"Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family, which include activins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), are essential intercellular signaling molecules that control of cell proliferation and embryonic development. This book provides a comprehensive view of the different members of the TGFβ family and their receptors, as well as their roles in normal physiology and development and pathological conditions such as cancer"--

This book is devoted to innovative medicine, comprising the proceedings of the Uehara Memorial Foundation Symposium 2014. It remains extremely rare for the findings of basic research to be developed into clinical applications, and it takes a long time for the process to be achieved. The task of advancing the development of basic research into clinical reality lies with translational science, yet the field seems to struggle to find a way to move forward. To create innovative medical technology, many steps need to be taken: development and analysis of optimal animal models of human diseases, elucidation of genomic and epidemiological data, and establishment of “proof of concept”. There is also considerable demand for progress in drug research, new surgical procedures, and new clinical devices and equipment. While the original research target may be rare diseases, it is also important to apply those findings more broadly to common diseases. The book covers a wide range of topics and is organized into three complementary parts. The first part is basic research for innovative medicine, the second is translational research for innovative medicine, and the third is new technology for innovative medicine. This book helps to understand innovative medicine and to make progress in its realization.

Transforming growth factor-[beta] (TGF-[beta]), identified nearly three decades ago, is a secreted polypeptide that functions in critical cell cycle processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and development: It belongs to a large protein family that, in humans, contains 33 members, including activins, inhibins, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth and differentiation factors, and Mullerian inhibiting substance. This volume draws on the world's leading laboratories to comprehensively cover all aspects of the biology of TGF-[beta] and related factors. In addition to providing historical and background information, it describes the cell biology and signaling pathways of TGF-[beta] members in detail, including the roles of TGF-[beta] factors in the development and physiology of humans and model organisms. The last few chapters are devoted to the role of TGF-[beta] members in cancer and other diseases, as well as the possibilities for therapeutics based on knowledge of signaling pathways and macromolecular structures. It serves as a comprehensive reference work for both specialists and researchers less familiar with the field.

This comprehensive encyclopedic reference provides rapid access to focused information on topics of cancer research for clinicians, research scientists and advanced students. Given the overwhelming success of the first edition, which appeared in 2001, and fast development in the different fields of cancer research, it has been decided to publish a second fully revised and expanded edition. With an A-Z format of over 7,000 entries, more than 1,000 contributing authors provide a complete reference to cancer. The merging of different basic and clinical scientific disciplines towards the common goal of fighting cancer makes such a comprehensive reference source all the more timely.

This is the first comprehensive book on Smad signal transduction. Forward looking reviews of Smads are provided in a series of 22 cutting-edge chapters. The book is written for an audience with basic understanding of molecular and cell biology. This volume provides an in-depth review of a rapidly developing field and extensive cross-references between chapters are provided.

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

Gliomas, developing in the brain from the transformed glial cells, are a very special kind of tumor, extremely refractory to conventional treatments. Therefore, for the development of new antitumor strategies, a better understanding of molecular mechanisms responsible for their biology, growth and invasion is still needed. This book is a reference on cellular signaling processes regulating gliomas physiology and invasiveness. The work is focused on the mechanism of nucleotide receptor activation by exogenous nucleotides and formation of complex signaling cascades induced by growth factors, cytokines and cannabinoids. The second edition of the book enriched in new chapters provides a framework explaining how signal transduction elements may modulate numerous genetic and epigenetic alterations, describes the role of local microenvironment in cellular growth, progression and invasion and, in the light of extensive new results, presents perspectives concerning potential targets for gliomas therapy.