This volume is the 1st in a series of Ebooks that bridges the gap between advances in science and clinical practice in odontology. Recent advances in biology, materials science and tissue engineering are increasingly viewed as being of enormous clinical potential. Stem cell research has opened up the possibility of reconstructing teeth from the association of epithelial and mesanchymal embryonic or adult cells, as an exciting alternative to metal implants. This Ebook will examine the multifunctional nature of a group of proteins known as the amelogenins. Latest studies indicate that this protein regulates the initiation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals during the mineralization of enamel. In addition, amelogenins organize enamel rods during tooth development, and also aid in the development of cementum by directing cells that form the cementum to the root surface of the teeth. The aim of this book is to serve as a bridge between basic biology and biomaterial sciences, and to inform clinicians about the implications of recent advances within these fields for clinical practice.

Phosphorylated Extracellular Matrix Proteins of Bone and Dentin is the second volume of the e-book series Frontiers between Science and Clinic in Odontology. The phosphorylated proteins of the extracellular matrix of bone and teeth play a crucial structural role in the two tissues. They also act as signaling molecules. Phosphorylated extracellular matrix proteins have been implicated in nucleation and mineralization of skeletal tissues. This e-book covers research on these specific proteins, including details about the cells producing these molecules, their impact on bone and teeth pathology (osteogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta) and the potential of these molecules in promoting of inhibiting mineralization. This e-book also explains processes under the control of some enzymes - TNAP and metalloproteases (MMPs) - such as intracellular regulation in bone and dentine, splicing, respective roles of cleavage products, SIBLINGs, nucleation and crystal growth and regulation. This second volume serves as a valuable reference to practicing odontologists, biology and biomaterials scientists and tissue engineers interested in protein research related to tooth and bone formation.

Mucins are glycoproteins that are expressed in cells of different types and fulfill multiple functions that determine participation of these proteins in such processes as signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, cell proliferation, embryogenesis, cell differentiation, immunity, apoptosis and cancer development. This E-book series on mucins presents critical reviews on modern data concerning structures and functions of mucins, their roles in cell physiology and pathology as well as molecular aspects of therapy of mucin-associated diseases. Mucins are represented by two types of molecules: secreted mucins and membrane-bound (receptor) mucins. This e-book series represents a unique attempt to describe the molecular nature of mucin multifunctionality in separate volumes. Chapters in each volume demonstrate the central role of mucins as connectors and regulators of different signaling pathways and their participation metastatic processes. Clinical aspects of mucins, such as their role as diagnostic markers as well as possible applications in mucin-based immuno- and gene-therapies are also discussed. This is the first volume of the series. This volume introduces readers to the general properties of mucins, followed by chapters on specific variants of gel-forming and soluble mucins. The volume concludes with information on the functions of secreted mucins.

Frontiers in Protein and Peptide Sciences is a book series focused on leading-edge research on the structure, physical properties, and functions of proteins and peptides. Authors of contributions in this series have updated their work with new experimental data and references following their initial research. Each volume highlights a number of important topics in current research in the field of protein and peptide chemistry and molecular biology, including membrane proteins and their interactions with ligands, computational methods, and proteins in disease and biotechnology. The series is essential reading for protein chemists and researchers seeking the latest information about protein and peptide research.

Polarity is a physico-chemical property that characterizes the electromagnetic stability of a protein and can be used to predict its plausible pathogenic action. For this reason, polarity is regarded as a major factor in most mathematical-computational algorithms that seek to characterize peptides and proteins. The Polarity Index Method makes it possible to reproduce the main classification of peptide proteins found in different databases, with a high degree of discriminative efficiency. Polarity Index In Proteins is a brief monograph that explains the foundations of the polarity index method and presents examples of the application of this method for identifying the structural and functional relationships of different types of proteins (including cell penetrating peptides and natively unfolded proteins). The monograph is divided into sections that cover basic protein biochemistry, the computational mathematical foundations of the polarity index method, the application of the method on different protein structures, and the evaluation of the results of famous experiments on biogenesis (Miller & Urey, Fox & Harada, Rode) by the same method. Polarity Index In Proteins serves as an essential handbook for students and researchers in the field of bioinformatics, proteomics as well as for studies on the role of proteins in the origin of life.

The book provides an updated panorama of the functional relevance of molecular chaperones in the proper folding of client factors, protein-protein interactions, the regulation of key biological functions, the development of ligand-based structural complexes and the consequent pharmacological or biotechnological applications of these processes. The involvement of molecular chaperones in several processes ranging from regulation of transcription factors and protein-protein interactions in bacteria to proteostasis, signaling pathways and cancer are also addressed. The book is an essential consulting tool for researchers, working professionals in academia or industry, and students of all levels who wish to obtain the most relevant and updated information currently available about protein folding and chaperones.

