RSC Biomolecular Sciences – serie

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides for therapeutic applications, touching on a number of additional oligonucleotides including a number of small interfering RNAs currently in various phases of clinical development. Written by leading expert scientists from both academia and leading biotechnical companies, the authors provide a compelling update on current status of RNA interference with emphasis on fascinating topics including oligonucleotides: antisense oligonucleotides, ribozymes, siRNAs, decoy oligonucleotides and aptamers. This exceptional work will be a valid resource for researchers and students as well as academia, consultants and scientists.

In recent years, there has been an explosion in knowledge and research associated with the field of enzyme catalysis and H-tunneling. Rich in its breath and depth, this introduction to modern theories and methods of study is suitable for experienced researchers and those new to the subject. Edited by two leading experts, and bringing together the foremost practitioners in the field, this up-to-date account of a rapidly developing field sits at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics. It covers computational, kinetic and structural analysis of tunnelling and the synergy in combining these methods (with a major focus on H-tunneling reactions in enzyme systems). The book starts with a brief overview of proton and electron transfer history by Nobel Laureate, Rudolph A. Marcus. The reader is then guided through chapters covering almost every aspect of reactions in enzyme catalysis ranging from descriptions of the relevant quantum theory and quantum/classical theoretical methodology to the description of experimental results. The theoretical interpretation of these large systems includes both quantum mechanical and statistical mechanical computations, as well as simple more approximate models. Most of the chapters focus on enzymatic catalysis of hydride, proton and H" transfer, an example of the latter being proton coupled electron transfer. There is also a chapter on electron transfer in proteins. This is timely since the theoretical framework developed fifty years ago for treating electron transfers has now been adapted to H-transfers and electron transfers in proteins. Accessible in style, this book is suitable for a wide audience but will be particularly useful to advanced level undergraduates, postgraduates and early postdoctoral workers.

The cell can be viewed as a 'collection of protein machines' and understanding these molecular machines requires sophisticated cooperation between cell biologists, geneticists, enzymologists, crystallographers, chemists and physicists. To observe these machines in action, researchers have developed entirely new methodologies for the detection and the nanomanipulation of single molecules. This book, written by expert scientists in the field, analyses how these diverse fields of research interact on a specific example - RNA polymerase. The book concentrates on RNA polymerases because they play a central role among all the other machines operating in the cell and are the target of a wide range of regulatory mechanisms. They have also been the subject of spectacular advances in their structural understanding in recent years, as testified by the attribution of the Nobel prize in chemistry in 2006 to Roger Kornberg. The book focuses on two aspects of the transcription cycle that have been more intensively studied thanks to this increased scientific cooperation - the recognition of the promoter by the enzyme, and the achievement of consecutive translocation steps during elongation of the RNA product. Each of these two topics is introduced by an overview, and is then presented by worldwide experts in the field, taking the viewpoint of their speciality. The overview chapters focus on the mechanism-structure interface and the structure-machine interface while the individual chapters within each section concentrate more specifically on particular processes-kinetic analysis, single-molecule spectroscopy, and termination of transcription, amongst others. Specific attention has been paid to the newcomers in the field, with careful descriptions of new emerging techniques and the constitution of an atlas of three-dimensional pictures of the enzymes involved. For more than thirty years, the study of RNA polymerases has benefited from intense cooperation between the scientific partners involved in the various fields listed above. It is hoped that a collection of essays from outstanding scientists on this subject will catalyse the convergence of scientific efforts in this field, as well as contribute to better teaching at advanced levels in Universities.

The formation of disulfide bonds is probably the most influential modification of peptides and proteins. An elaborate set of cellular machinery exists to catalyze and guide this process. In recent years, significant developments have been made in both our understanding of the in vivo situation and the in vitro manipulation of disulfide bonds. This is the first monograph to provide a comprehensive overview of this exciting and rapidly developing area. It offers in-depth insights into the mechanisms of in vivo and in vitro oxidative folding of proteins as well as mono- and multiple-stranded peptides. Procedures applied for laboratory and industrial purposes are also discussed by top experts in the field. The book describes the enzymes involved in the correct oxidative folding of cysteine-containing proteins in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It then goes on to discuss the mimicking of these enzymes for successful in vitro folding of proteins (including synthetic replicates) and to deal with important issues concerning cysteine-rich peptides. The ability of natural bioactive peptides to fold correctly, and in high yields, to form defined structural motifs using cysteine sequence patterns is still puzzling. With this in mind, synthetic procedures for establishing native cysteine frameworks are discussed using selected examples, such as the potential of selenocysteines. The biotechnological and pharmaceutical relevance of proteins, peptides, their variants and synthetic replicates is continuously increasing. Consequently, this book is invaluable for peptide and protein chemists involved in related research and production.

