Bridges the gap between the chemistry of small molecule neuromodulators and the complex pattern of neurodegenerative disorders Written by an experienced neurochemist, this book focuses on the main actors involved in neurodegenerative disorders at a molecular level, and places special emphasis on structural aspects and modes of action. Drawing on recent data on enzyme structure, mode of action, and inhibitor design, it describes?from a biochemical point of view?the six most important neurotransmitter systems and their constituent enzymes and receptors. Misfolding and aggregation of proteins within the brain is also covered. In addition, the book surveys a wide range of proven and prospective therapeutic agents that modulate key processes in the brain, from their chemical synthesis to their mode of action in model systems as well as in the patient. Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration: A Molecular Approach is presented in two parts. The first introduces the neurotransmitter systems and provides a general explanation of the synapse and a description of the main structures involved in neurotransmission that can be considered therapeutic targets for disorders of the central nervous system. The second part presents molecular and chemical aspects directly involved or affected in neurodegeneration, including the metabolism of neurotransmitters, enzymes processing neurotransmitters, protein misfolding, and therapeutic agents. -Uses an interdisciplinary approach to bridge the gap between the basic biochemical events in a nerve cell and their neurological effects on the brain -Places emphasis on the chemistry of small molecule modulators that are potential lead molecules for new drugs -Covers six key neurotransmitter systems and their enzymes and receptors?dopaminergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration: A Molecular Approach is a key resource for medicinal chemists, neurobiologists, neurochemists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and neurophysiologists.

Bridges the gap between the chemistry of small molecule neuromodulators and the complex pattern of neurodegenerative disorders Written by an experienced neurochemist, this book focuses on the main actors involved in neurodegenerative disorders at a molecular level, and places special emphasis on structural aspects and modes of action. Drawing on recent data on enzyme structure, mode of action, and inhibitor design, it describes?from a biochemical point of view?the six most important neurotransmitter systems and their constituent enzymes and receptors. Misfolding and aggregation of proteins within the brain is also covered. In addition, the book surveys a wide range of proven and prospective therapeutic agents that modulate key processes in the brain, from their chemical synthesis to their mode of action in model systems as well as in the patient. Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration: A Molecular Approach is presented in two parts. The first introduces the neurotransmitter systems and provides a general explanation of the synapse and a description of the main structures involved in neurotransmission that can be considered therapeutic targets for disorders of the central nervous system. The second part presents molecular and chemical aspects directly involved or affected in neurodegeneration, including the metabolism of neurotransmitters, enzymes processing neurotransmitters, protein misfolding, and therapeutic agents. -Uses an interdisciplinary approach to bridge the gap between the basic biochemical events in a nerve cell and their neurological effects on the brain -Places emphasis on the chemistry of small molecule modulators that are potential lead molecules for new drugs -Covers six key neurotransmitter systems and their enzymes and receptors?dopaminergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic Chemical Biology of Neurodegeneration: A Molecular Approach is a key resource for medicinal chemists, neurobiologists, neurochemists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and neurophysiologists.

A comprehensive overview of current empirical valence bond (EVB) theory and applications, one of the most powerful tools for studying chemical processes in the condensed phase and in enzymes. Discusses the application of EVB models to a broad range of molecular systems of chemical and biological interest, including reaction dynamics, design of artificial catalysts, and the study of complex biological problems Edited by a rising star in the field of computational enzymology Foreword by Nobel laureate Arieh Warshel, who first developed the EVB approach

