Glycoanalysis Protocols

Now fully updated and considerably expanded, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., makes available to all protein scientists, and particularly those working with today's pharmaceuticals, the most advanced and reproducible glycoanalysis techniques currently in use. Developed by highly experienced carbohydrate chemists, biochemists, and physical chemists, these detailed, up-to-date, and proven analytical techniques cover the areas of glycoprotein macromolecular structural analysis, oligosaccharide profiling, lipid conjugate characterization, microorganism structure determination, and proteoglycan function. Special attention has been given to advanced analytical techniques in biotechnology during the production of recombinant glycoproteins and other therapeutics. Hailed as "indispensable" in its first edition, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., continues with vital, time-tested techniques addressing the needs of both biomedical researchers and protein macromolecular structural chemists. It will well serve all those starting work on the analysis of glycoproteins, as well as more experienced investigators seeking to augment their expertise.

The mucins (mucus glycoproteins) have long been a complex corner of glycoprotein biology. While dramatic advances in the separation, structural an- ysis, biosynthesis, and degradation have marked the progress in general glycop- tein understanding, the mucins have lagged behind. The reasons for this lack of progress have always been clear and are only now being resolved. The mucins are very large molecules; they are difficult to separate from other molecules present in mucosal secretions or membranes; they are often degraded owing to natural protective functions or to isolation methodology and their peptide and oligos- charide structures are varied and complex. Understanding these molecules has demanded progress in several major areas. Isolation techniques that protect the intact mucins and allow dissociation from other adsorbed but discrete molecules needed to be developed and accepted by all researchers in the field. Improved methods for the study of very large molecules with regard to their aggregation and polymerization were also needed. Structural analysis of the peptide domains and the multitude of oligosaccharide chains was required for smaller sample sizes, for multiple samples, and in shorter time. In view of these problems it is perhaps not surprising that the mucins have remained a dilemma, of obvious biological importance and interest, but very difficult to analyze.

A unique collection of hands-on enzyme assay techniques to study polyamines and their function. The techniques range from assay methods for enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism to measurements of polyamines, polyamine transport, and polyamine effects on cell growth. The methods are presented by leading researchers who have perfected them to a high art, and include clear, step-by-step instructions with numerous hints and tips to ensure readily reproducible results.

This much anticipated second edition provides a user-friendly, up-to-date handbook of reliable immunochemical techniques optimized for molecular biologists. It covers the breadth of relevant established methods from protein blotting and immunoassays through to visualization of cellular antigens and in situ hybridization, each with their latest refinements. Protocols for the production and purification of important classes of immunochemical reagents are also provided, including "conventional" and recombinant antibodies, fusion proteins and their various conjugates. This book will open the door to a new generation of immunochemical reagents with exciting possibilities.

With the completion of sequencing projects and the advancement of a- lytical tools for protein identification, proteomics—the study of the expressed part of the genome—has become a major region of the burgeoning field of functional genomics. High-resolution 2-D gels can reveal virtually all p- teins present in a cell or tissue at any given time, including posttranslationally modified proteins. Changes in the expression and structure of most cellular proteins caused by differentiation or external stimuli can be displayed and eventually identified using 2-D protein gels. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols covers all aspects of the use of 2-D protein electrophoresis for the analysis of biological problems. The contri- tors include many of the leaders in the fields of biochemistry and analytical chemistry who were instrumental in the development of high-resolution 2-D gels, immobilized pH gradients, computer analysis, and mass spectromet- based protein identification methodologies. This book is intended as a benchtop manual and guide both for novices to 2-D gels and for those aficionados who wish to try the newer techniques. Any group using protein biochemistry—especially in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, and cell biology—should find this book eminently useful. 2-D Proteome Analysis Protocols takes the researcher through the c- plete process of working with 2-D protein gels from making the protein - tract to finally identifying the proteins of interest. It includes protocols for generating 2-D protein extracts from most of the standard model organisms, including bacteria, yeast, nematode, Drosophila, plants, mouse, and human.

In Cytochrome P450 Protocols, Ian Phillips and Elizabeth Shephard assemble a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge techniques for the investigation of cytochromes P450. Described in detail by hands-on experimentalists for easy reproducibility, these methods include spectral analysis, purification and enzymatic assays, expression in heterologous systems, and the production and use of antibodies, as well as methods for quantification of gene expression, transfection of hepatocytes, and for the investigation of DNA-protein interactions and genetic polymorphisms. In addition, because of the growing importance of in vitro systems in pharmacological toxicology, the book contains techniques for the culture of rodent and human hepatocytes and human epidermis. Cytochrome P450 induction as a biomarker for environmental pollution and the generation of mice with targeted gene disruptions complete this exhaustive collection of core techniques. Cytochrome P450 Protocols includes in one volume both state-of-the-art and classic methods that have not been superseded but remain extremely useful. The collection provides both novice and experienced researchers across many fields-toxicology, pharmacology, environmental biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology-all the tools needed to elucidate the crucial biological role played by cytochromes P450 in the metabolism of therapeutic drugs, chemical carcinogens, and environmental pollutants.

This collection of practical, cutting-edge techniques for the study of cell signaling provides detailed, step-by-step instructions, helpful notes, and troubleshooting tips that make even the most powerful of the newest techniques readily reproducible. The protocols presented include the use of peptide libraries to study transmembrane signaling; the use of single-cell assays to analyze signal transduction pathways; the reconstitution of signaling complexes; methods for analyzing protein-protein interactions, and more. Introductory reviews explain the basic theory and enable researchers new to the area to rapidly gain understanding, as well as command of the practical knowledge and expertise afforded by the protocols. Transmembrane Signaling Protocols makes available to all researchers the many state-of-the-art techniques that have recently led to landmark discoveries in transmembrane signaling.