Over the last ten years, much effort has been devoted to improving the biophysical techniques used in the study of viruses. This has resulted in the visualization of these large macromolecular assemblages at atomic level, thus providing the platform for functional interpretation and therapeutic design. Structural Virology covers a wide range of topics and is split into three sections. The first discusses the vast biophysical methodologies used in structural virology, including sample production and purification, confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, negative-stain and cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The second discusses the role of virus capsid protein structures in determining the functional roles required for receptor recognition, cellular entry, capsid assembly, genome packaging and mechanisms of host immune system evasion. The last section discusses therapeutic strategies based on virus protein structures, including the design of antiviral drugs and the development of viral capsids as vehicles for foreign gene delivery. Each topic covered will begin with a review of the current literature followed by a more detailed discussion of experimental procedures, a step in the viral life cycle, or strategies for therapeutic development. With contributions from experts in the field of structural biology and virology this exceptional monograph will appeal to biomedical scientists involved in basic and /or applied research on viruses. It also provides up-to-date reference material for students entering the field of structural virology as well as scientists already familiar with the area.

The need for information in the understanding of membrane systems has been caused by three things - an increase in computer power; methodological developments and the recent expansion in the number of researchers working on it worldwide. However, there has been no up-to-date book that covers the application of simulation methods to membrane systems directly and this book fills an important void in the market. It provides a much needed update on the current methods and applications as well as highlighting recent advances in the way computer simulation can be applied to the field of membranes and membrane proteins. The objectives are to show how simulation methods can provide an important contribution to the understanding of these systems. The scope of the book is such that it covers simulation of membranes and membrane proteins, but also covers the more recent methodological developments such as coarse-grained molecular dynamics and multiscale approaches in systems biology. Applications embrace a range of biological processes including ion channel and transport proteins. The book is wide ranging with broad coverage and a strong coupling to experimental results wherever possible, including colour illustrations to highlight particular aspects of molecular structure. With an internationally respected list of authors, its publication is timely and it will prove indispensable to a large scientific readership.

Natural Product Chemistry for Drug Discovery provides a comprehensive summary of where natural product chemistry is today in drug discovery. The book covers emerging technologies and case studies and is a source of up-to-date information on the topical subject of natural products. Natural products are once again considered important tools in the drug discovery toolbox. The authors are all experts in their respective fields of natural product chemistry. The book will appeal across the board from scientists to professionals, postgraduates and industrial chemists. The case studies selected for inclusion highlight recently marketed drugs and development candidates that have been derived from natural products. These 'real-life' examples show how new technologies, such as advances in screening, isolation, dereplication and prefractionation, have significantly enhanced the discovery process.

