Michael J. Waring - Böcker

It has been recognized for almost 200 years that certain families seem to inherit cancer. It is only in the past decade, however, that molecular genetics and epidemiology have combined to define the role of inheritance in cancer more clearly, and to identify some of the genes involved. The causative genes can be tracked through cancer-prone families via genetic linkage and positional cloning. Several of the genes discovered have subsequently been proved to play critical roles in normal growth and development. There are also implications for the families themselves in terms of genetic testing with its attendant dilemmas, if it is not clear that useful action will result. The chapters in this work illustrate what has already been achieved and take a critical look at the future directions of this research and its potential clinical applications.

The binding of antibiotics and drugs to DNA is a fast developing area of research with important applications in medicine, particularly the treatment of cancer. Sequence-specific DNA Binding Agents uniquely discusses key aspects of this topic, providing a novel perspective on the subject. Written by experts in the field, this book discusses diverse modes of binding of antibiotics and drugs to DNA, emphasising matters that are important or promising for cancer treatment. Chapters discuss established agents like actinomycin D but also look at novel drugs with strong potential in chemotherapy such as new topoisomerase inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, peptide nucleic acids and triple helix-forming oligonucleotides. There are also sections discussing methodological advances including computational methods, slow kinetics, melting curve analysis and approaches to medicinal chemistry. Finally there is a section on RNA structure and its potential as a drug target. The book is ideal for researchers in industry and academia who require a comprehensive source of reference to this rapidly expanding subject.

There have been remarkable advances towards discovering agents that exhibit selectivity and sequence-specificity for DNA, as well as understanding the interactions that underlie its propensity to bind molecules. This progress has important applications in many areas of biotechnology and medicine, notably in cancer treatment as well as in future gene targeting therapies.The editor and contributing authors are leaders in their fields and provide useful perspectives from diverse and interdisciplinary backgrounds on the current status of this broad area. The role played by chemistry is a unifying theme. Early chapters cover methodologies to evaluate DNA-interactive agents and then the book provides examples of DNA-interactive molecules and technologies in development as therapeutic agents. DNA-binding metal complexes, peptide and polyamide–DNA interactions, and gene targeting tools are some of the most compelling topics treated in depth.This book will be a valuable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in chemical biology, biochemistry, structural biology and medicinal fields. It will also be of interest to supramolecular chemists and biophysicists.

This book reviews recent breakthroughs in anti-cancer drug discovery.  Building on the previous volume in the series, it outlines some of the most significant developments that have occurred in the field in the subsequent period that have led to new drug approvals or promising clinical candidates.  The volume is divided into chapters that each relate to a specific protein or protein class.  Each chapter provides an overview of the underlying biology and then emphasises the medicinal chemistry strategies and tactics that led to the most significant drugs and drug candidates.  A summary of clinical data and the future outlook for the field is also provided.  Each chapter is authored by experts in the topic and who have themselves made significant contributions to their respective fields.