Considering the current interest in cellular regulation and intracellular signalling systems, it is surprising that the contribution of ADP-ribosylation reactions to the modulation of a variety of specific cell processes, in parallel with other post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, has not been generally recognized. While it is not feasible to cover all aspects of ADP-ribosylation, the thirty-one articles contained in this volume provide a valuable overview of recent progress in the field within the context of cell control mechanisms. For the convenience of the reader, the various topics have been grouped into several sections: (a) poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation; (b) mono-ADP-ribosylation; (c) toxin mono-ADP-ribosylation; (d) inhibitors and activators; (e) protein modification with ADP-ribose and its analogues; and (f) non-modification forms of ADP-ribose. The contents of the individual chapters reflect the ideas of the contributors, many of whom have spent their careers attempting to resolve the biological functions of ADP-ribosylation. We hope that this publication will serve as a useful reference for those investigators that are new to the area as well as those who are actively studying ADP-ribosylation.

Current interest in NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in biological systems focuses on its role in ADP-ribose transfer reactions. These appear to be fundamentally involved in the regulation of many physiological processes. The contributions in this monograph thus represent the range of research in the very active investigation of niacin metabolism. The major topics covered are: ??? - Enzymology of ADP-Ribosylation - ADP-Ribosylation and Chromatin Function - Carcinogenesis and Differentiation - NAD Metabolism and Chemotherapy - ADP-Ribosylation and Signal Transduction - Molecular Genetic Approaches to ADP-Ribosylation

Extensive and up-to-date review of key metabolic processes in bacteria and archaea and how metabolism is regulated under various conditions.

Biological processes are driven by complex systems of functionally interacting signaling molecules. Thus, understanding signaling molecules is essential to explain normal or pathological biological phenomena. A large body of clinical and experimental data has been accumulated over these years, albeit in fragmented state. Hence, systems biological approaches concomitant with the understanding of each molecule are ideal to delineate signaling networks/pathways involved in the biologically important processes. The control of these signaling pathways will enrich our healthier life. Currently, there are more than 30,000 genes in human genome. However, not all the proteins encoded by these genes work equally in order to maintain homeostasis. Understanding the important signaling molecules as completely as possible will significantly improve our research-based teaching and scientific capabilities. This encyclopedia presents 350 biologically important signaling molecules and the content is built on the core concepts of their functions along with early findings written by some of the world’s foremost experts. The molecules are described by recognized leaders in each molecule. The interactions of these single molecules in signal transduction networks will also be explored. This encyclopedia marks a new era in overview of current cellular signaling molecules for the specialist and the interested non-specialist alike During past years, there were multiple databases to gather this information briefly and very partially. Amidst the excitement of these findings, one of the great scientific tasks of the coming century is to bring all the useful information into a place. Such an approach is arduous but at the end will infuse the lacunas and considerably be a streamline in the understanding of vibrant signaling networks. Based on this easy-approach, we can build up more complicated biological systems.

The focus of this special issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry is underlying mechanisms that regulate cardiac growth. The new information provided in this special issue can be utilized to design new treatment modalities that will reduce the incidence of cardiac failure which will improve quality of life in patients with chronic heart disease.

These proceedings focus on the latest research in molecular mechanisms of metal-induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. The conference promoted a multidisciplinary investigative approach and included presentations from international experts on state-of-the-art information in this field.

A veritable mountain of literature has been published showing the causal relationship of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in human disease conditions, and there has been an explosion in the understanding of oxidative stress, the protective role of antioxidants and molecular events involved in the regulation of transcription, editing, and translation of key events leading to disease processes. Strategies need to be developed for prevention of diseases by allowing scientists and clinicians to obtain information on new and emerging advances. The molecular mechanisms involved in several diseases including Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, arthritis, and Parkinson's disease, as well as disorders of the eye, skin, cardiac, and pulmonary systems are discussed in this volume, along with scientific evidence supporting the value of dietary supplementation with antioxidants in the prevention of cellular damage leading to chronic disease. Special in vivo techniques are also discussed at length, along with the role of molecular studies in human risk assessment.

It is well established that cellular lipid binding proteins serve central roles in cellular lipid uptake and metabolism. Evidence has been presented that various metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and diabetes, are characterized by malfunctioning or deficiencies in cellular lipid binding proteins. For better understanding of the action of lipids as signaling compounds and the role of lipids in intermediary metabolism, it is essential to have detailed knowledge of the interactions between lipids and their cognant binding proteins. In view of this growing interest in lipid-protein interaction, the 4th International Conference on Lipid Binding Proteins was held in Maastricht, The Netherlands, in June 2001. The proceedings of the previous three meetings have been published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. The present focused issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry comprises selected papers based on the lectures and posters presented during the 4th conference, and provides insight into the significance of these proteins for the functioning of the cell.

Diabetes is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease affecting many different organ systems and exhibiting both primary and secondary defects. Because diabetes affects a wide range of cellular systems, a multidisciplinary effort has been mounted over the past several decades using a wide range of investigative techniques and methodologies in order to identify molecular mechanisms responsible for cellular dysfunction. Because primary defects at various levels of sub-cellular signaling, intracellular calcium handling, protein expression and energy regulation are often a primary consequence of diabetes. This volume is a compilation of new multidisciplinary research that will broaden our current understanding of diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as provide the basis for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

From somewhat enigmatic beginnings 40 years ago, guanylate cyclase research has emerged to occupy a position of prominence in the study of signal transduction. Guanylate cyclase has several intriguing features, including existence in two major forms, membrane and soluble, each independently regulated by distinct mechanisms. The membrane form gives rise to a fascinating signal transduction story important to both peptide hormones and sensory neurons. This volume covers the evolution of the field, peptide hormone receptor work, membrane guanylate cycles, related retinal diseases, and the biochemistry and physiology of the soluble form. The 16 chapters are written by leaders in the field.