Natural biochemical processes are routinely being discovered in living cells that involve RNA. Some of these processes, such as RNA interference, are now being exploited for biotechnology and medicinal applications. DNA has also proven in recent years to be more than a passive storehouse of information. For example, non-B-form DNA structures formed by G-rich DNA have been shown to participate in the regulation of gene expression, a discovery that presents new possibilities for drug targets in the genome. The current quest to understand how nucleic acid functions at the most fundamental level requires that we have a detailed understanding of nucleic acid-metal ion interactions. Because RNA and DNA are polyanions the structure and biological function of these biopolymers depends strongly on their association with metal ions. While this intimate connection between metal ions and nucleic function has been appreciated for decades, the noncovalent and dynamic nature of these interactions has continually presented challenges to the development of accurate and quantitative descriptions. Over the past few years the development of solution state spectroscopic techniques and the achievement of high resolution X-ray crystal structures have provided tremendous insights into the nature of nucleic acid-metal ion interactions, including direct evidence for their importance in determining nucleic acid structure, from the dictation of folding pathways followed by large RNA molecules to the subtle modulation of DNA groove widths. This new book provides a comprehensive review of the experimental studies that define our current understanding of nucleic acid-metal ion interactions with a particular emphasis being placed on experimental biophysical studies. However, the book is not merely a current review of the literature, as original material and fresh perspectives on published results are also presented. Particularly noteworthy topics include: -The chapter by Williams and fellow workers which reviews information provided by x-ray crystal structures and discusses what this information has revealed about the unique nature of Mg2+ interactions with RNA phosphate groups. The authors provide fresh insights, based upon structural comparisons, for how these interactions govern the local folding pathways of RNA. By dedicating separate chapters to the participation of metal ions in the kinetics and thermodynamics of RNA folding, this volume provides a more in depth treatise of both areas than is typically possible for reviews in which these two related, but distinct, topics are combined -Polyelectrolyte models of nucleic acids have proven to be extremely valuable for understanding the sequestering counterions in a so-called diffuse cloud around polymeric DNA. J. Michael Schurr provides a comprehensive review of polyanion models. Despite the success of polyelectrolyte models in describing some physical properties of nucleic acids, this topic is not always sufficiently understood by many researchers to make use of these models and this chapter serves as a valuable and up to date introduction to this topic. -The chapter by Pizarro and Sadler on metal ion-nucleic acid interactions in disease and medicine is complemented by a chapter by Lippert on coordinative bond formation between metal ions and nucleic acid bases. Together, these two chapters provide an overview of transition metal ion interactions with nucleic acids that illustrates the promise and peril that is associated with direct metal ion coordination to nucleic acid bases in living cells. The book is sufficiently detailed to serve as a reference source for researchers active in the field of nucleic acids biophysics and molecular biology. In addition, chapter authors have added introductory material and enough background material in each chapter so that the book can also can serve as an entry point for students and researchers that have not previously worked in the field which will make the book of lasting value and more accessible by a wider audience.

The discovery that RNA could act as a macromolecular catalyst in the cell, signified a paradigm shift in molecular biology. Ribozymes and RNA Catalysis takes the reader through the origins of catalysis in RNA and necessarily includes significant discussion of structure and folding. The main focus of the book concerns chemical mechanism with extensive comment on how, despite the importance of RNA catalysis in the cell, its origins are still poorly understood and often controversial. The reader is given an outline of the important role of RNA catalysis in many aspects of cell function, including RNA processing and translation. There has been a significant coming together in the field of RNA in recent years and this book offers a compelling review of the whole field to date. Written by leading experts in their field, who in turn review the structural and mechanistic data for all known ribozymes this book is well suited for undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in catalytic chemistry as well as those in related fields who require a unique overview of the subject.

Protein folding and aggregation is the process by which newly synthesized proteins fold into the specific three-dimensional structures defining their biologically active states. It has always been a major focus of research in biochemistry and has often been seen as the unsolved second part of the genetic code. In the last 10 years we have witnessed a quantum leap in the research in this exciting area. Computational methods have improved to the extent of making possible to simulate the complete folding process of small proteins and the early stages of protein aggregation. Experimental methods have evolved to permit resolving fast processes of folding reactions and visualizing single molecules during folding. The findings from these novel experiments and detailed computer simulations have confirmed the main predictions of analytical theory of protein folding. In summary, protein folding research has finally acquired the status of a truly quantitative science, paving the way for more exciting developments in the near future. This unique book covers all the modern approaches and the many advances experienced in the field during the last 10 years. There is also much emphasis on computational methods and studies of protein aggregation which have really flourished in the last decade. It includes chapters in the areas that have witnessed major developments and are written by top experts including:computer simulations of folding, fast folding, single molecule spectroscopy, protein design, aggregation studies (both computational and experimental). Readers will obtain a unique perspective of the problems faced in the biophysical study of protein conformational behaviour in aqueous solution and how these problems are being solved with a multidisciplinary approach that combines theory, experiment and computer simulations. Protein Folding, Misfolding and Aggregation Classical Themes and Novel Approaches is essential reading for graduate students actively involved in protein folding research, other scientists interested in the recent progress of the field and instructors revamping the protein folding section of their biochemistry and biophysics courses.

