The kinetic mechanisms by which enzymes interact with inhibitors and activators, collectively called modifiers, are scrutinized and ranked taxonomically into autonomous species in a way similar to that used in the biological classification of plants and animals. The systematization of the mechanisms is based on two fundamental characters: the allosteric linkage between substrate and modifier and the factor by which a modifier affects the catalytic constant of the enzyme. Combinations of the physically significant states of these two characters in an ancestor-descendant-like fashion reveal the existence of seventeen modes of interaction that cover the needs of total, partial and fine-tuning modulation of enzyme activity. These interactions comprise five linear and five hyperbolic inhibition mechanisms, five nonessential activation mechanisms and two hybrid species that manifest either hyperbolic inhibition or nonessential activation characteristics depending on substrate concentration. Five essential activation mechanisms, which are taxonomically independent of the mentioned basic species, complete the inventory of enzyme modifiers. Often masked under conventional umbrella terms or treated as anomalous cases, all seventeen basic inhibition and nonessential activation mechanisms are represented in the biochemical and pharmacological literature of this and the past century, either in the form of rapid or slow-onset reversible interactions, or as irreversible modification processes. The full potential of enzyme inhibitors and activators can only be appreciated after elucidating the details of their kinetic mechanisms of action exploring the entire range of physiologically significant reactant concentrations. This book highlights the wide spectrum of allosteric enzyme modification in physiological occurrences as well as in pharmacological and biotechnological applications that embrace simple and multiple enzyme-modifier interactions. The reader is guided in the journey through this still partly uncharted territory with the aid of mechanistically-oriented criteria aimed at showing the logical way towards the identification of a particular mechanism.

Proteolysis is an irreversible posttranslational modification affecting each and every protein from its biosynthesis to its degradation. Limited proteolysis regulates targeting and activity throughout the lifetime of proteins. Balancing proteolysis is therefore crucial for physiological homeostasis. Control mechanisms include proteolytic maturation of zymogens resulting in active proteases and the shut down of proteolysis by counteracting endogenous protease inhibitors. Beyond the protein level, proteolytic enzymes are involved in key decisions during development that determine life and death – from single cells to adult individuals. In particular, we are becoming aware of the subtle role that proteases play in signaling events within proteolysis networks, in which the enzymes act synergistically and form alliances in a web-like fashion. Proteases come in different flavors. At least five families of mechanistically distinct enzymes and even more inhibitor families are known to date, many family members are still to be studied in detail. We have learned a lot about the diversity of the about 600 proteases in the human genome and begin to understand their physiological roles in the degradome. However, there are still many open questions regarding their actions in pathophysiology. It is in this area where the development of small molecule inhibitors as therapeutic agents is extremely promising. Approaching proteolysis as the most important, irreversible post-translational protein modification essentially requires an integrated effort of complementary research disciplines. In fact, proteolytic enzymes seem as diverse as the scientists working with these intriguing proteins. This book reflects the efforts of many in this exciting field of research where team and network formations are essential to move ahead.

Far more than a comprehensive treatise on initial-rate and fast-reaction kinetics, this one-of-a-kind desk reference places enzyme science in the fuller context of the organic, inorganic, and physical chemical processes occurring within enzyme active sites. Drawing on 2600 references, Enzyme Kinetics: Catalysis & Control develops all the kinetic tools needed to define enzyme catalysis, spanning the entire spectrum (from the basics of chemical kinetics and practical advice on rate measurement, to the very latest work on single-molecule kinetics and mechanoenzyme force generation), while also focusing on the persuasive power of kinetic isotope effects, the design of high-potency drugs, and the behavior of regulatory enzymes. - Historical analysis of kinetic principles including advanced enzyme science - Provides both theoretical and practical measurements tools - Coverage of single molecular kinetics - Examination of force generation mechanisms - Discussion of organic and inorganic enzyme reactions

Drug metabolism and transport are very important facets within the discipline of pharmaceutical sciences, with enzyme kinetic concepts utilized regularly in characterizing and modeling the disposition and elimination of drugs. Enzyme Kinetics in Drug Metabolism: Fundamentals and Applications focuses on very practical aspects of applying kinetic principles to drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Divided into five convenient sections, topics include the fundamental principles of enzyme kinetics, the kinetics of oxidative and conjugative drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters, modeling approaches for both drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters including novel systems biology approaches, understanding of variability both experimental and interindividual (pharmacogenomic), and case studies that provide real life examples of applying these principles. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics especially suitable for the novice, in some cases step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and insights to help with troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls with extensive cross referencing to assist in learning. Authoritative and easily accessible, Enzyme Kinetics in Drug Metabolism: Fundamentals and Applications serves as a very practical teaching tool for novice, non-mathematically trained scientists interested in these fundamental concepts and as an aid for their supervisors in teaching these principles.

Bridging the gap between basic and clinical science concepts, the Textbook of Veterinary Physiological Chemistry, Third Edition offers broad coverage of biochemical principles for students and practitioners of veterinary medicine. The only recent biochemistry book written specifically for the veterinary field, this text covers cellular-level concepts related to whole-body physiologic processes in a reader-friendly, approachable manner. Each chapter is written in a succinct and concise style that includes an overview summary section, numerous illustrations for best comprehension of the subject matter, targeted learning objectives, and end of the chapter study questions to assess understanding. With new illustrations and an instructor website with updated PowerPoint images, the Textbook of Veterinary Physiological Chemistry, Third Edition, proves useful to students and lecturers from diverse educational backgrounds. Sectional exams and case studies, new to this edition, extend the breadth and depth of learning resources. - Provides newly developed case studies that demonstrate practical application of concepts - Presents comprehensive sectional exams for self-assessment - Delivers instructor website with updated PowerPoint images and lecture slides to enhance teaching and learning - Employs a succinct communication style in support of quick comprehension

-A landmark in the continuously changing world of drugs -Essential reading for scientists and managers in the pharmaceutical industry involved in drug finding, drug development and decision making in the development process -Of use for government institutions and committees working on official guidelines for drug evaluation worldwide

Systems biology is a term used to describe a number of trends in bioscience research and a movement that draws on those trends. This volume in the Methods in Enzymology series comprehensively covers the methods in systems biology. With an international board of authors, this volume is split into sections that cover subjects such as machines for systems biology, protein production and quantification for systems biology, and enzymatic assays in systems biology research. This volume in the Methods in Enzymology series comprehensively covers the methods in systems biology With an international board of authors, this volume is split into sections that cover subjects such as machines for systems biology, protein production and quantification for systems biology, and enzymatic assays in systems biology research