This volume brings current knowledge of proteomics technologies and related developments with special reference to diseases caused by microbes. The editor has compiled chapters written by expert academicians which distill the information about useful methods in microbial proteomics for the benefit of readers. Chapters cover several methods used to investigate the microbial proteome and special topics such as antimicrobial drug resistance mechanisms, biomarker developments, post translational modifications. Key Features: -overview of several biochemical methods in proteomics -full-color, high quality images of the most frequent technologies and applications -concise, well organized, and didactic format -updates in basic applied information -bibliographic references -information on proteomics for tuberculosis treatment This reference work is intended for researchers seeking information on laboratory techniques applied in proteomics research and microbiology.

The advent of large-scale production and clinical trials of drugs developed through diverse production routes - involving viruses, microbes, plants, and animals - has increased the demand for an expanded capacity for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The production and purification of expressed proteins accounts for the bulk of the manufacturing costs for new therapeutics. Several pharmaceutical proteins have been synthesized by exploiting plant genetics allowing producers to override conventional approaches used to manufacture pharmaceuticals. The process of inserting a gene into a host organism for the purpose of harvesting a bioactive molecule for therapeutic use is known as molecular pharming. Frontiers in Molecular Pharming covers an array of topics relevant to understanding the structure, function, regulation, and mechanisms of action, biochemical significance, and usage of proteins and peptides as biomarkers, therapeutics, and vaccines for animals and humans. The contributions aim to highlight current progress in three areas, including system biology (in vivo characterization of proteins and peptides), molecular pharming for animals and molecular pharming for humans. The book gives special attention to computational biology tools, production platforms and fields (such as immunoinformatics) and applications of molecular pharming (such as veterinary therapeutics). A balance of theoretical concepts and practical applications is provided through 13 chapters. Frontiers in Molecular Pharming is an invaluable resource for students and researchers of biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology. The book also serves as a springboard for understanding the process of how discoveries in protein and peptide research and its applications are coming to fruition.

Bioluminescence, the cold living light or the cold fire of the sea is extremely common in all oceans at all depths. However, this phenomenon is nearly absent in freshwater, with the exception of a freshwater limpet. More than 75% of deep-sea creatures have been reported to produce their own light. The luminescent marine plankton such as dinoflagellate, radiolarians, jellyfish, comb jellies, annelids, copepods, ostracods, mysids, amphipods, euphausiids, and tunicates form an important component in the marine food chain. Research on luminescent marine plankton is gaining momentum owing to its importance in life science research and medicine. The glowing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) extracted from the North Pacific jellyfish, Aqueorea victoria (for which the Japanese biologist, Osamu Shimonmura won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008) has helped shed light on key processes such as the spread of cancer, the development of brain cells, the growth of bacteria, damage to cells by Alzheimer's disease, and the development of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Therefore, it is difficult to underscore the importance of bioluminescence and the organisms associated with this phenomenon. Bioluminescent Marine Plankton is a unique reference that attempts to provide answers to questions about bioluminescence. The first of its kind, this book attempts to answer questions on the subject with a focus on planktonic organisms. 12 chapters provide information about the chemistry of bioluminescence, types of bioluminescent displays, distribution of bioluminescence among marine plankton, ecological functions and utility of planktonic bioluminescence. Chapters are dedicated to the biology and ecology of specific groups of plankton that span about 200 luminescent marine species. The detailed book is an essential compendium on marine plankton for a broad range of readers who want to learn about bioluminescent plankton. A list of detailed references is also provided for the benefit of teachers, students, researchers and enthusiasts interested in marine biology, aquaculture, and environmental sciences.

Myconanotechnology is the interface between mycology and nanotechnology. In other words, myconanotechnology represents the green synthesis of nanoparticles using fungi. The field is recently gaining attention due to the simple, resource efficient, and ecofriendly nature of fungal biotechnology. Therefore, Myconanotechnology is at the core of cost-effective and sustainable solutions for many industrial processes. This volume provides readers at all academic levels with a broad background on some of the fastest developing areas in myconanotechnology. It is organised into two sections, A and B. Section A updates readers on several cutting-edge aspects of the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles through the use of fungi. Section B describes applications of myconanotechnology including: the management of bacterial and fungal diseases, pest control, among other applications in medicine and agriculture. The breadth of topics covered in the contents make this volume an informative resource on the field. Contributions are written by experts in industrial biotechnology, and include extensive references to published studies. This book is a timely reference for researchers, teachers and students, and all readers who are interested in new developments in industrial mycology and nanotechnology.