The structural biology of protein-nucleic acid interactions is in some ways a mature field and in others in its infancy. High-resolution structures of protein-DNA complexes have been studied since the mid 1980s and a vast array of such structures has now been determined, but surprising and novel structures still appear quite frequently. High-resolution structures of protein-RNA complexes were relatively rare until the last decade. Propelled by advances in technology as well as the realization of RNA's importance to biology, the number of example structures has ballooned in recent years. New insights are now being gained from comparative studies only recently made possible due to the size of the database, as well as from careful biochemical and biophysical studies. As a result of the explosion of research in this area, it is no longer possible to write a comprehensive review. Instead, current review articles tend to focus on particular subtopics of interest. This makes it difficult for newcomers to the field to attain a solid understanding of the basics. One goal of this book is therefore to provide in-depth discussions of the fundamental principles of protein-nucleic acid interactions as well as to illustrate those fundamentals with up-to-date and fascinating examples for those who already possess some familiarity with the field. The book also aims to bridge the gap between the DNA- and the RNA- views of nucleic acid - protein recognition, which are often treated as separate fields. However, this is a false dichotomy because protein - DNA and protein - RNA interactions share many general principles. This book therefore includes relevant examples from both sides, and frames discussions of the fundamentals in terms that are relevant to both. The monograph approaches the study of protein-nucleic acid interactions in two distinctive ways. First, DNA-protein and RNA-protein interactions are presented together. Second, the first half of the book develops the principles of protein-nucleic acid recognition, whereas the second half applies these to more specialized topics. Both halves are illustrated with important real life examples. The first half of the book develops fundamental principles necessary to understand function. An introductory chapter by the editors reviews the basics of nucleic acid structure. Jen-Jacobsen and Jacobsen discuss how solvent interactions play an important role in recognition, illustrated with extensive thermodynamic data on restriction enzymes. Marmorstein and Hong introduce the zoology of the DNA binding domains found in transcription factors, and describe the combinational recognition strategies used by many multiprotein eukaryotic complexes. Two chapters discuss indirect readout of DNA sequence in detail: Berman and Lawson explain the basic principles and illustrate them with in-depth studies of CAP, while in their chapter on DNA bending and compaction Johnson, Stella and Heiss highlight the intrinsic connections between DNA bending and indirect readout. Horvath lays out the fundamentals of protein recognition of single stranded DNA and single stranded RNA, and describes how they apply in a detailed analysis of telomere end binding proteins. Nucleic acids adopt more complex structures - Lilley describes the conformational properties of helical junctions, and how proteins recognize and cleave them. Because RNA readily folds due to the stabilizing role of its 2'-hydroxyl groups, Li discusses how proteins recognize different RNA folds, which include duplex RNA. With the fundamentals laid out, discussion turns to more specialized examples taken from important aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. Schroeder discusses how proteins chaperone RNA by rearranging its structure into a functional form. Berger and Dong discuss how topoisomerases alter the topology of DNA and relieve the superhelical tension introduced by other processes such as replication and transcription. Dyda and Hickman show how DNA transposes mediate genetic mobility and Van Duyne discusses how site-specific recombinases "cut" and "paste" DNA. Horton presents a comprehensive review of the structural families and chemical mechanisms of DNA nucleases, whereas Li in her discussion of RNA-protein recognition also covers RNA nucleases. Lastly, FerrÚ-D'AmarÚ shows how proteins recognize and modify RNA transcripts at specific sites. The book also emphasises the impact of structural biology on understanding how proteins interact with nucleic acids and it is intended for advanced students and established scientists wishing to broaden their horizons.

The completion of gene sequencing has resulted in an intensified investigation of the proteome and metabolome. Metabolite profiling methods used for disease diagnosis have been expanded with the advent of new technology and are being applied extensively in the quest for the discovery of new markers for diseases. In this comprehensive resource, the Editor draws together experts from the field and provides an insightful introduction into the technology and methodology. Metabolomics, Metabonomics and Metabolite Profiling covers a broad range of topics including:Mass spectrometry and NMR in metabolite profilingCurrent applications of metabolite profiling for disease diagnosisStudies of specific metabolite classesPlant metabolitesMetabolite data miningGlobal systems biologyThis book is a must have, up-to-date, reference which will appeal to academics, students, technicians and professionals working in, or joining this field.

