The ras Superfamily of GTPases presents the most comprehensive compilation of information available regarding aspects of the putative function of small ras-related GTPases. The book's chapters were written by the world's most prominent scientists in this field and cover such topics as the structure and properties of ras proteins, ras function, the ras superfamily in general, and the functional regulation of ras and ras-related GTPases. The book will benefit cell biologists, oncologists, ne...

Yeast is one of the oldest domesticated organisms and has both industrial and domestic applications. In addition, it is very widely used as a eukaryotic model organism in biological research and has offered valuable knowledge of genetics and basic cellular processes. In fact, studies in yeast have offered insight in mechanisms underlying ageing and diseases such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons and cancer. Yeast is also widely used in the lab as a tool for many technologies such as two-hybrid ana...

Every time a cell divides, a copy of its genomic DNA has to be faithfully copied to generate new genomic DNA for the daughter cells. The process of DNA replication needs to be precisely regulated to ensure that replication of the genome is complete and accurate, but that re-replication does not occur. Errors in DNA replication can lead to genome instability and cancer. The process of replication initiation is of paramount importance, because once the cell is committed to replicate DNA, it ...

Cancer, which has become the second-most prevalent health issue globally, is essentially a malfunction of cell signaling. Understanding how the intricate signaling networks of cells and tissues allow cancer to thrive - and how they can be turned into potent weapons against it - is the key to managing cancer in the clinic and improving the outcome of cancer therapies. In their ground-breaking textbook, the authors provide a compelling story of how cancer works on the molecular level, and ho...

The post-genomic era has brought new challenges and opportunities in all fields of the biology. In this context, several genome engineering technologies have emerged that will help deciphering genes function by as well as improve gene therapy strategies. Genomic modifications such as knock-in, knock-out, knock-down, sequence replacement or modification can today be routinely performed. However, in front of this large palette of methodologies scientists may experience difficulties to gather...

The study of epigenetics, or how heritable changes in gene expression are regulated without modifying the coding DNA sequence, has become an increasingly important field of study in recent years. Rapid developments in our understanding of the way in which gene function is modulated by the environment has revolutionized the way we think about human development and health. Nutrition in Epigenetics reviews the latest research looking at the interaction between genes and nutrients and...

The ultimate source of information on the design of new anticancer agents, emphasizing small molecules, this newest work covers recent notable successes resulting from the human genome and cancer genomics projects. These advances have provided information on targets involved in specific cancers that are leading to effective medicines for at least some of the common solid tumors. Unique sections explain the basic underlying principles of cancer drug development and provide a practical intro...

This book is about the p53 gene, one of the most frequently mutated or deleted genes in human cancers. The frequent occurrence of inactivated p53 implicates this gene product in the genesis of many human cancers. The p53 gene can suppress the growth of cancer cells and the transformation process by oncogenes. The p53 protein is a transcription factor that can repress or activate promoters containing one of three p53 DNA-binding motifs. The activity of p53 is regulated by phosphorylation an...

Epigenetics is a rapidly expanding field in medical and biological research which concerns heritable traits that are not attributable to changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms play key roles in many biological processes, and it has become clear that their disruption can gives rise to diverse pathologies in humans. Edited by preeminent experts, Sophie Rousseaux and Saadi Khochbin, this volume in the ‘Epigenetics and Human Health’ series discusses the role of epigenetics in human...

The ?eld of cellular responses to DNA damage has attained widespread recognition and interest in recent years commensurate with its fundamental role in the ma- tenance of genomic stability. These responses, which are essential to preventing cellular death or malignant transformation, are organized into a sophisticated s- tem designated the “DNA damage response”. This system operates in all living organisms to maintain genomic stability in the face of constant attacks on the DNA from a vari...

This is the first comprehensive review of mRNA stability and its implications for regulation of gene expression. Written by experts in the field, Control of Messenger RNA Stability serves both as a reference for specialists in regulation of mRNA stability and as a general introduction for a broader community of scientists. - Provides perspectives from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems - Offers a timely, comprehensive review of mRNA degradation, its regulation, and its significance in...

Volume I of this book provides a comprehensive discussion of the factors involved in regulation of the cell cycle, the general biological properties of growth factors, and the receptor and postreceptor mechanisms of action of these signaling agents. It evaluates the possible role of growth factors in the regulation of proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression, and the development of neoplastic processes is discussed in detail.