The collection of chapters in this proceeding volume reflects the latest research presented at the Aegean meeting on Tumor Microenvironment and Cellular Stress held in Crete in Fall of 2012. The book provides critical insight to how the tumor microenvironment affects tumor metabolism, cell stemness, cell viability, genomic instability and more. Additional topics include identifying common pathways that are potential candidates for therapeutic intervention, which will stimulate collaboration between groups that are more focused on elucidation of biochemical aspects of stress biology and groups that study the pathophysiological aspects of stress pathways or engaged in drug discovery.

Given this pervasiveness and importance of miRNA-mediated gene regulation, it should come as little surprise that miRNAs themselves are also highly regulated. However, the recent explosion of knowledge on this topic has been remarkable, providing a primary motivation for publication of this book. As miRNAs are transcribed by RNA polymerase II, the enzyme that also generates mRNAs, it was perhaps not unexpected that miRNA transcription would be subject to regulation, and we have willfully mitted this aspect from this monograph. However, what has been unexpected is the extent of post-transcriptional regulation of miRNAs that is illustrated in this book.

The field of microRNA biology is really emerging in the last couple of years. Several investigators highlighted the importance of miRNAs in cancer. Although there is so much literature on microRNAs exist, a comprehensive book is still not available. Thus this book will be a great use to the scientists in the field of cancer biology. In addition, this book will be a good source of information for undergraduate, graduate students who want to develop their research careers in cancer biology.

This volume of Energy Balance and Cancer provides state-of-the-art descriptions of the rapidly evolving science of epigenetics and how it may explain mechanisms by which alterations in energy balance such as obesity and physical activity may impact cancer. In addition to chapters explaining the processes mediating epigenetic regulation, the volume contains a series of chapters explaining how environmental influences including early life events, nutrition, exercise and microbiota may induce epigenetic changes that can affect carcinogenesis. The following chapters describe epigenetic relations of energy balance to cancer in distinct organ systems including esophagus, colon, prostate and breast. Epigenetics, Energy Balance and Cancer provides a valuable resource for students, research investigators and clinicians seeking to better understand these processes as well as a basis for novel translational and transdisciplinary approaches to further elucidate these processes and develop preventive and therapeutic strategies.

This textbook provides a practically applicable resource for understanding the surgical oncology management of pancreatic cancer. It discusses relevant aspects of anatomy and pathophysiology along with the latest diagnostic techniques. Insightful descriptions are then provided detailing how to perform critical surgical procedures when treating these patients. Relevant perioperative management strategies and emerging themes in cancer biology critical to understanding and treating the disease are also described. The need for cross-discipline collaboration to facilitate and enhance innovation within the discipline is reinforced throughout the text. Each chapter presents the relevant current clinical standards along with areas of controversy in both research and clinical practice within “pearls and pitfalls” sections. Textbook of Pancreatic Cancer: Principles and Practice of Surgical Oncology is a detailed work covering the basic material important to trainees as well as advanced curriculum for established specialists in the field from a multi-disciplinary perspective. Therefore, it is crucial resource for all practicing and trainee professionals who encounter these patients in their day-to-day clinical practice.

Macrophages are core components of the innate immune system. Once activated, they may have either pro- or anti-inflammatory effects that include pathogen killing, safe disposal of apoptotic cells or tissue renewal. The activation state of macrophages is conceptualized by the so-called M1/M2 model of polarization. M2 macrophages are not simply antagonists of M1 macrophages; rather, they represent a network of tissue resident macrophages with roles in tissue development and organ homeostasis. M2 macrophages govern functions at the interfaces of immunity, tissue development and turnover, metabolism, and endocrine signaling. Dysfunction in M2 macrophages can ruin the healthy interplay between the immune system and metabolic processes, and lead to diseases such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, M2 macrophages are essential for healthy tissue development and immunological self-tolerance. Worryingly, these functions of M2 macrophages can also be disrupted, resulting in tumor growth and autoimmunity. This book comprehensively discusses the biology of M2 macrophages, summarizes the current state of knowledge, and highlights key questions that remain unanswered.

MicroRNA in Human Malignancies offers a deep overview of the role and translational significance of miRNAs in the development of cancer and other malignancies. The book establishes the foundations of the field by covering essential mechanisms and the translational potential of miRNAs in the field of oncology. Specific topics covered include invasion and metastasis, miRNAs and metabolism, and opportunities of miRNAs in therapeutics. Chapters on diseases include content on disease-related pathophysiology, as well as diagnostic, prognostic and predictive value. This book is an essential reference for students entering the field, as well as researchers and investigators. - Provides fundamental and translational chapters that facilitate the acquisition of knowledge needed to design and perform innovative miRNA-related research studies - Synthesizes current research, with a critical review on the field - Offers in-depth research by leading experts in the field