Bioenergetics is a term used to describe the events of primary energy transduction in biology. The field has seen tremendous advances in recent years thanks to developments in the biophysical and computational techniques used to solve the three-dimensional structures of the membrane-bound proteins, which often act as catalysts in these reactions. This has enabled researchers to bring, otherwise static, structures to life and decipher the dynamic function of these intriguing systems. Biophysical and Structural Aspects of Bioenergetics brings together contributions from internationally respected experts, all of whom helped shape and develop the field of bioenergetics. It provides a representative snapshot of the very latest key developments in this multidisciplinary subject, with an emphasis on molecular structure, and how this changes during the bioenergetic function. Offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art, and complete with extensive citations in each chapter, this book is the ideal reference for both biochemists and biophysicists studying this fascinating topic.

Structure-based drug discovery is a collection of methods that exploits the ability to determine and analyse the three dimensional structure of biological molecules. These methods have been adopted and enhanced to improve the speed and quality of discovery of new drug candidates. After an introductory overview of the principles and application of structure-based methods in drug discovery, this book then describes the essential features of the various methods. Chapters on X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and computational chemistry and molecular modelling describe how these particular techniques have been enhanced to support rational drug discovery, with discussions on developments such as high throughput structure determination, probing protein-ligand interactions by NMR spectroscopy, virtual screening and fragment-based drug discovery. The concluding chapters complement the overview of methods by presenting case histories to demonstrate the major impact that structure-based methods have had on discovering drug molecules. Written by international experts from industry and academia, this comprehensive introduction to the methods and practice of structure-based drug discovery not only illustrates leading-edge science but also provides the scientific background for the non-expert reader. The book provides a balanced appraisal of what structure-based methods can and cannot contribute to drug discovery. It will appeal to industrial and academic researchers in pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, as well as providing an insight into the field for recent graduates in the biomolecular sciences.

In the last few years there have been many exciting and innovative developments in the field of membrane protein structure and this trend is set to continue. Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins is a new monograph covering a wide range of topics with contributions from leading experts in the field. The book is split into three sections: the first discusses topics such as expression, purification and crystallisation; the second covers characterisation techniques and the final section looks at new protein structures. The book will hence have wide appeal to researchers working in and around the field and provide an up-to-date reference source. Introductory sections to each topic are accompanied by more detailed discussions for the more experienced biochemist. Detailed descriptions of experimental methods are included to demonstrate practical approaches to membrane protein structure projects. The book also offers an up-to-date reference source in addition to descriptions of new and emerging developments, including state-of-the-art techniques for solving membrane protein structures. Structural Biology of Membrane Proteins encompasses both basic introductions and detailed descriptions of themes and should appeal to a wide range of biochemical scientists, both experienced and beginner.

Computational methods impact all aspects of modern drug discovery and most notably these methods move rapidly from academic exercises to becoming drugs in clinical trials... This insightful book represents the experience and understanding of the global experts in the field and spotlights both the structural and medicinal chemistry aspects of drug design. The need to 'encode' the factors that determine adsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicology are explored, as they remain the critical issues in this area of research. This indispensable resource provides the reader with: *A rich understanding of modern approaches to docking *A comparison and critical evaluation of state-of-the-art methods *Details on harnessing computational methods for both analysis and prediction *An insight into prediction potencies and protocols for unbiased evaluations of docking and scoring algorithms *Critical reviews of current fragment based methods with perceptive applications to kinases Addressing a wide range of uses of protein structures for drug discovery the Editors have created an essential reference for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and moreover an indispensable core text for all graduate level courses covering molecular interactions and drug discovery.

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.

Guanine rich DNA has been known for decades to form unusual structures, although their biological relevance was little understood. Recent advances have demonstrated that quadruplex structures can play a role in gene expression and provide opportunities for a new class of anticancer therapeutics. A number of quadruplex-specific proteins have also been discovered. Quadruplex Nucleic Acids discusses all aspects of the fundamentals of quadruplex structures, including their structure in solution and the crystalline state, the kinetics of quadruplex folding, and the role of cations in structure and stability. The biology of quadruplexes and G-rich genomic regions and G-quartets in supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience are also considered. Surveying the current state of knowledge, and with contributions from leading experts, this is the first comprehensive review of this rapidly growing area. Quadruplex Nucleic Acids is ideal for researchers interested in areas related to chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and structural and molecular biology.

