A recent review of one of my grant applications commented on the ‘rediscovery of tropomyosin’. I was tempted to write back in my rebuttal to the reviewer that I didn’t realise it had been lost. Uncharacteristic maturity prevailed and I resisted the temptation, but I was struck by the underlying observation that research on the str- ture and function of tropomyosin has been somewhat invisible, particularly in terms of the cytoskeleton isoforms. So, how can it be that one of the two major components of the actin filament has been so thoroughly overlooked? I suspect that the answer is disappointingly pedestrian. Whereas the biochemistry of the 1980s revealed the potential of tropomyosin isoforms to diversify the function of actin filaments, the subsequent disenchantment with isoform biology in general in the 1990s inhibited growth of this field. With the development of more sophisticated experimental - proaches we are now seeing a growing realisation of the importance of tropomyosin in regulating actin filaments beyond its pivotal role in muscle contraction. The opportunity to edit this book came at a time when we had written several reviews on different aspects of tropomyosin function and I had just finished the background reading for a comprehensive review of tropomyosin biology. I realised that the field was simply beyond the capacity of any one person to do the field j- tice.

Heart Physiology and Pathophysiology, 4E, provides the foundation for the scientific understanding of heart function and dysfunction, and bridges the gap between basic cardiovascular science and clinical cardiology. This comprehensive text covers all the important aspects of the heart and vascular system. The most important and relevant disorders are presented, with emphasis on the mechanisms involved. The first three editions of this book developed a reputation as the leading reference in cardiovascular science for researchers and academic cardiologists. This recent edition has been updated, expanded, and includes a number of new contributors. It has also been remodeled to expand its usage as a text reference for cardiology residents, practicing cardiologists, and graduate students.Key Features* The most comprehensive book available on this topic* Clear, concise, and complete coverage of all important aspects of cardiovascular physiology/pathophysiology* Completely updated version of the foremost reference on cardiovascular science, including new information on pathophysiology and electrophysiology* Useful tool in bridging the gap between basic science, pathophysiology, and clinical cardiology

This book provides the readers with an up-to-date review of the design, structure and function of a representative selection of fibrous proteins in both health and disease. The importance of the α-helical coiled coil, a conformational motif based on the heptad repeat in the amino acid sequence of all α-fibrous proteins (and parts of some globular proteins) is underlined by three Chapters devoted to its design, structure, function and topology. Specific proteins covered in the text and which depend on the coiled coil for their structure and function, include the intermediate filament proteins, tropomyosin, myosin, paramyosin, fibrin and members of the spectrin superfamily. Also described are fibrous proteins based on the β-pleated sheet and collagen conformations. Recombinant structural proteins, especially of silk and collagen, are discussed in the context of developing new biomaterials with varied applications. Established researchers and postgraduate students in the fields of protein chemistry, biochemistry and structural biophysics will find Fibrous Proteins: Structures and Mechanisms to be an invaluable collection of topical reviews that describe the basic advances made in the field of fibrous proteins over the past decade. This book, written by recognized authorities in the field, provides a clear account of the current status of fibrous protein research and, in addition, establishes the basis for deciding the most appropriate directions for future activity, including the applications of protein engineering and the commercial exploitation of new biomaterials.

Structure and Functions of Contractile Proteins focuses on the analysis of problems on the structure and functions of contractile proteins in which substantial progress has been achieved. The book first offers information on the protein constitution of myofibrils and myosin, including adenosinetriphosphatase activity, reaction with actin, and myosin molecule. The text also ponders on the polymerization of actin, tropomyosin, and the theory of contraction. Discussions focus on model experiments and molecular basis of contraction; structural interrelations of muscle proteins; features of the process of polymerization of actin; and size of the actin molecule. The text elaborates on the contractile proteins of the elementary motor structures of cells, as well as the chemical composition and physicochemical and enzymic properties of flagella and cilia; achromatin apparatus and movement of chromosomes; and structure of the flagella and cilia. Motor apparatus of bacteriophage and features of the movement of protoplasm and the mechanism of permeability are also discussed. The manuscript is a reliable source of data for readers interested in the structure and functions of contractile proteins.

Encyclopedia of Bone Biology, Three Volume Set covers hot topics from within the rapidly expanding field of bone biology and skeletal research, enabling a complete understanding of both bone physiology and its relation to other organs and pathophysiology. This encyclopedia will serve as a vital resource for those involved in bone research, research in other fields that cross link with bone, such as metabolism and immunology, and physicians who treat bone diseases. Each article provides a comprehensive overview of the selected topic to inform a broad spectrum of readers from advanced undergraduate students to research professionals. Chapters also explore the latest advances and hot topics that have emerged in recent years, including the Hematopoietic Niche and Nuclear Receptors. In the electronic edition, each chapter will include hyperlinked references and further readings as well as cross-references to related articles. Incorporates perspectives from experts working within the domains of biomedicine, including physiology, pathobiology, pharmacology, immunology, endocrinology, orthopedics and metabolism Provides an authoritative introduction for non-specialists and readers from undergraduate level upwards, as well as up-to-date foundational content for those familiar with the field Includes multimedia features, cross-references and color images/videos

This book is for therapists involved in exercise therapy for the prevention and treatment of disease. It covers exercise assessment, current prescription guidelines, precautions, exercise design and clinical case studies. The book also includes exercises to increase strength, power, local muscle endurance, range of movement and aerobic capacity and will be relevant to all areas of therapy practice. In addition to the general guidelines, considerations for exercise groups and exercise at home as well as exercise in special patient populations are addressed. This allows therapists who are expert in one area to become familiar with exercise prescription in another. The book underpins therapeutic exercise in general and also addresses specific considerations for particular clinical situations within current guidelines and practical considerations. - Underpinning exercise physiology - Physical principles of exercise design - Guidelines for exercise training - Clinical exercise prescription - Limitations to exercise in common conditions - Example case studies