Biological membranes play a central role in cell structure, shape and functions. However, investigating the membrane bilayer has proved to be difficult due to its highly dynamic and anisotropic structure, which generates steep gradients at the nanometer scale. Due to the decisive impact of recently developed fluorescence-based techniques, tremendous advances have been made in the last few years in our understanding of membrane characteristics and functions. In this context, the present book illustrates some of these major advances by collecting review articles written by highly respected experts. The book is organized in three parts, the first of which deals with membrane probes and model membranes. The second part describes the use of advanced quantitative and high-resolution techniques to explore the properties of biological membranes, illustrating the key progress made regarding membrane organization, dynamics and interactions. The third part is focused on the investigation of membrane proteins using the same techniques, and notably on the membrane receptors that play a central role in signaling pathways and therapeutic strategies. All chapters provide comprehensive information on membranes and their exploration for beginners in the field and advanced researchers alike.

As stated by its first editor, Dr. D. B. Roodyn, the primary goal of the series Subcellular Biochemistry is to achieve an integrated view of the cell by bringing together results from a wide range of different techniques and disciplines. This volume deals with the applications of fluorescence spectroscopy to membrane research. It seeks to present complementary biochemical and bio physical data on both the structure and the dynamics of biological membranes. Biophysics and biochemistry are improving more and more in their ability to study biomembranes, overlapping somewhat in this area and explaining the functioning of the whole cell in terms of the properties of its individual com ponents. Therefore, we have brought together an international group of experts in order to report on and review advances in fluorescence studies on biological membranes, thereby highlighting subcellular aspects. The first chapters present a critical evaluation of the current applications of dynamic and steady-state fluorescence techniques. Subsequent chapters dis cuss more specific applications in cells, biological membranes, and their con stituents (lipids, proteins).

Volume 3 of this new series focuses on brandnew research and applications in biology, biophysics and other fields of life sciences. Many frontline researcher have contributed to this highly attractive and interdisciplinary volume which spans the entire field of present fluorescence spectroscopy including nanotechnology, membrane and DNA studies and fluorescence imaging in cancer research.

This book provides the reader with an updated comprehensive view of the rapidly developing and fascinating field of fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. In recent years, fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy have experienced rapid technological development, which has enabled the detection and monitoring of single molecules with high spatial and temporal resolution. Thanks to these developments, fluorescence has become an even more popular method in physical, biological and related fields. This book guides the reader through both basic and advanced fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy approaches with a focus on their applications in membrane and protein biophysics. Each of the four parts: A - Fluorescence Spectroscopy, B - Fluorescence Microscopy, C - Applications of Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Microscopy to biological membranes and D - Applications of Fluorescence Spectroscopy to protein studies are written by experts within the field. The book is intended for both complete beginners who want to quickly orient themselves in the large number of existing fluorescent methods, as well as for advanced readers who are interested in particular methods and their proper use.

This book will serve as an introduction to microscopy and biomedical imaging methods, with a focus on the study of the distributions and dynamics of molecules on the cell surface. It will provide readers with an in-depth understanding of how modern microscopy methodology can be used to understand the organisation of cell membrane systems and how experiments can be designed around these methodologies. There are numerous methods employed to understand cell membrane organisation, but foremost among them are microscopy methods which can map the distributions of molecules on the cell surface and even map the biophysical properties of membranes themselves. Fluorescence microscopy has been especially widely used due to its specificity and relatively noninvasive nature, allowing live-cell imaging. However, the recent advance of super-resolution fluorescence microscopy has broken the previous resolution limit for this type of microscopy, which has been an important advancement in the field. Atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy have also been deployed to learn about membrane organisation and properties. Each chapter in this volume will be themed around measuring a particular property of cell membranes. In each case, the authors examine the range of methodology applicable to the task, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of each one, and will also provide an overview of important discoveries that have been made using the methodology being discussed. The chapters will cover: • Measuring membrane protein distributions using single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) • Measuring membrane protein dynamics and diffusion using fluorescence correla-tion spectroscopy (FCS) • Mapping membrane lipid backing using environmentally sensitive fluorescence probes • Mapping membrane thickness and rigidity using atomic force microscopy • Mapping membrane proteins and the cytoskeleton using electron microscopy This book will be a valuable resource to graduate and upper-level undergraduate students and industry researchers in the fields of cell biology, microbiology, microscopy, and medical imaging.

New Methods and Sensors for Membrane and Cell Volume Research, Volume 88 provides an overview of novel experimental approaches to study both the cell membrane and the under-membrane space – the cytosol, which have lately began drawing renewed attention. The book's overall emphasis is on fluorescent and FRET-based sensors, however, other optical (such as variants of transmission microscopy) and non-optical methods (neutron scattering and mass spectrometry) also have dedicated chapters. This volume provides a rare review of experimental approaches to study intracellular phase transitions, as well as anion channels, membrane tension and dynamics, and other topics of intense current interest. Describes novel FRET-based membrane sensors Reviews selected non-optical approaches to membrane structure and dynamics Describes traditional and modern aspects of cell volume research, such as phase transitions and macromolecular crowding