Lipoprotein Protocols

The development of new methodologies has played a key role in the advancement of all areas of research. Specifically, the initial advances in our understanding of lipoprotein structure and metabolism were made possible by the development of ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic techniques. More recently, the advent of molecular biological techniques opened possibilities that were unthinkable just a few decades ago. The use of the analytical ult- centrifuge to study plasma lipoproteins began in the 1940s with the work of Mutzenbecher, McFarlene, Pedersen, Gofman, Lindgren, and Elliot. Another crucial step, during the 1950s, was the development of this tool as a prepa- tive technique by Havel, Eder, and Bragdon, among others. This technolo- cal progress allowed investigators to "dig" deeper into the structure of these complex macromolecules made of lipids and proteins, and permitted inves- gators to continue unraveling the physical and chemical characteristics of the proteins associated with lipoprotein particles (apolipoproteins) and the enzymes involved in their processing. This information led to both a better understanding of the biological functions of the lipoprotein fractions and their constituents, and creation of a more comprehensive overall scheme for plasma lipoprotein metabolism. Several gaps in this puzzle were filled through the work of Goldstein and Brown, who elucidated the structure and role of the low-density lipoprotein - ceptor. This was the first identified among a profusion of receptors that are key for the cellular catabolism of these particles.

Lipoproteins play an important role in maintaining the normal distribution of lipids in the body and in the transport of lipophilic compounds. They are also implicated, however, in some of the major diseases of the Western world including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. This has lead to a dramatic proliferation of lipoprotein research. This comprehensive volume analyzes the biological activity of lipoproteins. It provides detailed protocols for preparing and separating different lipoproteins, and includes methods for studying their metabolism, activity in different tissues, and interactions with receptors. Lipoprotein Analysis: A Practical Approach is an essential manual for all biomedical scientists studying these compounds including those interested in their role in diseases of the circulatory system

The lipid-rich and otherwise challenging nature of many key tissues complicates many aspects of current research, and applications of the unique nature of lipoproteins and their biological effects has engendered unique and vital methodologies. In Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Disease: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field present a compendium of advanced and classical molecular biology methods targeted towards lipoprotein, atherosclerosis, and vascular biology research, bringing together in a single volume an updated set of protocols and strategies for methods now driving the most recent advances, along with classical methods that are still widely used. Among the many topics covered in this cutting-edge work, the book delves into crucial techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR, microarrays, RT-PCR laser capture microdissection, and tissue-specific gene overexpression, knockout, and knockdown methodologies, including AAV as a liver-directed gene delivery vehicle. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and valuable notes which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and easy to use, Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Disease: Methods and Protocols serves both novices and experts alike as a complete guide for any researcher with an interest in lipoproteins and their significant biological effects.

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality. The earlier in life dyslipidemia is treated, the better the prognosis. The current book is an excellent one on dyslipidemia written by experts on this topic. This book includes 12 chapters including 5 on lipids, 4 on hypercholesterolemia in children, and 3 on the treatment of dyslipidemia. This book should be read by all health care professionals taking care of patients, including pediatricians since atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease begins in childhood.

In Protein Lipidation Protocols, Michael Gelb brings together a collection of readily reproducible techniques for studying protein lipidation, the covalent attachment of lipids to proteins. These cutting-edge methods-many never published before in a "hands-on" format-deal with glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-containing compounds, protein fatty acylation, and protein prenylation. Included are novel techniques for determining the chemical structure of GPI-anchors, for radiolabeling the prenyl groups of protein in eukaryotic cells, a tool for developing inhibitors of the protein farnesyltransferase, and for an exciting lysosomal enzyme that cleaves fatty acyl groups from proteins, the first fatty acylase discovered. Protein Lipidation Protocols offers biochemists, cell and molecular biologists, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical researchers state-of-the-art tools for understanding the complex biochemistry of protein lipidation, as well as catalyzing the development of many important new biopharmaceuticals, including anticancer drugs.