Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal transmission has an essential function in embryonic development and tissue repair, and is dysregulated in the vast majority of malignancies studied. The FGF signaling in the tumor cells is usually increased by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms and gives them a high growth potential, resistance to apoptosis, neoangiogenesis and metastasis, all essential parameters relevant for tumor progression. This makes FGFs, and their tyrosine kinase receptors FGFRs, valuable targets for therapeutic interventions. This book is a collection of 15 recent articles--both original work and reviews--that summarize the current research state effectively. The content covers FGF signaling aspects in gastric, skin, liver, esophageal cancer, melanoma, mesothelioma and glioblastoma, including one article that addresses the role of FGF in the tumor-microenvironment cross-talk. Several reports describe the development of compounds targeting FGFRs, their structure and interaction with the receptor molecules, and their effectivity in preclinical and clinical testing. In summary, the papers demonstrate the complexity of the topic, with various FGF ligands and receptors involved and the need for further research. They also present results that fuel hope that targeting cancer with dysfunctional FGF signaling can become a realistic treatment option.

The chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology of heparin and heparan sulfate have been and continue to be a major scientific undertaking - heparin and its derivative remain important drugs in clinical practice. Chemistry and Biology of Heparin and Heparan Sulfate provides readers with an insight into the chemistry, biology and clinical applications of heparin and heparan sulfate and examines their function in various physiological and pathological conditions. Providing a wealth of useful information, no other tome covers the diversity of topics in the field. Students, doctors, chemists, biochemists, and research scientists will find this book an invaluable source for updating their current knowledge of developments in this area. - Comprehensively reviews all aspects of heparin and heparan sulfate research - Uniquely describes the chemistry, biology and clinical application of heparins and heparan sulfates in one work - Provides an invaluable source of knowledge of current developments for chemists, biochemists, medical doctors, researchers, students and practitioners

"The Handbook is intended to be a service to the neuroscience community, to help in finding available and useful information, to point out gaps in our knowledge, and to encourage continued studies. It represents the valuable contributions of the many authors of the chapters and the guidance of the editors and most important, it represents support for research in this discipline. Based on the rapid advances in the years since the second edition."--Publisher's website.

Regulated turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of tissue homeostasis. In recent years, the enzymes that participate in, and control ECM turnover have been the focus of research that touches on development, tissue remodeling, inflammation and disease. This volume in the Biology of Extracellular Matrix series provides a review of the known classes of proteases that degrade ECM both outside and inside the cell. The specific EMC proteases that are discussed include cathepsins, bacterial collagenases, matrix metalloproteinases, meprins, serine proteases, and elastases. The volume also discusses the domains responsible for specific biochemical characteristics of the proteases and the physical interactions that occur when the protease interacts with substrate. The topics covered in this volume provide an important context for understanding the role that matrix-degrading proteases play in normal tissue remodeling and in diseases such as cancer and lung disease.

Targeting Cell Survival Pathways to Enhance Response to Chemotherapy encompasses recently developed molecular targeting agents and approaches that suppress cell survival signaling. Cell survival signaling attenuates the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy and numerous mechanisms have been described, and continue to be described, which contribute to cell survival in the face of chemotherapy treatment. Key pathways leading to chemoresistance emanate from growth factor receptors, PI3K, STAT3, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, autophagy, and the DNA damage response pathway. New advances have underscored the potential of targeting each of these cell survival mechanisms to improve responsiveness to chemotherapy. This book reviews these recent advances and provides a foundational background and hints of new opportunities for basic, translational, and clinical investigators focused on improving therapeutic responses to chemotherapy. - Presents cutting-edge agents and approaches with proved success in different model systems that can be translated to a different type of cancer - Brings updated information to be used to propose new clinical trials investigating innovative strategies for improving responses to chemotherapy - Provides mechanistic details to help guide the design of laboratory studies associated with clinical trials

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current limitations and unmet needs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It also provides newly emerging concepts, approaches, and technologies to address challenges. Topics covered include changing landscape of HCC etiologies in association with health disparities, framework of clinical management algorithm, new and experimental modalities of HCC diagnosis and prognostication, multidisciplinary treatment options including rapidly evolving molecular targeted therapies and immune therapies, multi-omics molecular characterization, and clinically relevant experimental models. The book is intended to assist collaboration between the diverse disciplines and facilitate forward and reverse translation between basic and clinical research by providing a comprehensive overview of relevant areas, covering epidemiological trend and population-level patient management strategies, new diagnostic and prognostic tools, recent advances in the standard care and novel therapeutic approaches, and new concepts in pathogenesis and experimental approaches and tools, by experts and opinion leaders in their respective fields. By thoroughly and concisely covering whole aspects of HCC care, Hepatocellular Carcinoma serves as a valuable reference for multidisciplinary readers, and promotes the development of personalized precision care strategies that lead to substantial improvement of disease burden and patient prognosis in HCC.