Protein-carbohydrate interactions is an exciting area of research with huge potential for development and exploration. These interactions are both widespread and diverse in biological processes and many play a crucial role in cellular recognition, attachment and adhesion. This is particularly true for host-pathogen interactions that lead to infectious diseases; as the surfaces of cells and pathogens display complex carbohydrate structures and carbohydrate binding proteins on their surface. Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions in Infectious Disease is part of the Biomolecular Science Series and provides a comprehensive overview of the subject, with contributions from leading experts in the field. Beginning with a general introduction, subsequent sections include: Atomic basis of protein-carbohydrate interactions, Structures and roles of Pseudomonas areuginosa lectins, Protein-carbohydrate interactions in enterobacterial infections, Retrocyclins: miniature lectins with potent antiviral activity, C-type lectin receptors that regulate pathogen recognition through the recognition of carbohydrates, Synthetic carbohydrate-based anti-malarial vaccines and glycobiology. With full colour throughout and an extensive bibliography this book is ideal for researchers interested in the area.

Conceptual and technological advances in chemistry and biology have transformed the drug discovery process. Evolutionary pressure among the diverse scientific and engineering disciplines that contribute to the identification of biologically active compounds has resulted in synergistic improvements at every step in the process. Exploiting Chemical Diversity for Drug Discovery encompasses the many components of this transformation and presents the current state-of-the-art of this critical endeavour. From the theoretical and operational considerations in generating a collection of compounds to screen, to the design and implementation of high-capacity and high-quality assays that provide the most useful biological information, this book provides a comprehensive overview of modern approaches to lead identification. Beginning with an introductory overview, subsequent chapters address topics that include the design of chemical libraries and methods for optimizing their diversity; automated and accelerated chemistry; high throughput assay design and detection techniques; and strategies for data analysis and property optimization. Written by experts in the field, both academic and industrial, and illustrated in full colour, this book provides an excellent overview for current practitioners and will also serve as a stimulating resource for future generations. Researchers in organic and medicinal chemistry, the biological and pharmacological sciences, as well as those interested in allied computational and engineering disciplines will value the comprehensive and up-to-date coverage.

A collection of books edited and written by leading international scientists working in the field, the RSC Biomolecular Sciences Set provides an authoritative and definitive collection of reference guides for graduate and postgraduate students and researchers in biochemisty, biophysics and molecular biology. Topics covered are diverse and include structural biology, chemical biology, bio- and chemo-informatics, drug discovery and development, chemical enzymology and biophysical chemistry.

RNA helicases and RNA helicase-like proteins are the largest group of enzymes in eukaryotic RNA metabolism and although they are subject to intense ongoing research there is much confusion about function and classification of these enzymes. Although these enzymes are essential for virtually all processes involving RNA, there is no overview detailing structure, function and/or biological roles of these pivotal proteins. This book provides the first comprehensive and systematic overview of biology, mechanism, and structure of RNA helicases and RNA helicase-like enzymes. Research into RNA helicases takes place in many different fields from cell and developmental biology to mechanistic enzymology, and structural biology and this book integrates the knowledge of these diverse fields into one valuable resource. It also provides an informative overview on the entire group of enzymes. Individual chapters on each subfamily of RNA helicases and RNA helicase-like proteins are written by experts in the respective fields. All chapters are systematically integrated and the reader is guided by a didactic introductory chapter. The main strengths of the book are the combination of systematics and details that will allow the reader to gain insight into results from diverse fields while maintaining a view of the entire field. It will be a key reference for academics, advanced students, researchers and professionals working in or joining this field.

