Main Question: G protein coupled receptors are involved in highly efficient and specific activation of signalling pathways. How do GPCR signalling complexes get assembled to generate such specificity? In order to answer this question, we need to understand how receptors and their signalling partners are synthesized, folded and quality-controlled in order to generate functional proteins. Then, we need to understand how each partner of the signalling complex is selected to join a complex, and what makes this assembly possible. GPCRs are known to be able to function as oligomers, what drives the assembly into oligomers and what will be the effects of such organization on specificity and efficacy of signal transduction. Once the receptor complexes are assembled, they need to reach different locations in the cell; what drives and controls the trafficking of GPCR signalling complexes. Finally, defects in synthesis, maturation or trafficking can alter functionality of GPCRs signalling complexes; how can we manipulate the system to make it function normally again? Pharmacological chaperones may just be part of the answer to this question.

This book reviews recent advances regarding the biochemical and biophysical properties of membrane proteins and their applications in biomedicine. Divided into two thematic parts, this second volume addresses proteins’ formation, signaling and malfunctions. It covers a number of important membrane proteins including receptors, cell adhesion molecules, single-transmembrane proteins and viral membrane proteins, and discusses their structures, functions, related diseases, and roles in drug discovery in detail. In turn, the book elucidates the lifecycle of membrane proteins, including their synthesis and facilitated folding process, as well as QC procedures for their production. Additional topics include fundamental concepts, the latest findings, and critical puzzles yet to be solved. Given its scope, the book will appeal to a broad readership in the field of membrane structural and functional biology. Junior scientists can use it as an introduction to the field, while advanced scientists will find a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.

Cannabinoids and Their Receptors, Volume 593, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This updated volume includes comprehensive chapters on a variety of topics, including Real time cAMP signaling in response to CB1 activation, CB1 signaling in mitochondria, Lipidomics of cannabinoid systems, Studying endocannabinoid transport, Metabolic profiling of CB1 neutral antagonists, Approaches to assess biased signaling at the CB1 receptor, and the Development of CB1 allosteric modulators. - Continues the legacy of this premier serial with a new and updated release - Covers research cannabinoids and their receptors

Lipid peroxidation is an important cellular process which can lead to detrimental effects if it is not regulated efficiently. Lipid hydroperoxide is formed in an initial step of lipid peroxidation. Lipid hydroperoxide is also known as a potential source of singlet oxygen. Harmful aldehydes are formed when the lipid hydroperoxide is degraded. The formed aldehyde has high reactivity against thiol or amine moieties. Therefore, it could act as a signaling molecule, which might induce the changing of gears inside a cell. Recent studies have shown that lipid hydroperoxide or a slightly modified product of the lipid hydroperoxide reacts with biomolecules such as proteins and aminophospholipids, which leads to formation of amide-type adducts. Amide-type adducts could be one of markers for oxidative stress and could also be an important player in some diseases. In this book, the chemistry and biochemistry of lipid hydroperoxide along with their conjugates with biomolecules are described.

The book deals with various clinical aspects of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) which is a potent source for oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is critical for pathogenesis of diseases and CYP2E1 is a major contributor for oxidative stress. Several clinical disorders are associated with changes in regulation of CYP2E1 and the consequent abnormalities which include alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic pancreatitis, carcinogenesis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, hepatitis C virus infection, reproductive organ toxicity, hepatocellular and cholestatic liver cirrhosis, inhibition of bone repair, cross-tolerance in smokers and people treated with nicotine, disorders of central nervous system, changes in metabolism of protoxicants in the circulatory system and susceptibility to human papillomavirus infection. Hence, CYP2E1 emerges as a new and potent player in aggravating injury and furthering disease complications.

GPCRS: Structure, Function, and Drug Discovery provides a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries and our current understanding of GPCR structure, signaling, physiology, pharmacology and methods of study. In addition to the fundamental aspects of GPCR function and dynamics, international experts discuss crystal structures, GPCR complexes with partner proteins, GPCR allosteric modulation, biased signaling through protein partners, deorphanization of GPCRs, and novel GPCR-targeting ligands that could lead to the development of new therapeutics against human diseases. GPCR association with, and possible therapeutic pathways for, retinal degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and diabetic nephropathy, among other illnesses, are examined in-depth. - Addresses our current understanding and novel advances in the GPCR field, directing readers towards recent finding of key significance for translational medicine - Combines a thorough discussion of structure and function of GPCRs with disease association and drug discovery - Features chapter contributions from international experts in GPCR structure, signaling, physiology and pharmacology

This book covers the past, present and future of the intra-cellular trafficking field, which has made a quantum leap in the last few decades. It details how the field has developed and evolved as well as examines future directions.

Encyclopedia of Endocrine Diseases, Second Edition, Five Volume Set comprehensively reviews the extensive spectrum of diseases and disorders that can occur within the endocrine system. It serves as a useful and comprehensive source of information spanning the many and varied aspects of the endocrine end metabolic system. Students will find a concise description of the physiology and pathophysiology of endocrine and metabolic functions, as well as their diseases. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers, from advanced undergraduate students, to research professionals. Chapters explore the latest advances and hot topics that have emerged in recent years, such as the molecular basis of endocrine and metabolic diseases (mutations, epigenetics, signaling), the pathogenesis and therapy of common endocrine diseases (e.g. diabetes and endocrine malignancies), new technologies in endocrine research, new methods of treatment, and endocrine toxicology/disruptors. Covers all aspects of endocrinology and metabolism Incorporates perspectives from experts working within the domains of biomedicine (e.g. physiology, pharmacology and toxicology, immunology, genetics) and clinical sciences to provide readers with reputable, multi-disciplinary content from domain experts Provides a ‘one-stop’ resource for access to information as written by world-leading scholars in the field, with easy cross-referencing of related articles to promote understanding and further research

Many advances have been made in the last decade in the understanding of the computational principles underlying olfactory system functioning. Neuromorphic Olfaction is a collaboration among European researchers who, through NEUROCHEM (Fp7-Grant Agreement Number 216916)-a challenging and innovative European-funded project-introduce novel computing p