Apoptosis, Cell Signaling, and Human Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms, Volume 2 / Edition 1

by Rakesh Srivastava

Overview

Apoptosis, Cell Signaling, and Human Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms, Volumes 1 & 2, present a concise synthesis of recent developments in the understanding of both cell survival and apoptotic pathways. Particular attention is given to apoptosis in human diseases, such as different forms of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. These comprehensive volumes integrate the most innovative and current findings from several related disciplines of scientific research, including pathology, genetics, virology, cell biology, immunology, and molecular biology.

Volume 1 is divided into two sections: "Malignant Transformation and Metastasis" and "Molecular Basis of Disease Therapy." Volume 2 follows a similar structure and is divided into sections entitled "Kinases and Phosphate" and "Molecular Basis of Cell Death." All of the contributors are at the forefront of scientific discovery, and the reviews they present systemically examine the most exciting and innovative aspects of their particular areas of expertise. Researchers will find these volumes of major benefit as they search for novel and more effective treatments for human diseases.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781617378232
Publisher:	Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
Publication date:	11/05/2010
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of hardcover 1st ed. 2007
Pages:	402
Product dimensions:	7.01(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.28(d)

Table of Contents

Kinases and Phosphatases.- Significance of Protein Kinase A in Cancer.- Protein Kinase C and Apoptosis.- The Role of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase-Akt Signaling in Virus Infection.- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5.- Critical Roles of the Raf/MEK/ERK Pathway in Apoptosis and Drug Resistance.- MAPK Signaling in Human Diseases.- Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatases in Apoptosis.- Urokinase/Urokinase Receptor-Mediated Signaling in Cancer.- Molecular Basis of Cell Death.- Signaling Pathways That Protect the Heart Against Apoptosis Induced by Ischemia and Reperfusion.- Cyclooxygenase-2 Gene Expression.- Death Receptors.- DNA Damage-Dependent Apoptosis.- The Role of Proteasome in Apoptosis.- Apoptosis Induction in T Lymphocytes by HIV.- Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins and Caspases.- Intracellular Pathways Involved in DNA Damage and Repair to Neuronal Apoptosis.- The Biology of Caspases.- Apoptosis and Human Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: Cell fate is controlled by complex signaling pathways that involve the plasma membrane, mitochondria and nucleus. Alterations in these key signaling pathways may lead to developmental birth defects and uncontrolled cell growth (neoplasia), as well as chronic degenerative diseases. These two volumes review insights into human diseases that have been gained by understanding the cell cycle and mechanisms of apoptosis. This volume reviews the critical role of protein kinases and phosphatases in cellular physiology. Its 18 chapters cover topics ranging from the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signaling in virus infection to signaling pathways that protect the heart against apoptosis. The primary focus is on biochemistry and molecular biology.
Purpose: According to the editor, the main focus is to discuss "recent developments in cell signaling" events, growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, mechanisms of drug resistance, and targeted therapy for human diseases. The editor and authors believe that "new biomarkers and target proteins have been identified ... that will be very useful for the development of novel and more effective drugs for the treatment of human diseases."
Audience: The book is written primarily for basic science and clinical researchers (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, scientists) interested in cell replication, DNA repair, cell cycle, programmed cell death, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Biomedical researchers working in radiation biology, pharmacology, and molecular pathology will also value this book because of its focus on the relationship between apoptosis, genomic stability, and neoplasia. A working knowledge of biology, pathology, and molecular biology is assumed.
Features: This volume is divided into two major sections covering kinases and phosphatases, and the molecular basis of cell death. Each chapter includes a summary, introduction, headers to focus attention, conclusion, and comprehensive list of references. The tables and figures are simple, yet informative. The chapters are authored by experts in the field.
Assessment: This book provides an up-to-date synthesis of information regarding mechanisms of cell cycle control and apoptosis. It is filled with useful information and key references for readers familiar with this field. The biomedical implications of this research are emphasized. One caveat is that the authors are often uncritical in their assessment of the literature and readers must sift and sort for underlying principles and unifying mechanisms. Many chapters cover the same or similar topics (e.g., protein kinases and cancer). The topics are also are scattered across many disciplines. The writing is technical and filled with innumerable abbreviations that may overwhelm non-experts. This volume provides a snapshot of current research as well as a vision of research opportunities and cancer therapies yet to come.

Doody's Review Service

"...an up-to-date synthesis of information regarding mechanisms of cell cycle control and apoptosis...filled with useful information and key references for readers familiar with this field." -Doody's Book Review, Weighted Numerical Score 77 - 3 stars

"...provides a snapshot of current research as well as a vision of research opportunities and cancer therapies yet to come." -Doody's Book Review, Weighted Numerical Score 77 - 3 stars

From the Publisher