The binding of small ligands to biological molecules is central to most aspects of biological function. The past twenty years has seen the development of an increasing armoury of biophysical methods that not only detect such binding, but also provide varying degrees of information about the kinetics, thermodynamics and structural aspects of the process. These methods have received increasing attention with the growth in more rational approaches to drug discovery and design. This book reviews the latest advances in the application of biophysics to the study of ligand binding. It provides a complete overview of current techniques to identify ligands, characterise their binding sites and understand their binding mechanisms. Particular emphasis is given to the combined use of different techniques and their relative strengths and weaknesses. Consistency in the way each technique is described makes it easy for readers to select the most suitable protocol for their research. The introduction explains why some techniques are more suitable than others and emphasizes the possible synergies between them. The following chapters, all written by a specialist in the particular technique, focus on each method individually. The book finishes by describing how several complimentary techniques can be used together for maximum effectiveness. This book is suitable for biomolecular scientists at graduate or post-doctoral level in academia and industry. Biologists and chemists will also find it a useful introduction to the techniques available.

NMR spectroscopy is widely used in biomolecular science particularly for structure determination of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates. Much of the innovation within NMR spectroscopy has been within the field of protein NMR spectroscopy, an important technique in structural biology. Filling a gap in the literature, this book draws together experts in the field to discuss the real advances in NMR methods that have occurred or have an impact on the biomolecular field in the last few years. The coverage includes recent developments in using NMR for determination of protein structures, membrane proteins, the dynamics of RNA and advances in NMR in drug discovery. Edited by leading biological NMR spectroscopists, the book is essential reference for researchers in industry and academia interested in or joining this bioanalytical field.

The chemical and biological sciences face unprecedented opportunities in the 21st century. A confluence of factors from parallel universes - advances in experimental techniques in biomolecular structure determination, progress in theoretical modeling and simulation for large biological systems, and breakthroughs in computer technology - has opened new avenues of opportunity as never before. Now, experimental data can be interpreted and further analysed by modeling, and predictions from any approach can be tested and advanced through companion methodologies and technologies. This two volume set describes innovations in biomolecular modeling and simulation, in both the algorithmic and application fronts. With contributions from experts in the field, the books describe progress and innovation in areas including: simulation algorithms for dynamics and enhanced configurational sampling, force field development, implicit solvation models, coarse-grained models, quantum-mechanical simulations, protein folding, DNA polymerase mechanisms, nucleic acid complexes and simulations, RNA structure analysis and design and other important topics in structural biology modeling. The books are aimed at graduate students and experts in structural biology and chemistry and the emphasis is on reporting innovative new approaches rather than providing comprehensive reviews on each subject.

Applications of nucleic acids have developed recently to provide solutions for biosensors, diagnostic tools and as platforms for the assembly of complex structures. These developments have been possible as their base sequence can be used to assemble precise structures following simple and predictable rules. Self-assembled DNA can then be amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and this ultimately enables the preparation of synthetic nucleic acids. Their use as molecular tools or DNA-conjugates has recently been enhanced by the addition of other groups including enzymes, fluorophores and small molecules. Written by leaders in the field, this volume describes the preparation and application of these DNA-conjugates. Several have been used as sensors (aptamers, riboswitches and nanostructures) based on the ability of nucleic acids to adopt specific structures in the presence of ligands, whilst others link reporter groups such as proteins or fluorophores to RNA or DNA for detection, single molecule studies, and increasing the sensitivity of PCR. The book is relevant to researchers in areas related to analytical chemistry, chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, molecular pharmacology, and structural and molecular biology.

The chemical and biological sciences face unprecedented opportunities in the 21st century. A confluence of factors from parallel universes - advances in experimental techniques in biomolecular structure determination, progress in theoretical modeling and simulation for large biological systems, and breakthroughs in computer technology - has opened new avenues of opportunity as never before. Now, experimental data can be interpreted and further analysed by modeling, and predictions from any approach can be tested and advanced through companion methodologies and technologies. This two volume set describes innovations in biomolecular modeling and simulation, in both the algorithmic and application fronts. With contributions from experts in the field, the books describe progress and innovation in areas including: simulation algorithms for dynamics and enhanced configurational sampling, force field development, implicit solvation models, coarse-grained models, quantum-mechanical simulations, protein folding, DNA polymerase mechanisms, nucleic acid complexes and simulations, RNA structure analysis and design and other important topics in structural biology modeling. The books are aimed at graduate students and experts in structural biology and chemistry and the emphasis is on reporting innovative new approaches rather than providing comprehensive reviews on each subject.