact of epigenetics on aging; 4) Epigenetics of age-related diseases; 5) Epigenetic interventions and aging: and 6) Future directions in epigenetic aging research. The most studied of epigenetic processes, DNA methylation, has been associated with cellular aging and aging of organisms for many years. It is now apparent that both global and gene-specific alterations occur not only in DNA methylation during aging, but also in several histone alterations. Many epigenetic alterations can have an impact on aging processes such as stem cell aging, control of telomerase, modifications of telomeres, and epigenetic drift can impact the aging process as evident in the recent studies of aging monozygotic twins. Numerous age-related diseases are affected by epigenetic mechanisms. For example, recent studies have shown that DNA methylation is altered in Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmunity. Other prevalent diseases that have been associated with age-related epigenetic changes include cancer and diabetes. Paternal age and epigenetic changes appear to have an effect on schizophrenia and epigenetic silencing has been associated with several of the progeroid syndromes of premature aging. Moreover, the impact of dietary or drug intervention into epigenetic processes as they affect normal aging or age-related diseases is becoming increasingly feasible.

This invaluable volume, written by an international group of scientists, presents an overview of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases, with special emphasis on structure-function relationships. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) is the second most commonly used enzyme cofactor after ATP. The AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases act on a wide variety of target molecules, including DNA, RNA, protein, polysaccharides, lipids and a range of small molecules. The well-conserved architecture of these enzymes, and the implications of this conservation for their evolutionary history, are major themes of this book. The thirteen chapters describe in detail the structures, enzyme kinetics and biological roles of the AdoMet-dependent methyltransferases from a wide range of cell types: plant, animal, bacterial and archaeal.

This book examines the toxicological and health implications of environmental epigenetics and provides knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach. Included in this volume are chapters outlining various environmental risk factors such as phthalates and dietary components, life states such as pregnancy and ageing, hormonal and metabolic considerations and specific disease risks such as cancer cardiovascular diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses. Environmental Epigenetics imparts integrative knowledge of the science of epigenetics and the issues raised in environmental epidemiology. This book is intended to serve both as a reference compendium on environmental epigenetics for scientists in academia, industry and laboratories and as a textbook for graduate level environmental health courses.

This series presents critical reviews of the present position and future trends in modern chemical research. It contains short and concise reports on chemistry, each written by the world renowned experts. The series is still valid and useful after five or ten years. More information as well as the electronic version of the whole content is available at: springerlink.com.

With the most comprehensive and up-to-date overview of structure-based drug discovery covering both experimental and computational approaches, Structural Biology in Drug Discovery: Methods, Techniques, and Practices describes principles, methods, applications, and emerging paradigms of structural biology as a tool for more efficient drug development. Coverage includes successful examples, academic and industry insights, novel concepts, and advances in a rapidly evolving field. The combined chapters, by authors writing from the frontlines of structural biology and drug discovery, give readers a valuable reference and resource that: Presents the benefits, limitations, and potentiality of major techniques in the field such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, neutron crystallography, cryo-EM, mass spectrometry and other biophysical techniques, and computational structural biology Includes detailed chapters on druggability, allostery, complementary use of thermodynamic and kinetic information, and powerful approaches such as structural chemogenomics and fragment-based drug design Emphasizes the need for the in-depth biophysical characterization of protein targets as well as of therapeutic proteins, and for a thorough quality assessment of experimental structures Illustrates advances in the field of established therapeutic targets like kinases, serine proteinases, GPCRs, and epigenetic proteins, and of more challenging ones like protein-protein interactions and intrinsically disordered proteins

Fast, crystal-clear guidance on managing both pediatric endocrine disorders and inborn errors of metabolism A Doody's Core Title for 2011! New England Journal of Medicine Review! "...an inspiring learning tool....Sarafoglou and colleagues have combined their expertise to create an informative and timely textbook in which the explanations of underlying mechanisms guide the structure of each chapter. It is a unique book that is pleasing to the eye, nurturing for the mind, and instructive for a broad readership."--New England Journal of Medicine 4 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! "The book covers various pathophysiologic aspects of each endocrine organ and its interaction with other endocrine and nonendocrine systems. Disorders of thyroid and adrenal glands, pituitary, reproductive organs, and endocrine neoplasia are extensively covered. Most large groups of metabolic diseases are reviewed as well. Concise, pertinent information is provided on mitochondrial and fatty-acid oxidation, urea cycle and glycogen storage disorders, as well as organic acidurias and amino acidopathies. The most useful and user-friendly areas are the 1-to-2-page "at-a-glance" sections in each chapter which provide concise yet pertinent information about the disorders within a particular group of endocrine disturbances or IEM. This is a well written book and the multiple visual aids greatly assist in comprehension and memorization of the material...I strongly recommend this book without reservation." -- Doody's In one practical, user-friendly tutorial, a team of international contributors delivers the latest information and clinical insights you need to confidently diagnose and manage pediatric patients. This full-color resource guides you through the etiology, pathophysiology, presenting signs and symptoms, diagnostic laboratory examinations, and treatments regimens of each disorder. Features: Full-color presentation with numerous photos, illustrations, diagnostic algorithms, tables, and text boxes that summarize key concepts and assist in the decision-making process At-a-Glance feature beginning each disease-based chapter summarizes all the clinical information you need to differentiate between disorder sub-types in one easy-to-find place All-inclusive coverage encompasses the full spectrum of critical topics Emergency assessment and treatment chapter gives you fast, clear guidance on acute presentations of endocrine and metabolic disorders Chapter on newborn screening walks you through an abnormal screening result to follow-up diagnostic testing Complete and detailed information on all laboratory and radiographic testing used to diagnose disorders in both disciplines

Fluorine and Health presents a critical multidisciplinary overview on the contribution of fluorinated compounds to resolve the important global issue of medicinal monitoring and health care. The involved subjects are organized in three thematic parts devoted to Molecular Imaging, Biomedical Materials and Pharmaceuticals. Initially the key-position of partially fluorinated low molecular weight compounds labelled either with the natural 19F-isotope for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or labelled with the radioactive [18F]-isotope for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is highlighted. Both non-invasive methods belong to the most challenging in vivo imaging techniques in oncology, neurology and in cardiology for the diagnosis of diseases having the highest mortality in the industrialized countries. The manifold facets of fluorinated biomaterials range from inorganic ceramics to perfluorinated organic molecules. Liquid perfluorocarbons are suitable for oxygen transport and as potential respiratory gas carriers, while fluorinated polymers are connected to the pathology of blood vessels. Another important issue concerns the application of highly fluorinated liquids in ophthalmology. Moreover, fluorine is an essential trace element in bone mineral, dentine and tooth enamel and is applied for the prophylaxis and treatment of dental caries. The various origins of human exposure to fluoride species is detailed to promote a better understanding of the effect of fluoride species on living organisms.Medicinally relevant fluorinated molecules and their interactions with native proteins are the main focus of the third part. New molecules fluorinated in strategic position are crucial for the development of pharmaceuticals with desired action and optimal pharmacological profile. Among the hundreds of marketed active drug components there are more than 150 fluorinated compounds. The chapters will illustrate how the presence of fluorine atoms alters properties of bioactive compounds at various biochemical steps, and possibly facilitate its emergence as pharmaceuticals. Finally the synthetic potential of a fluorinase, the first C-F bond forming enzyme, is summarized. - New approach of topics involving chemistry, biology and medicinal techniques - Transdisciplinar papers on fluoride products - Importance of fluoride products in health - Updated data on specific topics