In this, the post-genomic age, our knowledge of biological systems continues to expand and progress. As the research becomes more focused, so too does the data. Genomic research progresses to proteomics and brings us to a deeper understanding of the behavior and function of protein clusters. And now proteomics gives way to neuroproteomics as we beg

This volume contains the papers presented at the 9th Annual International Conference on Research in Computational Molecular Biology (RECOMB 2005), which was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on May 14–18, 2005. The RECOMB conference series was started in 1997 by Sorin Istrail, Pavel Pevzner and Michael Waterman. The list of previous meetings is shown below in the s- tion “Previous RECOMB Meetings. ” RECOMB 2005 was hosted by the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and Boston University’s Center for Advanced - nomic Technology, and was excellently organized by the Organizing Committee Co-chairs Jill Mesirov and Simon Kasif. This year, 217 papers were submitted, of which the Program Committee - lected 39 for presentation at the meeting and inclusion in this proceedings. Each submission was refereed by at least three members of the Program Committee. After the completion of the referees’ reports, an extensive Web-based discussion took place for making decisions. From RECOMB 2005, the Steering Committee decided to publish the proceedings as a volume of Lecture Notes in Bioinf- matics (LNBI) for which the founders of RECOMB are also the editors. The prominent volume number LNBI 3500 was assigned to this proceedings. The RECOMB conference series is closely associated with the Journal of Compu- tional Biology which traditionally publishes special issues devoted to presenting full versions of selected conference papers. The RECOMB Program Committee consistedof42members,aslistedonaseparatepage. Iwouldliketothank the RECOMB 2005 Program Committee members for their dedication and hard work.

Since the publishing of the first edition, the methodologies and instrumentation involved in the field of mass spectrometry-based proteomics has improved considerably. Fully revised and expanded, Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics, Second Edition presents expert chapters on specific MS-based methods or data analysis strategies in proteomics. The volume covers data analysis topics relevant for quantitative proteomics, post translational modification, HX-MS, glycomics, and data exchange standards, among other topics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Updated and authoritative, Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis in Proteomics, Second Edition serves as a detailed guide for all researchers seeking to further our knowledge in the field of proteomics.

How to design, execute, and interpret experiments for protein sequencing using mass spectrometry The rapid expansion of searchable protein and DNA databases in recent years has triggered an explosive growth in the application of mass spectrometry to protein sequencing. This timely and authoritative book provides professionals and scientists in biotechnology research with complete coverage of procedures for analyzing protein sequences by mass spectrometry, including step-by-step guidelines for sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation. Michael Kinter and Nicholas Sherman present their own high-quality, laboratory-tested protocols for the analysis of a wide variety of samples, demonstrating how to carry out specific experiments and obtain fast, reliable results with a 99% success rate. Readers will get sufficient experimental detail to apply in their own laboratories, learn about the proper selection and operation of instruments, and gain essential insight into the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and protein sequencing. Coverage includes: * Peptide fragmentation and interpretation of product ion spectra * Basic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis * Preparation of protein digests for sequencing experiments * Mass spectrometric analysis using capillary liquid chromatography * Techniques for protein identification by database searches * Characterization of modified peptides using tandem mass spectrometry And much more

Covers all major modifications, including phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sulfonation and and glycation Discussion of the chemistry behind each modification, along with key methods and references Contributions from some of the leading researchers in the field A valuable reference source for all laboratories undertaking proteomics, mass spectrometry and post-translational modification research

The field of proteomics has developed rapidly over the past decade nurturing the need for a detailed introduction to the various informatics topics that underpin the main liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) protocols used for protein identification and quantitation. Proteins are a key component of any biological system, and monitoring proteins using LC-MS/MS proteomics is becoming commonplace in a wide range of biological research areas. However, many researchers treat proteomics software tools as a black box, drawing conclusions from the output of such tools without considering the nuances and limitations of the algorithms on which such software is based. This book seeks to address this situation by bringing together world experts to provide clear explanations of the key algorithms, workflows and analysis frameworks, so that users of proteomics data can be confident that they are using appropriate tools in suitable ways.

This book is dedicated to the characterization of peptides and their applications for the study of biochemical systems. The contributing authors are all leaders in the field of peptide research. Part I, Characterization, presents the most recent advances in select analytical techniques. Part II, Application, presents a variety of specific applications for synthetic peptides. This book is an indispensable aid in the pursuit of new directions in peptide research.