Kate Widdows – författare

Classical studies of steroid hormones are concerned with their regulation of protein synthesis via the modulation of genomic transcription. But many of the actions of these hormones occur too rapidly to be explained in this manner, particularly their effects on the central nervous system. This text deals with recent discoveries showing that steroids can modulate the activity of some neurotransmitters. It explores the role of GABA as an important regulator of neuronal activity in the central nervous system and its inhibitory action as mediated via the GABA receptor and potentiated by steroids. In addition, the binding of steroids to cell membranes, the components involved and the outcome of such interactions are described. Also discusses possible uses of steroids as anesthetics and anticonvulsants.

Myopia, the most common disorder of the eye, affects 80% of the population of some countries. Although its basis remains uncertain, recent development of animal models have permitted tests of hypothesis as to myopia''s origins. The symposium proceedings cover normal growth of the eye including the roles of peptide factors, metabolism and accomodation, investigation of the deficiencies that lead to myopia and other refractive disorders.

Composed of contributions from experts in the chemical and biological sciences, it explores host-guest molecular interactions leading to the formation of molecular assemblies containing two or more species. Exciting applications are emerging in this field and it is expected that improved understanding of the interactions in synthetic host molecule complexes will lead to a better understanding of the more complex biological systems. Topics include biomimetic chemistry, preorganization, self-assembly, template-directed synthesis, antibiotic binding to peptides and DNA, interactions between proteins and other molecules.

How the amino acid sequence of a protein determines its three-dimensional structure is a major problem in biology and chemistry. Leading experts in the fields of NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, protein engineering and molecular modeling offer provocative insights into current views on the protein folding problem and various aspects for future progress.

A panel of internationally renowned experts present papers on cell signalling--an area in which there has been recent important advances. Coverage includes the inositol 1, 4, 5-triphosphate receptor, signal-induced phospholipid degradation cascade and protein kinase C activation, cyclic AMP interactions in sustained cellular response, the acetylcholine receptor and much more.