Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a primary regulator of cholinergic signaling within and out of the central nervous system. It has been studied extensively for several decades, yet many basic questions about its regulation, composition and functions remain open. Thus, neither the full impact of AChE’s activities on neuronal development, maintenance and functioning nor the reasons for why and how different AChE molecular forms are being synthesized and degraded are fully known yet, although recent evidence suggests the involvement of micro-RNA regulators in both of these aspects. The identification of the anchoring proteins, PRiMA and ColQ, stimulates studies on AChE’s assembly and its specific localization in the brain and muscle. Additionally, non-cholinergic function(s) of AChE has been proposed as relevant both for neuronal differentiation and cognitive functioning, whereas transgenic engineering, recombinant production and structure-function analyses of this enzyme’s variants with various inhibitors paved new avenues for the development of novel Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics, agricultural pesticides and prophylactics in anticipation of warfare agent exposure. The aims of this Research Topic is to provide a forum for experts in the field to critically discuss recent developments in AChE studies, initiate global critiques of the current views for resolving the fundamental questions in AChE research and promote the development of novel versions and uses of AChE-targeted agents. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: (i) post-transcriptional regulation of AChE; (ii) the non-cholinergic functions of AChE; and (iii) anti-AChE inhibitors and diseases.

Advances in Cancer Research, Volume 152, the latest release in this ongoing, well-regarded serial, provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. - Provides the latest information on cancer research - Offers outstanding and original reviews on a range of cancer research topics - Serves as an indispensable reference for researchers and students alike

Carotenoids represent a large group of isoprenoid structures with many different structural characteristics and biological activities. They are the most important of the naturally occurring pigments and are responsible for the various colors of different fruits, vegetables, and plant parts. Marine carotenoids and their unique structures are responsible for the color of many fish, shellfish, and algae. However, while there have been many papers and reviews on carotenoids of terrestrial origin, there has been relatively little research conducted on the impact of marine carotenoids on human health. Recent research efforts have revealed that marine carotenoids have strong biological activity affecting human health and are candidates for nutraceuticals. This Topical Collection of Marine Drugs is dedicated to marine carotenoids, and will focus on the benefits of carotenoids for human beings. For a better understanding of the physiological effects of marine carotenoids, this collection should include the most recent developments in the presence, analysis, chemistry, and biochemistry of marine carotenoids.

Providing a cutting-edge profile of research progress in this important field of study, Cholinergic Mechanisms: Function and Dysfunction contains a compilation of the proceedings of the Eleventh ISCM, held in St. Moritz, May 2002. Bringing together 250 contributors from 30 countries, the book presents a comprehensive picture of the cholinergic field. It provides a survey of current understanding of molecular, pharmacological, toxicological, behavioral, and clinical aspects of the cholinergic system. This volume offers a state-of-the-art account of progress in the field from the molecule in the test tube through the cell and the synapse, to the organism and the patient.

The nervous system is particularly fascinating for many biologists because it controls animal characteristics such as movement, behavior, and coordinated thinking. Invertebrate neurobiology has traditionally been studied in specific model organisms, whilst knowledge of the broad diversity of nervous system architecture and its evolution among metazoan animals has received less attention. This is the first major reference work in the field for 50 years, bringing together many leading evolutionary neurobiologists to review the most recent research on the structure of invertebrate nervous systems and provide a comprehensive and authoritative overview for a new generation of researchers. Presented in full colour throughout, Structure and Evolution of Invertebrate Nervous Systems synthesizes and illustrates the numerous new findings that have been made possible with light and electron microscopy. These include the recent introduction of new molecular and optical techniques such as immunohistochemical staining of neuron-specific antigens and fluorescence in-situ-hybridization, combined with visualization by confocal laser scanning microscopy. New approaches to analysing the structure of the nervous system are also included such as micro-computational tomography, cryo-soft X-ray tomography, and various 3-D visualization techniques. The book follows a systematic and phylogenetic structure, covering a broad range of taxa, interspersed with chapters focusing on selected topics in nervous system functioning which are presented as research highlights and perspectives. This comprehensive reference work will be an essential companion for graduate students and researchers alike in the fields of metazoan neurobiology, morphology, zoology, phylogeny and evolution.