This book provides the first and only comprehensive description and detailed summary of the genetics, structure, function, mechanisms of action, evolution and engineering of homing endonucleases and inteins. These two unique protein superfamilies, which are tied together through their frequent fusion and coevolution, have generated considerable excitement for their fundamental, structural, and functional properties, their evolution as parasitic elements, and their widespread applications as gene targeting agents and as instruments for the generation of modified proteins and novel protein combinations.

Stem cells provide for life-long cell replacement in tissues and organs, and have inherent homing abilities that are critical in therapeutic applications. Stem cells are also the driving force of cancer where genetic/epigenetic alterations culminate in tumorigenesis either in tissue stem cells or in some of their derivatives. As a rare subset of the tumor, cancer stem cells are the only drive of tumor initiation/propagation. Autologous and cancer stem cells are thus the key targets of 1) long-term and transient-regenerative/epigenetic gene therapy and 2) of recurrence-free anticancer therapy, respectively. While cancer stem cell gene therapy still needs time to accomplish, autologous stem cells have been instrumental in the first unequivocal successes for gene therapy whereby ex vivo retrovirally corrected hematopoietic stem cells have been returned to the patients.This timely book presents 1) the aforementioned stem cell gene therapy achievements that rely on random-integration of therapeutic transgenes into host chromosomes and 2) emerging experimental approaches aimed at eliminating random-integration oncogenic hazards through site-specific integration or gene targeting. Breakthrough endonuclease-boosted gene targeting for gene correction (inherited diseases) or targeted integration of therapeutic transgenes (other disorders) culminating in an efficiency compatible with clinical trials is one of the highlights of the book. Highlights also include the pioneering transplantation of adult pluripotent stem cells as a substitute for tissue-specific stem cells, thereby pinpointing the invaluable potential for stem cell gene therapy applications of autologous cells able to contribute to all three germ layers. Stem cell gene therapy is thus discussed in terms of 1) magnifying stem cell therapeutic homing through transient regenerative gene therapy and 2) of tackling most pathologies (including mitochondrial DNA diseases and ageing disorders) through stem cell repopulation dynamics into appropriate niches (long-term engraftment) and tissues (cell turn-over). Regarding cancer stem cell gene therapy, focus is on both the increasing number of identified tissue-specific cancer stem cells as the ultimate therapeutic targets and on the development of armed stem cells as tumor-homing vectors for targeted anticancer therapy.

Harnessing the Power of Viruses explores the application of scientific knowledge about viruses and their lives to solve practical challenges and further advance molecular sciences, medicine and agriculture. The book contains virus-based tools and approaches in the fields of: i) DNA manipulations in vitro and in vivo; ii) Protein expression and characterization; and iii) Virus- Host interactions as a platform for therapy and biocontrol are discussed. It steers away from traditional views of viruses and technology, focusing instead on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and offer means for addressing complex biological phenomena that positively influence everyday life. The book is written at an intermediate level and is accessible to novices who are willing to acquire a basic level of understanding of key principles in molecular biology, but is also ideal for advanced readers interested in expanding their biological knowledge to include practical applications of molecular tools derived from viruses. - Explores virus-based tools and approaches in DNA manipulation, protein expression and characterization and virus-host interactions - Provides a dedicated focus on viral molecules and molecular processes that enable science to better understand life and address complex biological phenomena - Includes an overview of modern technologies in biology that were developed using viral components/elements and knowledge about viral processes

In the quest to understand and model the healthy or sick human body, re searchers and medical doctors are utilizing more and more quantitative tools and techniques. This trend is pushing the envelope of a new field we call Biomedical Computing, as an exciting frontier among signal processing, pattern recognition, optimization, nonlinear dynamics, computer science and biology, chemistry and medicine. A conference on Biocomputing was held during February 25-27, 2001 at the University of Florida. The conference was sponsored by the Center for Applied Optimization, the Computational Neuroengineering Center, the Biomedical En gineering Program (through a Whitaker Foundation grant), the Brain Institute, the School of Engineering, and the University of Florida Research & Graduate Programs. The conference provided a forum for researchers to discuss and present new directions in Biocomputing. The well-attended three days event was highlighted by the presence of top researchers in the field who presented their work in Biocomputing. This volume contains a selective collection of ref ereed papers based on talks presented at this conference. You will find seminal contributions in genomics, global optimization, computational neuroscience, FMRI, brain dynamics, epileptic seizure prediction and cancer diagnostics. We would like to take the opportunity to thank the sponsors, the authors of the papers, the anonymous referees, and Kluwer Academic Publishers for making the conference successful and the publication of this volume possible. Panos M. Pardalos and Jose C.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today-truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. This volume and its companions (Volumes 330 and 331) cover all current knowledge concerning hyperthermophilic enzymes. Major topics in this volume include redox and thiol-dependent proteins, nucleic acid modifying enzymes, and protein stability from biochemical and biophysical standpoints.

Cellular and Animal Models in Human Genomics Research provides an indispensable resource for applying comparative genomics in the annotation of disease-gene associated variants that are identified by human genomic sequencing. The book presents a thorough overview of effective protocols for the use of cellular and animal modeling methods to turn lists of plausible genes into causative biomarkers. With chapters written by international experts, the book first addresses the fundamental aspects of using cellular and animal models in genetic and genomic studies, including in-depth examples of specific models and their utility, i.e., yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice and large animals. Protocols for properly conducting model studies, genomic technology, modeling candidate genes vs. genetic variants, integrative modeling, utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells, and employing CRISPR-Cas9 are also discussed in-depth. - Provides a thorough, accessible resource that helps researchers and students employ cellular and animal models in their own genetic and genomic studies - Offers guidance on how to effectively interpret the results and significance of genetic and genomic model studies for human health - Features chapters from international experts in the use of specific cellular and animal models, including yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice, and large animals, among other organisms