Ataxia–telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare and severe genetic disorder affecting children. A-T is a multisystem disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency and cancer predisposition. This detailed volume explores the ever expanding field of research into the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated) gene and the role played by ATM kinase in DNA damage signaling and diverse cellular processes. What follows is a handy desktop reference for both seasoned A-T researchers and postgraduate students, as it demonstrates the breadth of recent developments in A-T studies. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Both classic and cutting-edge techniques are described, including ATM gene mutation detection, assays for radiosensitivity and radioresistant DNA synthesis, new methods to measure ATM kinase activity by imaging microscopy and high content screening as well as proteomics, phosphoproteomics and bioinformatics approaches to decipher ATM-dependent signalling pathways. Additional methods include generation of patient-specific stem cells and approaches to study ATM functions in the nervous system. Comprehensive and practical, ATM Kinase: Methods and Protocols aims to ignite and attract the interest of colleagues from diverse fields to A-T research in an effort to bring their expertise and fresh ideas to resolve many A-T puzzles still waiting to be pieced together and to alleviate the suffering of A-T children and their families.
