The breadth of modern biology is characterized by a comprehension of phenomena at many levels of organization. Such levels of understanding range from the organismal to the molecular. It is when all these levels can be discussed together that a sense of true achievement begins to be felt. The topical area of fatty acid transport and metabolism was the focus of the Third International Conference on Lipid-Binding Proteins held at the University of Minnesota in May 1997. This volume contains a sampling of the proceedings of this meeting.

The second edition of this book on lipids, lipoprotein and membrane biochemistry has two major objectives - to provide anadvanced textbook for students in these areas of biochemistry,and to summarise the field for scientists pursuing research inthese and related fields. Since the first edition of this book was published in 1985 theemphasis on research in the area of lipid and membrane biochemistry has evolved in new directions. Consequently, thesecond edition has been modified to include four chapters on lipoproteins. Moreover, the other chapters have been extensivelyupdated and revised so that additional material covering the areas of cell signalling by lipids, the assembly of lipids andproteins into membranes, and the increasing use of molecular biological techniques for research in the areas of lipid, lipoprotein and membrane biochemistry have been included. Each chapter of the textbook is written by an expert in the field, but the chapters are not simply reviews of current literature. Rather, they are written as current, readable summaries of these areas of research which should be readily understandable to students and researchers who have a basic knowledge of general biochemistry. The authors were selected fortheir abilities both as researchers and as communicators. In addition, the editors have carefully coordinated the chapters sothat there is little overlap, yet extensive cross-referencing among chapters.

Biochemistry of Lipids: Lipoproteins and Membranes, Volume Six, contains concise chapters that cover a wide spectrum of topics in the field of lipid biochemistry and cell biology. It provides an important bridge between broad-based biochemistry textbooks and more technical research publications, offering cohesive, foundational information. It is a valuable tool for advanced graduate students and researchers who are interested in exploring lipid biology in more detail, and includes overviews of lipid biology in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, while also providing fundamental background on the subsequent descriptions of fatty acid synthesis, desaturation and elongation, and the pathways that lead the synthesis of complex phospholipids, sphingolipids, and their structural variants. Also covered are sections on how bioactive lipids are involved in cell signaling with an emphasis on disease implications and pathological consequences. - Serves as a general reference book for scientists studying lipids, lipoproteins and membranes and as an advanced and up-to-date textbook for teachers and students who are familiar with the basic concepts of lipid biochemistry - References from current literature will be included in each chapter to facilitate more in-depth study - Key concepts are supported by figures and models to improve reader understanding - Chapters provide historical perspective and current analysis of each topic

Lipid Signaling and Metabolism provides foundational knowledge and methods to examine lipid metabolism and bioactive lipid signaling mediators that regulate a broad spectrum of biological processes and disease states. Here, world-renowned investigators offer a basic examination of general lipid, metabolism, intracellular lipid storage and utilization that is followed by an in-depth discussion of lipid signaling and metabolism across disease areas, including obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mood-related disorders. Throughout, authors demonstrate how expanding our understanding of lipid mediators in metabolism and signaling enables opportunities for novel therapeutics. Emphasis is placed on bioactive lipid metabolism and research that has been impacted by new technologies and their new potential to transform precision medicine. - Provides a clear, up-to-date understanding of lipid signaling and metabolism and the impact of recent technologies critical to advancing new studies - Empowers researchers to examine bioactive lipid signaling and metabolism, supporting translation to clinical care and precision medicine - Discusses the role of lipid signaling and metabolism in obesity, diabetes, fatty liver disease, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mood-related disorders, among others

This special issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry contains original research papers as well as invited reviews focused in the field of cardiac metabolism and its regulation under normal and disease conditions. These papers cover many areas under intensive and rapid development such as the regulation of fatty acid oxidation in the heart, the role of cardiac glycogen during ischemia, the role of CPT I isoenzymes, the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, cardiac protection through regulation of energy production, the role of fatty acid binding protein under normal and pathological conditions, and several other important topics in this area of research. We hope that this special issue of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry provides an up-to-date source of information for scientists and clinicians interested in the mechanism by which cardiac metabolism is regulated in health and disease and the mechanistic relationship between disturbances in cardiac metabolism and the genesis of cardiovascular diseases.

Crystallography Made Crystal Clear is designed to meet the need for an X-ray analysis that is between brief textbook sections and complete treatments. The book provides non-crystallographers with an intellectually satisfying explanation of the principles of how protein models are gleaned from X-ray analysis. The understanding of these concepts will foster wise use of the models, including the recognition of the strengths and weaknesses of pictures or computer graphics. Since proteins comprise the majority of the mass of macromolecules in cells and carry out biologically important tasks, the book will be of interest to biologists.Provides accessible descriptions of principles of x-ray crystallography, built on simple foundations for anyone with a basic science backgroundLeads the reader through clear, thorough, unintimidating explanations of the mathematics behind crystallographyExplains how to read crystallography papers in research journalsIf you use computer-generated models of proteins or nucleic acids for:Studying molecular interactionsDesigning ligands, inhibitors, or drugsEngineering new protein functionsInterpreting chemical, kinetic, thermodynamic, or spectroscopic dataStudying protein foldingTeaching macromolecule structure,and if you want to read new structure papers intelligently; become a wiser user of macromolecular models; and want to introduce undergraduates to the important subject of x-ray crystallography, then this book is for you.