The Extracellular Matrix Factsbook

The Second Edition of The Extracellular Matrix FactsBook has been completely revised, updated and expanded by over 50 percent. It contains over 85 entries on the diverse group of macromolecules that assemble toform the extracellular matrix. Entries provide information on molecular structure, isolation, primary structure, structural and functional sites, gene structure, database accession numbers, and key references. Key Features * Compiled by members of one of the foremost centers of matrix biochemistry in the world * Contains over 30 new entries, with all previous entries being revised and updated * Includes new entries on proteinases involved in the deposition of the extracellular matrix * Presents 3D ribbon diagrams in cases where the protein structure is now known

The Second Edition of The Extracellular Matrix FactsBook has been completely revised, updated and expanded by over 50 percent. It contains over 85 entries on the diverse group of macromolecules that assemble toform the extracellular matrix. Entries provide information on molecular structure, isolation, primary structure, structural and functional sites, gene structure, database accession numbers, and key references. Key Features * Compiled by members of one of the foremost centers of matrix biochemistry in the world * Contains over 30 new entries, with all previous entries being revised and updated * Includes new entries on proteinases involved in the deposition of the extracellular matrix * Presents 3D ribbon diagrams in cases where the protein structure is now known

Knowledge of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential to understand cellular differentiation, tissue development, and tissue remodeling. This volume of the series “Biology of Extracellular Matrix” provides a timely overview of the structure, regulation, and function of the major macromolecules that make up the extracellular matrix. It covers topics such as collagen types and assembly of collagen-containing suprastructures, basement membrane, fibronectin and other cell-adhesive glycoproteins, proteoglycans, microfibrils, elastin, fibulins and matricellular proteins, such as thrombospondin. It also explores the concept that ECM components together with their cell surface receptors can be viewed as intricate nano-devices that allow cells to physically organize their 3-D-environment. Further, the role of the ECM in human disease and pathogenesis is discussed as well as the use of model organisms in elucidating ECM function.

At a recent meeting to discuss the domains of cell biology, I put forth a case for the extracellular matrix, even though my argument ran the risk of falling on deaf ears. After all, the matrix is EXTRAcellular, outside the cells. In this book, however, the authors make a compelling case for the relevance of the matrix to cellular concerns. Not only are numerous cell types, including many epithelia, quite caught up in the business of manufacturing matrix components, but also most of them contain matrix molecules in exoskeletons that are attached to the plasmalemma and that organize or otherwise influence the affairs of the cyto plasm. The idea of this book is to present the extracellular matrix to cell biolo gists of all levels. The authors are active and busy investigators, recognized experts in their fields, but all were enthusiastic about the prospect of writing for this audience. The chapters are not "review" articles in the usual sense, nor are they rehashes of symposium talks; they were written specifically for this book and they present the "state of the art" in engaging style, with ample references to more technical or historical reviews. The book is rich in electron micro graphs and diagrams and for many of the latter, as well as for the design of the cover, we are indebted to Sylvia J. Keene, medical illustrator for the Department of Anatomy at Harvard Medical Scrool. We also owe special thanks to Susan G.

The Second Edition of Asthma and COPD: Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Management continues to provide a unique and authoritative comparison of asthma and COPD. Written and edited by the world's leading experts, it continues to be a comprehensive review of the most recent understanding of the basic mechanisms of both conditions, specifically comparing their etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. * Each chapter considers Asthma and COPD in side-by-side contrast and comparison – not in isolation - in the context of mechanism, triggers, assessments, therapies, and clinical management * Presents the latest and most comprehensive understandings of the mechanisms of inflammation in both Asthma and COPD * Most extensive reference to primary literature on both Asthma and COPD in one source. * Easy-to-read summaries of the latest advances alongside clear illustrations

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an ensemble of non-cellular components present within all tissues and organs of the human body. The ECM provides structural support for scaffolding cellular constituents and biochemical and biomechanical support for those events leading to tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis. Essential components of all ECMs are water, proteins and polysaccharides. However, their composition, architecture and bioactivity greatly vary from tissue to tissue in relation to the specific role the ECM is required to assume. This book overviews the role of the ECM in different tissues and organs of the human body.

The FactsBook series has established itself as the best source of easily accessible and accurate facts about protein groups. Books in the series use an easy-to-follow format and are meticulously researched and compiled by experts in the field. The Immunoglobulin FactsBook is the first published reference for all 203 human functional and ORF immunoglobulin genes. It is complete and standardized and employs nomenclature approved by the HUGO Nomenclature Committee.

The Complement FactsBook contains entries on all components of the Complement System, including C1q and Lectins, C3 Family, Serine Proteases, Serum Regulators of Complement Activation, Cell Surface Proteins, and Terminal Pathway Proteins. Domain Structure diagrams are incorporated to clearly illustrate the relationships between all the complement proteins, both within families and between families. The FactsBook also includes the cDNA sequences, marked with intron/exon boundaries, which will facilitate genetic studies. Includes the cDNA sequences, marked with intron/exon boundaries, facilitating genetic studies Presents detailed structural information including cDNA and gene structure for all proteins Introduces complement function, simply described for each function Data is as up-to-date as possible, including unpublished work from many contributors Incorporates domain structures diagrams, which beautifully illustrate the relationship between all the complement proteins, both within, and between, familiesEach chapter has been written by an expert in the field Data is as up-to-date as possible, including unpublished work from many contributors Entries provide information on: Alternative nomenclature, Physiochemical properties, Structure and function, Tissue distribution and regulation expression, Protein sequence/modules, Chromosomal location, Genomic structure, Database accession numbers, Deficiency and polymorphic variants, Key references