When used in the context of reproduction of living cells the phrase "cell growth" is shorthand for the idea of "growth in cell populations by means of cell reproduction." During cell reproduction one cell (the "mother" cell) divides to produce two daughter cells. Cell proliferation, which depends on the intimately linked processes of growth and division, is a fundamental systems-level attribute of all life forms. The precise regulation of proliferation in response to internal and external cues is critical for development, tissue renewal and evolutionary fitness, while the disregulation of cell proliferation underlies a variety of human diseases, most notably cancer and ageing. Historically, breakthroughs in our understanding of cell growth and division have derived from cross-fertilisation of results and ideas from researchers studying a wide range of model organisms, from yeast to humans. The basis for cell proliferation entails the control of key signalling and cell cycle regulators through transcriptional, translational, post-translational, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Indeed, many conceptual breakthroughs in cell regulation have derived from analyses of basic cell cycle mechanisms. This book is dedicated to new research from around the globe in this field.

In recent years, the study of the plant cell cycle has become of major interest, not only to scientists working on cell division sensu strictu , but also to scientists dealing with plant hormones, development and environmental effects on growth. The book The Plant Cell Cycle is a very timely contribution to this exploding field. Outstanding contributors reviewed, not only knowledge on the most important classes of cell cycle regulators, but also summarized the various processes in which cell cycle control plays a pivotal role. The central role of the cell cycle makes this book an absolute must for plant molecular biologists.

The "Progress in Cell Cycle Research" series is dedicated to serve as a collection of reviews on various aspects of the cell division cycle, with special emphasis on less studied aspects. We hope this series will continue to be helpful to students, graduates and researchers interested in the cell cycle area and related fields. We hope that reading of these chapters will constitute a "point of entry" into specific aspects of this vast and fast moving field of research. As PCCR4 is being printed several other books on the cell cycle have appeared (ref. 1-3) which should complement our series. This fourth volume of PCCR starts with a review on RAS pathways and how they impinge on the cell cycle (chapter 1). In chapter 2, an overview is presented on the links between cell anchorage -cytoskeleton and cell cycle progression. A model of the Gl control in mammalian cells is provided in chapter 3. The role of histone acetylation and cell cycle contriol is described in chapter 4. Then follow a few reviews dedicated to specific cell cycle regulators: the 14-3-3 protein (chapter 5), the cdc7/Dbf4 protein kinase (chapter 6), the two products of the pI6/CDKN2A locus and their link with Rb and p53 (chapter 7), the Ph085 cyclin-dependent kinases in yeast (chapter 9), the cdc25 phophatase (chapter 10), RCCI and ran (chapter 13). The intriguing phosphorylation dependent prolyl-isomerization process and its function in cell cycle regulation are reviewed in chapter 8.

Progress in Cell Cycle Research is a new annual series designed to be the source for up-to-date research on this rapidly expanding field. Review articles by international experts examine various aspects of cell division regulation from fundamental perspectives to potential medical applications. Researchers as well as advanced undergraduate and graduate students in cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology will benefit from this series.

Mammalian cell lines command an effective monopoly for the production of therapeutic proteins that require post-translational modifications. This unique advantage outweighs the costs associated with mammalian cell culture, which are far grater in terms of development time and manufacturing when compared to microbial culture. The development of cell lines has undergone several advances over the years, essentially to meet the requirement to cut the time and costs associated with using such a complex hosts as production platforms. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the methodology involved in the development of cell lines and the cell engineering approach that can be employed to enhance productivity, improve cell function, glycosylation and secretion and control apoptosis. It presents an overall picture of the current topics central to expression engineering including such topics as epigenetics and the use of technologies to overcome positional dependent inactivation, the use of promoter and enhancer sequences for expression of various transgenes, site directed engineering of defined chromosomal sites, and examination of the role of eukaryotic nucleus as the controller of expression of genes that are introduced for production of a desired product. It includes a review of selection methods for high producers and an application developed by a major biopharmaceutical industry to expedite the cell line development process. The potential of cell engineering approch to enhance cell lines through the manipulation of single genes that play important roles in key metabolic and regulatory pathways is also explored throughout.

This lively book examines recent trends in animal product consumption and diet; reviews industry efforts, policies, and programs aimed at improving the nutritional attributes of animal products; and offers suggestions for further research. In addition, the volume reviews dietary and health recommendations from major health organizations and notes specific target levels for nutrients.