Design of Hybrid Molecules for Drug Development reviews the principles, advantages, and limitations involved with designing these groundbreaking compounds. Beginning with an introduction to hybrid molecule design and background as to their need, the book goes on to explore a range of important hybrids, with hybrids containing natural products, molecules containing NO- and H2S-donors, dual-acting compounds acting as receptor ligands and enzyme inhibitors, and the design of photoresponsive drugs all discussed. Drawing on practical case studies, the hybridization of molecules for development as treatments for a number of key diseases is then outlined, including the design of hybrids for Alzheimer's, cancer, and malaria. With its cutting-edge reviews of breaking developments in this exciting field, the book offers a novel approach for all those working in the design, development, and administration of drugs for a range of debilitating disorders. - Highlights an approach unimpaired by the limitations of the classical search for lead structures - one of the core problems in modern drug development processes, making the content of high relevance for both academic and non-academic drug development processes - Pulls together research and design techniques in a novel way to give researchers the best possible platform from which to review the approaches and techniques applied - Compares the advantages and disadvantages of these compounds - Includes the very latest developments, such as photoactivatable and photo-responsive drugs

This book focuses on neurodegenerative diseases which have become a major threat to human health. Neurodegenerative diseases are age related disorders and have become increasingly prevalent in the elderly population in recent years. Hence, there is an urgent need to study and develop new strategies and alternative methods for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This book showcases the promises that nanobiotechnology brings in research, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It is very beneficial for varied group of readers including nanotechnologists, biotechnologists, pharmacists, medical professionals, bioengineers, biochemists and researchers working in this field. Nanobiotechnology in Neurodegenerative Diseases include various chapters including neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases, nanotechnology for the rescue of neurodegenerative diseases, promising potential of nanomaterials for diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, nanotechnology mediated nose-to-brain drug delivery, and formulation and characterization of intranasal nanoparticles of antiretroviral drugs.

About the Series... Metal Ions in Life Sciences links coordination chemistry and biochemistry in their widest sense and thus increases our understanding of the relationship between the chemistry of metals and life processes. The series reflects the interdisciplinary nature of Biological Inorganic Chemistry and coordinates the efforts of scientists in fields like biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, molecular and structural biology, enzymology, environmental chemistry, physiology, toxicology, biophysics, pharmacy, and medicine. Consequently, the volumes are an essential source for researchers active in these and related fields as well as teachers preparing courses, e.g., in Bioinorganic Chemistry. About this Book... Volume 1, devoted solely to the vital research area concerning the role of metal ions in neurodegenerative diseases, offers in 15 stimulating chapters an authoritative and timely view of this fascinating subject. Written by 41 internationally recognized experts, Neurodegenerative Diseases and Metal Ions highlights, supported by 130 illustrations, the recent progress made in understanding the role metal ions play in diseases like transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (Creutzfeldt-Jakob and related diseases), Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, Wilson's and Menkes' diseases, as well as in familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and others. The interplay between metal ions, catecholamines and the formation of reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative stress is considered, as is the metalloneurochemistry of zinc and the neurotoxicity of aluminum, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The need for novel drugs which manipulate metal-centered neuropathology is emphasized.

This unique text introduces students and researchers to the world of misfolded proteins, toxic oligomers, and amyloid assemblages, and the diseases of the brain that result. During the past few years the connections between failures in protein quality control and neurological disorders have been reinforced and strengthened by discoveries on multiple fronts. These findings provide novel insights on how amyloidogenic oligomers and fibrils form, interconvert from one state to another, and propagate from cell to cell and region to region. Starting with protein folding and protein quality control basics, the reader will learn how misfolded proteins can cause diseases ranging from prion diseases to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease to Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Authoritative but written in a clear and engaging style, Fundamentals of Neurodegeneration and Protein Misfolding Disorders addresses one of today’s forefront areas of science and medicine. The text emphasizes the new groundbreaking biophysical and biochemical methods that enable molecular-level explorations and the conceptual breakthroughs that result. It contains separate chapters on each of the major disease classes. Special emphasis is placed on those factors and themes that are common to the diseases, especially failures in synaptic transmission, mitochondrial control, and axonal transport; breakdowns in RNA processing; the potential role of environmental factors; and the confounding effects of neuroinflammation. The book is ideal for use in teaching at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, and serves as a comprehensive reference for a broad audience of students and researchers in neuroscience, molecular biology, biological physics and biomedical engineering.