Proceedings of a NATO ASI held in Antalya, Turkey, August 31 - September 11, 1997

Written by leading researchers in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, toxicology, biotechnology and cancer, this is a comprehensive update on molecular biology and biochemistry of cytochromes P450 and flavin containing monoxygenases. The volume provides expert analysis of the genetic polymorphism of these enzymes in the clinic, in drug discovery and development, and discussion of their role in predisposition for, and prevention of chemical carcinogens in humans.

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.

With the most comprehensive and up-to-date overview of structure-based drug discovery covering both experimental and computational approaches, Structural Biology in Drug Discovery: Methods, Techniques, and Practices describes principles, methods, applications, and emerging paradigms of structural biology as a tool for more efficient drug development. Coverage includes successful examples, academic and industry insights, novel concepts, and advances in a rapidly evolving field. The combined chapters, by authors writing from the frontlines of structural biology and drug discovery, give readers a valuable reference and resource that: Presents the benefits, limitations, and potentiality of major techniques in the field such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, neutron crystallography, cryo-EM, mass spectrometry and other biophysical techniques, and computational structural biology Includes detailed chapters on druggability, allostery, complementary use of thermodynamic and kinetic information, and powerful approaches such as structural chemogenomics and fragment-based drug design Emphasizes the need for the in-depth biophysical characterization of protein targets as well as of therapeutic proteins, and for a thorough quality assessment of experimental structures Illustrates advances in the field of established therapeutic targets like kinases, serine proteinases, GPCRs, and epigenetic proteins, and of more challenging ones like protein-protein interactions and intrinsically disordered proteins

Cell Culture Methods for in vitro Toxicology introduces the reader to a range of techniques involved in the use of in vitro cell culture in toxicological studies. It deals with major cell types studied in the field of toxicology and will be useful for anyone wishing to start work with animal cell cultures or to refresh their knowledge relating to in vitro cell models. Fundamental chapters deal with the general biology of cytotoxicity and cell immortalisation these are key issues for in vitro systems addressing the `3Rs' principle. Up-to-date overviews deal with the use of cells from liver, brain and intestine. In addition, biochemical analysis of cell responses, biotransformation pathways in cells and recombinant approaches to the early detection of cell stress are also covered in detail. Prominent features of in vitro technologies also include regulation, biosafety and standardisation. Dedicated chapters deal with these issues in a practical way in order to lead the reader to the right source of information. This book provides an up-to-date, informative and practical review of cell culture methods for in vitro toxicology. It will be of equal benefit to students and experienced toxicologists with little experience of in vitro cell culture.

Presented here are recent advances in biochemical, toxicological, and regulatory aspects of oxidative drug metabolizing enzymes. Mainly cytochrome P450-dependent and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO) are covered. Moreover, the book deals with genotoxicity studies and toxicological interactions of environmental chemicals and mechanisms of mutagenicity and tumor formation. The construction of genetically engineered mammalian cells for the production of a specific P450 isozyme and the application of these cell lines in drug metabolism, mutagenicity and toxicity studies are described in detail. Further, insight is provided into how a number of aquatic species cope with pollutants and their genotoxicity.

Microsomes and Drug Oxidations is a record of the proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Microsomes and Drug Oxidations, held in Berlin, Germany in July 1976. The compendium provides an overview of knowledge on the oxidative metabolism of drugs, carcinogens, and various other environmental chemicals. Topics discussed include lipid structure of liver microsomal membranes; interactions between cytochrome p-450 and nadphcytochrome p-450 reductase in the microsomal membrane; impact of drug monoxygenases in clinical pharmacology; and the manner in which oxygen participates in mixed-function oxidation reactions. Pharmacologists, toxicologists, biochemists, and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry will find the book highly insightful.