The observation that neuropeptide Y (NPY) is the most abundant peptide present in the mammalian nervous system and the finding that it elicits the most powerful orexigenic signal have led to active investigations of the properties of the NPY family of hormones, including peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). Nearly two decades of research have led to the identification of several NPY receptor subtypes and the development of useful receptor selective ligands. Moreover, these investigations have imp- cated NPY in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases, including feeding disorders, seizures, memory loss, anxiety, depression, and heart failure. Vigorous efforts are therefore continuing, not only to understand the bioche- cal aspects of NPY actions, but also toward developing NPY-based treatments for a variety of disorders. To facilitate these efforts, it was decided to produce the first handbook on NPY research techniques as part of the Methods in Molecular Biology Series. In compiling Neuropeptide Y Protocols, I have gathered contributions on techniques considered critical for the advancement of the NPY field from experts in various disciplines. Each chapter starts with a brief introduction, with Materials and Methods sections following. The latter sections are presented in an easy to follow step-by-step format. The last section of the chapter, Notes, highlights pitfalls and the maneuvers employed to overcome them. This information, not usually disseminated in standard research pub- cations, may prove extremely useful for investigators employing these te- niques in NYP research.

During the course of evolution, an imbalance was created between the rate of vertebrate genetic adaptation and that of the lower forms of living organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. This imbalance has given the latter the advantage of generating, relatively quickly, molecules with unexpected structures and features that carry a threat to vertebrates. To compensate for their weakness, vertebrates have accelerated their own evolutionary processes, not at the level of whole organism, but in specialized cells containing the genes that code for antibody molecules or for T-cell receptors. That is, when an immediate requirement for molecules capable of specific interactions arose, nature has preferred to speed up the mode of Darwinian evolution in pref- ence to any other approach (such as the use of X-ray diffraction studies and computergraphic analysis). Recently, Darwinian rules have been adapted for test tube research, and the concept of selecting molecules having particular characteristics from r- dom pools has been realized in the form of various chemical and biological combinatorial libraries. While working with these libraries, we noticed the interesting fact that when combinatorial libraries of oligopeptides were allowed to interact with different selector proteins, only the actual binding sites of these proteins showed binding properties, whereas the rest of the p- tein surface seemed "inert. " This seemingly common feature of protein- having no extra potential binding sites--was probably selected during evolution in order to minimize nonspecific interactions with the surrounding milieu.

Now fully updated and considerably expanded, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., makes available to all protein scientists, and particularly those working with today's pharmaceuticals, the most advanced and reproducible glycoanalysis techniques currently in use. Developed by highly experienced carbohydrate chemists, biochemists, and physical chemists, these detailed, up-to-date, and proven analytical techniques cover the areas of glycoprotein macromolecular structural analysis, oligosaccharide profiling, lipid conjugate characterization, microorganism structure determination, and proteoglycan function. Special attention has been given to advanced analytical techniques in biotechnology during the production of recombinant glycoproteins and other therapeutics. Hailed as "indispensable" in its first edition, Glycoanalysis Protocols, 2nd ed., continues with vital, time-tested techniques addressing the needs of both biomedical researchers and protein macromolecular structural chemists. It will well serve all those starting work on the analysis of glycoproteins, as well as more experienced investigators seeking to augment their expertise.

This much anticipated second edition provides a user-friendly, up-to-date handbook of reliable immunochemical techniques optimized for molecular biologists. It covers the breadth of relevant established methods from protein blotting and immunoassays through to visualization of cellular antigens and in situ hybridization, each with their latest refinements. Protocols for the production and purification of important classes of immunochemical reagents are also provided, including "conventional" and recombinant antibodies, fusion proteins and their various conjugates. This book will open the door to a new generation of immunochemical reagents with exciting possibilities.

Now completely revised and updated from the original, much-acclaimed and bestselling first edition, Basic Cell Culture Protocols, 2nd ed. offers today's most comprehensive collection of easy-to-follow, cutting-edge protocols for the culture of a wide range of animal cells. Its authoritative contributors provide explicit, step-by-step instructions, along with extensive notes and tips that allow both experts and beginners to successfully achieve their desired results. Topics range from basic culture methodology to strategies for culturing previously uncultured cell types and hard-to-culture differentiated cells. Methods are also provided for the analysis of living cells by FACS, video microscopy, and confocal microscopy. Like the first edition, this book should be in every cell culture laboratory and be of use to all who use cell cultures in research.

This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.

A unique collection of hands-on enzyme assay techniques to study polyamines and their function. The techniques range from assay methods for enzymes of polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism to measurements of polyamines, polyamine transport, and polyamine effects on cell growth. The methods are presented by leading researchers who have perfected them to a high art, and include clear, step-by-step instructions with numerous hints and tips to ensure readily reproducible results.