Oligomerization in Health and Disease: From Enzymes to G Protein-Coupled Receptors, Volume 169 in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, provides in-depth reviews on topics of exceptional scienti?c importance. Topics of note in this new release include Computational prediction and re-design of aberrant oligomerization, Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors: an historical overview, Prediction and targeting of GPCR oligomer interfaces, GPCR Oligomerization dynamics: Functional consequences, GPCR heteromerization in neuropsychiatric disorders, Structural basis of regulation and oligomerization of human cystathionine ß-synthase, and Oligomerization of Porphobilinogen Synthase.

Oligomerization in Health and Disease: From Enzymes to G Protein-Coupled Receptors, Volume 169 in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, provides in-depth reviews on topics of exceptional scienti?c importance. Topics of note in this new release include Computational prediction and re-design of aberrant oligomerization, Oligomerization of G protein-coupled receptors: an historical overview, Prediction and targeting of GPCR oligomer interfaces, GPCR Oligomerization dynamics: Functional consequences, GPCR heteromerization in neuropsychiatric disorders, Structural basis of regulation and oligomerization of human cystathionine ß-synthase, and Oligomerization of Porphobilinogen Synthase. - Includes comprehensive coverage of molecular biology - Presents ample use of tables, diagrams, schemata and color figures to enhance the reader's ability to rapidly grasp the information provided - Contains contributions from renowned experts in the field of molecular biology

This volume provides comprehensive coverage of the current knowledge of the physiology of the endocrine system and hormone synthesis and release, transport, and action at the molecular and cellular levels. It presents essential as well as in-depth information of value to both medical students and specialists in Endocrinology, Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine. Although it is well established that the endocrine system regulates essential functions involved in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis, it is increasingly being recognized that this complex regulatory system comprises not only hormones secreted by the classic endocrine glands but also hormones and regulatory factors produced by many organs, and involves extensive crosstalk with the neural and immune system. At the same time, our knowledge of the molecular basis of hormone action has greatly improved. Understanding this complexity of endocrine physiology is crucial to prevent endocrine disorders, to improve the sensitivity of our diagnostic tools, and to provide the rationale for pharmacological, immunological, or genetic interventions. It is such understanding that this book is designed to foster.

This book highlights the important role free fatty acids (FFA) play as potential drug targets. While FFA have long been considered byproducts of cell metabolism, they are now recognized as ligands that regulate cell and tissue function via G-protein-coupled receptors. At least three receptors have been identified for which FFA appear to be the endogenous ligands.

This new volume of Methods in Enzymology continues the legacy of this premier serial by containing quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume covers G protein coupled receptors and includes chapters on such topics as G protein-coupled receptor trafficking motifs, structure-based virtual screening, and automation-friendly high throughput assays for identification of pharmacoperone drugs. - Continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field - Covers G protein coupled receptors - Contains chapters on such topics as G protein-coupled receptor trafficking motifs, structure-based virtual screening, and automation-friendly high-throughput assays for identifying pharmacoperone drugs

G Protein Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease, Volume 161 in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, provides informative and exciting monographs on a wide variety of research topics related to G Protein Signaling Pathways in Health and Disease. The series gives in-depth knowledge on the important molecular biological aspects of organismal physiology and function, along with insights on how this knowledge can be applied to understand and ameliorate human disease. This updated release covers Diseases associated with mutations in CNGA3, Mutations in arrestins, Diseases caused by mutations in GPR101, Diseases caused by mutations in lutropin receptor, and much more.

Neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) composed of intracellular aggregates of tau protein are a key neuropathological feature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, collectively termed tauopathies. The abundance of NFTs has been reported to correlate positively with the severity of cognitive impairment in AD. However, accumulating evidences derived from studies of experimental models have identified that NFTs themselves may not be neurotoxic. Now, many of tau researchers are seeking a “toxic” form of tau protein. Moreover, it was suggested that a “toxic” tau was capable to seed aggregation of native tau protein and to propagate in a prion-like manner. However, the exact neurotoxic tau species remain unclear. Because mature tangles seem to be non-toxic component, “tau oligomers” as the candidate of “toxic” tau have been investigated for more than one decade. In this topic, we will discuss our consensus of “tau oligomers” because the term of “tau oligomers” [e.g. dimer (disulfide bond-dependent or independent), multimer (more than dimer), granular (definition by EM or AFM) and maybe small filamentous aggregates] has been used by each researchers definition. From a biochemical point of view, tau protein has several unique characteristics such as natively unfolded conformation, thermo-stability, acid-stability, and capability of post-translational modifications. Although tau protein research has been continued for a long time, we are still missing the mechanisms of NFT formation. It is unclear how the conversion is occurred from natively unfolded protein to abnormally mis-folded protein. It remains unknown how tau protein can be formed filaments [e.g. paired helical filament (PHF), straight filament and twisted filament] in cells albeit in vitro studies confirmed tau self-assembly by several inducing factors. Researchers are still debating whether tau oligomerization is primary event rather than tau phosphorylation in the tau pathogenesis. Inhibition of either tau phosphorylation or aggregation has been investigated for the prevention of tauopathies, however, it will make an irrelevant result if we don’t know an exact target of neurotoxicity. It is a time to have a consensus of definition, terminology and methodology for the identification of “tau oligomers”.

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.

Latest research on Adhesion GPCRs has unearthed surprising revelations about the events that govern the signal transduction of these receptor molecules and the cellular and organ requirements for these signals. Unexpected and unprecedented findings suggest that Adhesion GPCRs constitute a group of receptors that sense mechanical stimuli and transcode them into metabotropic signals through the action of a novel activation paradigm. Interdisciplinary efforts transcending many areas of biomedical research including pharmacology, physiology, genetics, cell biology, structural biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics were necessary to unveil these fundamental properties. The scientific leaders in the field that carried this research effort have teamed up here to provide a comprehensive overview of our current understanding, how Adhesion GPCRs signal and how these receptors shape organ structure and function.