A great deal of talent has been called upon over the past decade to try and understand the structure and the function of different types of foldases; as a result, a remarkable insight into how these enzymes work has been gained. Recently the main focus of research has begun to shift to unveiling the precise role of these folding catalysts in many different processes in which they are involved inside the cell. It is becoming increasingly clear that the cellular functions of foldases go far beyond accelerating the folding of proteins. This is undoubtedly an area where one can expect significant research efforts in the next few years. The present book summarises the current state of knowledge as to the structural and functional properties of four major types of foldases listed above. In structuring the material the author has sought to maintain a balance between historical development and current understanding, while also trying to look to the future and anticipate where the field is likely to move.

A recent volume of this series (Signals and Signal Transduction Pathways in Plants (K. Palme, ed.) Plant Molecular Biology 26, 1237-1679) described the relay races by which signals are transported in plants from the sites of stimuli to the gene expression machinery of the cell. Part of this machinery, the transcription apparatus, has been well studied in the last two decades, and many important mechanisms controlling gene expression at the transcriptional level have been elucidated. However, control of gene expression is by no means complete once the RNA has been produced. Important regulatory devices determine the maturation and usage of mRNA and the fate of its translation product. Post-transcriptional regulation is especially important for generating a fast response to environmental and intracellular signals. This book summarizes recent progress in the area of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in plants. 18 chapters of the book address problems of RNA processing and stability, regulation of translation, protein folding and degradation, as well as intracellular and cell-to-cell transport of proteins and nucleic acids. Several chapters are devoted to the processes taking place in plant organelles.

A comprehensive look at empirical approaches to molecular discovery, their relationships with rational design, and the future of both Empirical methods of discovery, along with serendipitous and rational design approaches, have played an important role in human history. Searching for Molecular Solutions compares empirical discovery strategies for biologically useful molecules with serendipitous discovery and rational design, while also considering the strengths and limitations of empirical pathways to molecular discovery. Logically arranged, this text examines the different modes of molecular discovery, empha-sizing the historical and ongoing importance of empirical strategies. Along with a broad overview of the subject matter, Searching for Molecular Solutions explores: The differing modes of molecular discovery Biological precedents for evolutionary approaches Directed evolutionary methods and related areas Enzyme evolution and design Functional nucleic acid discovery Antibodies and other recognition molecules General aspects of molecular recognition Small molecule discovery approaches Rational molecular design The interplay between empirical and rational strategies and their ongoing roles in the future of molecular discovery Searching for Molecular Solutions covers several major areas of modern research, development, and practical applications of molecular sciences. This text offers empirical-rational principles of broad relevance to scientists, professionals, and students interested in general aspects of molecular discovery, as well as the thought processes behind experimental approaches.

The book provides an updated panorama of the functional relevance of molecular chaperones in the proper folding of client factors, protein-protein interactions, the regulation of key biological functions, the development of ligand-based structural complexes and the consequent pharmacological or biotechnological applications of these processes. The involvement of molecular chaperones in several processes ranging from regulation of transcription factors and protein-protein interactions in bacteria to proteostasis, signaling pathways and cancer are also addressed. The book is an essential consulting tool for researchers, working professionals in academia or industry, and students of all levels who wish to obtain the most relevant and updated information currently available about protein folding and chaperones.

This book is a comprehensive guide to the revolutionary area of systems biology and its application in cell culture engineering. It is designed to offer a state-of-the-art review with in depth assessments and perspectives of post-genomic biology through understanding the molecular and cellular basis of integrated biological systems. The chapters describe the necessary methodologies for performing systems biology research.

Biotechnology is a diverse, complex and rapidly evolving field. Students and experienced researchers alike face the challenges of staying on top of developments in their field of specialty and maintaining a broader overview of the field as a whole. Volumes containing competent reviews on a diverse range of topics in the field fulfill the dual role of broadening and updating biotechnologists knowledge. The current volume is an excellent example of such a book. The topics covered range from classical issues in biotechnology - such as, vehicles for the production of biotechnology products and methods for their detection, separation and analysis - to topics that are focused on the role of biotechnology in the health sciences. The information presented in this book will therefore will be of great value to both experienced biotechnologists and biotechnologists in training.

Transgenic Plants: A Production System for Industrial andPharmaceutical Proteins provides a detailed guide to the principlesand practice of using transgenic plants as a system for theproduction of heterologous proteins. It is unique in that it coversthe complete process of heterologous protein production in plants,from the initial transformation of the plant, through totranscription, transgene stability and finally the downstreamingprocessing events for protein purification. Written by aninternational team of industrialists and academics, this bookdescribes: * the fundamental issues associated with expressing heterologousproteins in plants; * a number of detailed examples of the successful small-andlarge-scale production of proteins; * the essentials of patenting; and * the commercial exploitation. Transgenic Plants: A Production System for Industrial andPharmaceutical Proteins will be of interest to plantbiotechnologists, molecular biologists and protein biochemists inthe biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.