This volume seeks to enable the discovery of tools in chemical biology by providing readers with various techniques ranging from initial chemical genetic screening to target identification. To successfully highlight the essential components of the chemical biology tool discovery process, the book is organizes into four parts that focus on platforms for molecular discovery in in vitro cellular systems, in vivo chemical genetic screening protocols, and methods used to discover functional protein targets. Written in the highly successful Methods of Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and informative, Chemical Biology: Methods and Protocols seeks to improve the success rate of the chemical biology field through the dissemination of detailed and experiential knowledge.

Current techniques for studying biological macromolecules and their interactions are based on the application of physical methods, ranging from classical thermodynamics to more recently developed techniques for the detection and manipulation of single molecules. Reflecting the advances made in biophysics research over the past decade, and now including a new section on medical imaging, this new edition describes the physical methods used in modern biology. All key techniques are covered, including mass spectrometry, hydrodynamics, microscopy and imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy, electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and nuclear magnetic resonance. Each method is explained in detail using examples of real-world applications. Short asides are provided throughout to ensure that explanations are accessible to life scientists, physicists and those with medical backgrounds. The book remains an unparalleled and comprehensive resource for graduate students of biophysics and medical physics in science and medical schools, as well as for research scientists looking for an introduction to techniques from across this interdisciplinary field.

This volume provides an essential update on fundamental issues, current and new applications, as well as practical protocols to explore the extensive applications of lipases and the potential application of phospholipases. After an overview, the book delves into activity screening and expression, optimization of the biocatalyst production and performances, and applications of lipases, phospholipases, and esterases. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Lipases and Phospholipases: Methods and Protocols, Second Editionserves as an updated reference book for the large scientific community, both seasoned and novice, working with lipases, phospholipases, and related enzymes.

Developmental biology is one of the most exciting and fast-growing fields today. In part, this is so because the subject matter deals with the innately fascinating biological events—changes in form, structure, and function of the org- ism. The other reason for much of the excitement in developmental biology is that the field has truly become the unifying melting pot of biology, and provides a framework that integrates anatomy, physiology, genetics, biochemistry, and cellular and mole- lar biology, as well as evolutionary biology. No longer is the study of embryonic development merely “embryology.” In fact, development biology has produced - portant paradigms for both basic and clinical biomedical sciences alike. