Eukaryotic cells are remarkably complex structures, containing a vast repertoire of macromolecules, organelles, and other compartments that orchestrate the tasks required for life. For in-depth studies of their function and composition, reliable methods for the isolation of specific subcellular structures are often required. This laboratory manual provides step-by-step protocols for the extraction of subcellular components from animal tissues, yeasts, plants, and cultured cells. Each chapter focuses on a particular eukaryotic organelle, vesicle, membrane, or macromolecular complex. Strategies for breaking cells while maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the component of interest, enriching for that component based on its physical and biochemical characteristics, and monitoring and ensuring the success of the purification procedure are provided. The contributors describe both traditional approaches (e.g., density gradient centrifugation) and innovative techniques (e.g., the use of SPIONs) for isolating subcellular constituents. This manual is therefore an essential laboratory resource for all cell biologists seeking a comprehensive collection of dependable subcellular fractionation methods.

In the fast changing world of cell biology it is often required that particular membranes or subcellular organisms be isolated from the structure for investigative purposes. This book shows how to do this in a practical, hands-on way.

Many investigations into the structure and function of cells and tissues require the isolation of a particular membrane or subcellular component (organelle). This book covers all the necessary aspects, from breaking up the cells (homogenization), via a variety of separation techniques (the isolation and fractionation chapters), to characterization of the separated organelles.

This volume summarizes the new developments that made subcellular proteomics a rapidly expanding area. It examines the different levels of subcellular organization and their specific methodologies. In addition, the book includes coverage of systems biology that deals with the integration of the data derived from these different levels to produce a synthetic description of the cell as a system.

Adipose tissue is recognized to be exquisitely sensitive to hormone action, and is also now recognized as a secretory and endocrine organ required for reproduction and good health. Adipocytes are “smart” cells able within the tissue to communicate with surrounding cells, but also with various organs, particularly via leptin acting on the central nervous system. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) are known to be distinct tissues, whereas the heterogeneity of WAT depots is well est- lished. Unfortunately, excess WAT leads to obesity, which is the most common health problem in industrialized countries. Therefore, from both a scientific and a technical point of view, the time has come to create a survey of adipose tissues and their neglected adipocytes. In Adipose Tissue Protocols, I have attempted to gather together chapters from all areas of adipose tissue research—from in vivo to in vitro studies—and to provide methods covering a wide variety of techniques, including the choice of adipose tissue depot and of morphological techniques for the study of BAT and WAT; the isolation, subcellular fractionation, and transfection of adipocytes where the low density of these cells must be taken into account; assays of nutrient and ion fluxes and the metabolic aspects of nutrient uptake; assays of lipid-related enzymes; biopsies and quantification of lipid-related mRNAs; cultures of adipose precursor cells from WAT and BAT of various species, including human tissue; measurements of adipose secretory products; and assessment of WAT metabolism in vivo.

This volume details protocols that cover the broad arsenal of techniques used to study a secretion system from A to Z. Chapters focus on identifying and localizing the different subunits, defining interactions within subunits, monitoring conformational changes, purifying and imaging of large complexes, defining the assembly pathway by fluorescence microscopy and the role of energy during assembly and/or secretion, identifying secreted effectors as well as reporters to follow effector transport. 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, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems: Methods and Protocol aims to provide techniques that are not restricted to the study of secretion systems but are also of specific interest for any researcher interested on multi-protein complexes of the bacterial cell envelope.

Subcellular Fractions—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ book that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Cell-Free System. The editors have built Subcellular Fractions—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Cell-Free System in this book to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Subcellular Fractions—Advances in Research and Application: 2013 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

As a modern composite scientific discipline, Cell Biology has expanded and moved forward rapidly in recent years. Cell Biologists now require a wide range of techniques, including those of analytical biochemistry and microscopy in all its diverse forms. These are often used alongside the techniques of molecular biology and molecular genetics. This book contains numerous useful protocols, covering light and electron microscopy, cell culture, cell separation, subcellular fractionation, organelle and membrane isolation, and the use of in vitro reassembly systems in Cell Biology. Many of these protocols feature helpful notes and safety information for practical application. The format favours easy use at the bench with space for notes and important safety information. An appendix contains essential analytical information that will prove invaluable to those working on all aspects of cell biology. This book will be of interest to students and more experienced cell biologists, as well as molecular biologists and those working in genomics and proteomics who are looking for cellular techniques to validate their findings within intact cells.

This book provides a concise set of protocols for assessing basic neutrophil functions, investigating specialized areas in neutrophil research, and completing step-by-step diagnostic assays of common neutrophil disorders. Each of the protocols is written by leading researchers in the field and includes hints for success, as well as guidance for troubleshooting. Scientists and clinicians will find this collection an invaluable aid.