The biochemistry and cell biology of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are not necessarily straightforward, but basic information on the history of these enzymes, their various functions that extend far beyond the cleaving of the extracellular matrix, and the complex mechanisms that control their expression are valuable to both scientists and clinicians. This volume summarizes the salient features and functions of MMPs and applies this information in a practical manner in order to understand how they contribute to normal physiology and pathology of selected diseases. Chapters by noted clinicians Jean-Michel Dayer, MD in rheumatology, Jian Cao, MD in oncology, and Peter Libby, MD in cardiology, represent important practical and clinically-oriented contributions.

This volume provides a state-of-art-report on the new methodologies in tissue engineering and developments in the biomaterials field based on the extracellular matrix-relevant discovery. Extracellular Matrix for Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials opens with an overview of the latest extracellular matrix research and in Part I, focuses on its biology and its role on cell behavior and cell fate relevant for the design of biomimetic surfaces. Part II details issues regarding the strategies currently applied in the research of biologically inspired materials and material systems for the replacement, repair and regeneration of tissues and organs. Part III presents the latest development methods applying knowledge from biology towards nanotechnology, to promote the restoration of the functionality of a living tissue. The book ranges from fundamental biology associated with tissue regeneration for the development of biomimetic approaches to controlling tissue formation, cell function, differentiation and angiogenesis using factors involved in normal tissue development and function. With the breadth and depth of the coverage of this topic, this book will serve as a valuable reference for anyone working in tissue engineering or biomaterials – from scientists, chemists and biologists through physicists, bioengineers and clinicians.

Interest in the use of stem cells in aesthetic procedures has been increasing rapidly, reflecting the widespread acknowledgment of the tremendous potential of stem cell fat transfer. This is, however, the first book to be devoted entirely to the subject. The book opens by reviewing the history of the development of pluripotent stem cells and the results of research into the biochemistry and physiology of stem cells. Adipose tissue anatomy and survival are discussed and the wide range of aesthetic procedures involving stem cell fat transfer are then described in detail. These procedures relate to the face, breast, buttocks, legs, hands, penis and Poland syndrome. In addition, potential risks and complications are identified. The book has been written by leading experts and will be an invaluable source of information for students, beginners and experienced surgeons in a range of specialties.

This volume examines in detail the role of chronic inflammatory processes in the development of several types of cancer. Leading experts describe the latest results of molecular and cellular research on infection, cancer-related inflammation and tumorigenesis. Further, the clinical significance of these findings in preventing cancer progression and approaches to treating the diseases are discussed. Individual chapters cover cancer of the lung, colon, breast, brain, head and neck, pancreas, prostate, bladder, kidney, liver, cervix and skin as well as gastric cancer, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia and multiple myeloma.

This Special Issue of Marine Drugs gathers recent investigations on the proteomes, metabolomes, transcriptomes, and the associated microbiomes of marine jellyfish and polyps, including bioactivity studies of their compounds and more generally, on their biotechnological potential, witnessing the increasingly recognized importance of Cnidaria as a largely untapped Blue Growth resource for new drug discovery. These researches evoke the outstanding ecological importance of cnidarians in marine ecosystems worldwide, calling for a global monitoring and conservation of marine biodiversity, so that the biotechnological exploitation of marine living resources will be carried out to conserve and sustainably use the natural capital of the oceans.

This detailed book covers numerous expert methodologies to examine Hippo signaling on the structural, molecular, cellular, and organismal level. Beginning with a section on Drosophila genetics, the volume continues with parts exploring molecular and cell biological studies of the Hippo pathway, the use of structural biology and biochemistry, and a brief look at the Hippo pathway in mouse models. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and practical, The Hippo Pathway: Methods and Protocols equips newcomers and specialists alike with key methodologies to accurately define the status of Hippo signaling in their experimental settings.

Signaling Pathways in Liver Diseases, Third Edition again provides hepatologists and hepatology researchers with an expert overview of the complex and novel cellular/extracellular signaling pathways in the liver, and their role in liver diseases. The last few years have seen a great number of developments in this field, which in turn have led to new opportunities for innovative treatments; however, the intricacy of these pathways and their interactions continue to provide a real challenge for clinicians. This outstanding book compiles the emerging knowledge into a single expert resource, cataloguing and organizing it into an accessible and understandable format. With increased focus on the comprehension of cellular mechanisms involved in steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver tumors, which has led to changes in the management of these diseases, this new edition also sees the introduction of exciting new chapters on key emerging areas such as: Autophagy Notch Pathway P13K/PTEN Signaling in Liver Diseases Sirtuins Hepcidin and Iron Epigenetic Regulation of Hepatic Stellate Cells and Liver Fibrosis Oxidative Stress and Signaling in the Liver. Professors Dufour and Clavien have assembled an all-star cast of chapter authors, each of whom has provided clear and appropriate illustrations to reinforce the text, with a key points box offering a concise and handy summary. Self-assessment questions and answers allow the reader to test their own knowledge. Signaling Pathways in Liver Disease, Third Edition is the perfect educational and reference tool to bridge the information exchange between the laboratory, the clinical ward, and the operating room, and an essential tool for the modern-day hepatologist.