Two sigma receptor subtypes have been proposed, sigma1 and 2. Much of our understanding of this system is based on biochemical and pharmacological characterization of the cloned sigma1 receptor subtype (Sigma1). It has become clear that sigma receptors are not canonical receptors. Sigma1 is highly conserved among mammalian species, however, it does not share significant homology with any other mammalian protein. Although a range of structurally diverse small molecules bind Sigma1 with high affinity, and it has been associated with a broad range of signaling systems, Sigma1 itself has no known signaling or enzymatic activity. The evolution of this field over nearly four decades has more recently led to a fundamental shift in the concept of “sigma receptors” to what may more accurately and generally be called sigma proteins. Largely based on traditional pharmacologic approaches, the Sigma1 protein has been associated with a broad range of signaling systems, including G-protein coupled receptors, NMDA receptors, and ion channels. Sigma proteins have been linked to a range of physiological processes, including intracellular calcium signaling, neuroprotection, learning, memory, and cognition. Emerging genetic, clinical, and mechanism focused molecular pharmacology data demonstrate the involvement of proteins in a range of pathophysiologies and disorders including neurodegenerative disease, pain, addiction, psychomotor stimulant abuse, and cancer. However, an understanding of the physiological role of sigma proteins has remained elusive. Emerging data associate Sigma1 with chaperone-like activities or molecular scaffold functions. This book aims to provide an updated perspective on this rapidly evolving field undergoing changes in fundamental concepts of key importance to the discipline of pharmacology. It focusses on the reported roles of sigma proteins in pathophysiology and on emergent therapeutic initiatives.

Proteins, Pep tides and Amino Acids SourceBook is the second in a series of reference books conceived to cover the explosive growth in commercially available biological reagents. The success of our first reference work, Source Book of Enzymes published in 1997, encouraged us to continue this series. Choosing proteins, peptides, and amino acids as the subject matter for the second volume was simple, given their preeminence in regulating biochemical processes and their importance to modern molecular biology. The SourceBook series was inspired by our difficulty in locating a suitable replacement for a depleted reagent in the midst of an urgent research project. To our dismay, we found the reagent supplier out of business and the product line no longer available. Other reagent catalogs on our library bookshelf offered a narrow selection and incom plete functional information. We were ultimately able to locate a satisfactory alternative only by making countless inquiries and paging through innumerable product catalogs and technical data sheets. We needed-but could not find-a single resource that cataloged available compounds, organized them in a logical and accessible format, provided critical technical information to distinguish one from another, and told us where we could buy them.

Originally confused with opioid receptors and then orphan receptors with no biological function, Sigma Receptors are now recognized as relevant to many degenerative diseases with remarkable potential as therapeutic targets. In this text, new information about the structure of sigma 1 receptor, its binding sites are provided as well as its expression in many cell types. It’s putative role in degenerative neuronal diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, pain, drug addiction and locomotor activity. Their roles in possible treatments for blinding retinal diseases emphasize the tremendous far-reaching potential for ligands for these receptors. Exciting breakthroughs in this dynamic field in the last decade are reported herein, which will guide future investigators in determining the full potential of this unique, yet abundantly expressed protein.

This fascinating book encourages many microbiologists and students to enter the new world of signal transduction in microbiology. Over the past decade, a vast amount of exciting new information on the signal transduction pathway in bacteria has been unearthed.

Microbiology, 2nd Edition helps to develop a meaningful connection with the material through the incorporation of primary literature, applications and examples. The text offers an ideal balance between comprehensive, in-depth coverage of core concepts, while employing a narrative style that incorporates many relevant applications and a unique focus on current research and experimentation. The book frames information around the three pillars of physiology, ecology and genetics, which highlights their interconnectedness and helps students see a bigger picture. This innovative organization establishes a firm foundation for later work and provides a perspective on real-world applications of microbiology.