This book focusses on evolutionary, structural and functional aspects of pore-forming proteins, bringing together prominent researchers in the fields of structural biology and cellular and biophysical techniques. The focus is on the MACPF/CDC protein super family that was originally discovered because of unexpected structural similarity between a domain present in bacterial cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDC) and proteins of the membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) family. Members of the MACPF/CDC super family are crucial for many biological processes, being efficient agents of development, defence, attack and invasion of cells and tissues. However, their best-known role is in bacterial pathogenesis and the proper functioning of the vertebrate immune system, via formation of transmembrane pores in target cell membranes. The book contains chapters on the distribution of MACPF/CDC proteins and on aspects of their evolution and structural properties, the similarities between different super family members and functional properties of some of the best known examples. The book also contains an overview of biophysical approaches that may be used in the future to provide further insights into how these interesting proteins function.

Insecticidal Proteins and RNAi in the Control of Insects, Volume 65 in the Advances in Insect Physiology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on topics including Insecticidal RNAi delivered as biopesticide, Cry toxins, Vip3 insecticidal proteins: Structure and Mode of Action, New plant/other bacteria toxins, Engineered insecticidal proteins, Resistance to insecticidal proteins, and Photorhabdus toxins across Gram-negative bacteria. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Advances in Insect Physiology series - Updated release includes the latest information on the Insecticidal proteins and RNAi in the control of Insects

This edited book contains a compilation of 14 advanced academic chapters dealing with the structure and function of membrane protein complexes. This rapidly advancing important field of study closely parallels those on soluble protein complexes, and viral protein and nucleoprotein complexes. Diverse topics are included in this book, ranging from membrane–bound enzymes to ion channels, proton pumps and photosystems. Data from X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy and other biophysical and biochemical techniques are presented throughout the book. There is extensive use of colour figures of protein structures. Throughout the book structure and function are closely correlated. The two editors, Egbert Boekema and J. Robin Harris, have worked on aspects of membrane and soluble proteins throughout their scientific careers and also have much publishing experience. The Subcellular Biochemistry series has expanded considerably in recent years, including several related volumes. The theme of protein complexes will be continued within several future volumes, thereby creating encyclopaedic coverage. The chapter topics within this book are particularly relevant to those involved in the biological and biomedical sciences. It is aimed at the advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and established researchers within this broad field. It is hoped that the book will be of interest and use to those involved with the study of cellular membranes and their associated proteins.

When scientists describe their results or insights as 'beautiful', are they using the term differently from when they use it of a landscape, music or another person? Science and the Truthfulness of Beauty re-examines the way in which seeing beauty in the world plays the key role in scientific advances, and argues that the reliance on such a personal point of view is ultimately justified by belief that we are made in the 'image of God', as Christian and Jewish believers assert. It brings a fresh voice to the ongoing debate about faith and science, and suggests that scientists have as much explaining to do as believers when it comes to the ways they reach their conclusions.

This book is dedicated to the channels and pores that belong to an eclectic and ubiquitous class of unconventional - perhaps at times strange - pore-forming molecules, which nevertheless play fundamental roles in various organisms. These non-canonical channels may take on various and sometimes complex architectures, such as large beta-barrels or lipid-containing pores. They may originate from bacteria, viruses or intracellular organelles. For some of them, the physiologically relevant substrate may indeed be ions, and for others folded polypeptides. Some are released by cells in a soluble form that has the ability to insert into biological membranes to exert its permeabilizing effect. Many of these unconventional pores have been investigated by electrophysiology, which, by its virtue of focusing on a few or even a single unit, has provided invaluable insight into the mechanisms and structure-function relationships of these remarkable membrane entities. The chapters of this book highlight a representative set of these interesting investigations.

Pore Forming Toxins, Volume 649 in the Methods in Enzymology series continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by field leaders. Chapters in this new release include X-ray crystallography shines a light on pore-forming toxins, Giant unilamellar vesicles for studying activity of pore forming proteins, Combined applications of fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations in studies of Diphtheria Toxin translocation domain, Biophysical approaches to study actinoporin-lipid interactions, Molecular basis for activation of Actinoporins by lipids, Engineered ClyA for detection of biological molecules, Pore-forming Toxins for the Size-Discrimination of Polymers and Biopolymers: Towards Biomolecules Sequencing, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series

Macrophages were first discovered in 1882 when Elia Metchnikoff recognized them as important phagocytic cells that can engulf any foreign material, including fungal spores. This discovery has proved to be a milestone in establishing the field of innate immunity. Macrophages are still ruling the area after 140 years of their discovery. This book explores the diverse role of macrophages in vertebrate immunity, parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, regeneration, inflammation, and neurological diseases.

This book bridges the gap between a clinician’s and material scientists’ knowledge by elucidating upon the different biomaterials used in anatomical systems and how those materials react to the human body. It explores both established and future prospective of biomaterial types/designs, and considerations in material selection and synthesis, to guide students from non-clinical background in understanding the relations of material science and the human body.