Helicases are the proteins that bind to double- or single-stranded DNA and/or RNA chains to unwind higher order structures, usually consuming energy from the hydrolysis of ATP molecules. The biological roles of helicases are associated with a variety of DNA and/or RNA metabolisms, including DNA-replication, -repair, -recombination, RNA processing, and transcription. Dysfunctions of helicases cause various diseases, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), premature aging syndrome, cancer and immunodeficiency, in humans. Moreover, recent genetic analyses revealed that mutations in helicase-encoding genes are frequently found in patients of specific diseases. Some helicases regulate cellular senescence by controlling integrity of genomes, and others play a role in neuromuscular functions presumably by modulating processing of mRNAs. However, the molecular mechanisms of how helicases are regulated in order to maintain our health are not yet fully understood. In this research topic, we will focus on the expression and functions of helicases and their encoding genes, reviewing recent research progresses that provide new insights into development of clinical and pharmaceutical treatments targeting helicases.

Genome Stability: From Virus to Human Application, Second Edition, a volume in the Translational Epigenetics series, explores how various species maintain genome stability and genome diversification in response to environmental factors. Here, across thirty-eight chapters, leading researchers provide a deep analysis of genome stability in DNA/RNA viruses, prokaryotes, single cell eukaryotes, lower multicellular eukaryotes, and mammals, examining how epigenetic factors contribute to genome stability and how these species pass memories of encounters to progeny. Topics also include major DNA repair mechanisms, the role of chromatin in genome stability, human diseases associated with genome instability, and genome stability in response to aging. This second edition has been fully revised to address evolving research trends, including CRISPRs/Cas9 genome editing; conventional versus transgenic genome instability; breeding and genetic diseases associated with abnormal DNA repair; RNA and extrachromosomal DNA; cloning, stem cells, and embryo development; programmed genome instability; and conserved and divergent features of repair. This volume is an essential resource for geneticists, epigeneticists, and molecular biologists who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of this rapidly expanding field, and can also be of great use to advanced students who are looking to gain additional expertise in genome stability. - A deep analysis of genome stability research from various kingdoms, including epigenetics and transgenerational effects - Provides comprehensive coverage of mechanisms utilized by different organisms to maintain genomic stability - Contains applications of genome instability research and outcomes for human disease - Features all-new chapters on evolving areas of genome stability research, including CRISPRs/Cas9 genome editing, RNA and extrachromosomal DNA, programmed genome instability, and conserved and divergent features of repair

The book consists of 31 chapters, divided into six parts. Each chapter is written by one or several experts in the corresponding area. The scope of the book varies from the DNA damage response and DNA repair mechanisms to evolutionary aspects of DNA repair, providing a snapshot of current understanding of the DNA repair processes. A collection of articles presented by active and laboratory-based investigators provides a clear understanding of the recent advances in the field of DNA repair.

This book provides a detailed evidence-based overview of the latest developments in how the structure of the human genome is relevant to the health professional. It features comprehensive reviews of genome science including human chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA structure, protein-coding and noncoding genes, and the diverse classes of repeat elements of the human genome. These concepts are then built upon to provide context as to how they functionally relate to differences in phenotypic traits that can be observed in human populations. Guidance is also provided on how this information can be applied by the medical practitioner in day-to-day clinical practice. Human Genome Structure, Function and Clinical Considerations collates the latest developments in genome science and current methods for genome analysis that are relevant for the clinician, researcher and scientist who utilises precision medicine techniques and is an essential resource for any such practitioner.

This thoroughly revised second edition is an up-to-date overview of the new advances in the knowledge of the basic science in sarcoma and osteosarcoma. It features detailed, in-depth discussions of microRNAs in osteosarcoma, historical perspectives of chemotherapy in the treatment of the disease, tumor targeted IL12 therapy and HER2 targeted therapy, the role of enhancer elements in regulating the prometastatic transcriptional program and more. Further, this essential volume also includes new insights on Wnt signaling in osteosarcoma, the role of genomics, genetically modified T-cell therapy, liquid biopsy, oncolytic viruses, immunophenotyping, receptor tyrosine kinases and epigenetic-focused approaches for treatment of osteosarcoma metastases, as well as thoughts on the current standard of treatment for patients suffering from these cancers. In the years since the previous edition, there have been numerous new developments in this rapidly changing field; this new edition is both timely and urgently needed. When taken together these companion volumes, Current Clinical (Book 1) and Scientific (Book 2) Advances in Osteosarcoma, are a timely and urgently needed guide for laboratory investigators and clinical oncologists.

This comprehensive account of the human herpesviruses provides an encyclopedic overview of their basic virology and clinical manifestations. This group of viruses includes human simplex type 1 and 2, Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, HHV6A, 6B and 7, and varicella-zoster virus. The viral diseases and cancers they cause are significant and often recurrent. Their prevalence in the developed world accounts for a major burden of disease, and as a result there is a great deal of research into the pathophysiology of infection and immunobiology. Another important area covered within this volume concerns antiviral therapy and the development of vaccines. All these aspects are covered in depth, both scientifically and in terms of clinical guidelines for patient care. The text is illustrated generously throughout and is fully referenced to the latest research and developments.

Nucleic Acid Sensing and Immunity - PART B, Volume 345 gives a comprehensive overview of the nucleic acid machinery, from plants to mammalians, along with their regulation. Chapters in this updated volume include Nucleic acids sensing in allergic disorders, Nucleic acids sensing in autoimmune disorders, Nucleic acid sensing in inflammatory disorders, Viral nucleic acid sensing inflammasomes in intestinal host defense, Genome damage sensing leads to tissue homeostasis in Drosophila, Nucleic acids sensing in plants, Nucleic Acid sensing in invertebrates, amongst other topics. - Provides an accurate, state-of-the-art resource on RNA sensing - Includes the work of a well-known tumor immunologist - Links intestinal host defense and viral nucleic acid sensing - Presents a chapter on the negative regulation of DNA sensing, a timely topic

This completely updated and expanded 2nd Edition provides all the information needed in order to understand the complex molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms that underlie normal and abnormal cardiac rhythms. Its goal is to help physiologists and clinicians alike develop better preventive and treatment strategies. The respective chapters cover a broad range of topics, including the role of specific ion channels and transporters, gap junctions, intracellular Ca2+ handling in pacemaker activity, impulse conduction, and the activity of atrial and ventricular myocardium. Special emphasis is placed on the unique electrophysiology of specialized pacemaking cells and conducting fibers. In turn, several types of inherited and acquired ventricular arrhythmias are presented in detail. Clinicians will especially appreciate the updated information on even common disorders like atrial fibrillation and their impacts on human physiology. In closing, the book goes “one step further” and considers future prospects, e.g. novel antiarrhythmic agents and new concepts like optogenetics, in the context of heart rate regulation. Accordingly, it offers readers a solid reference guide to everything they need to know about human heart rate and rhythm.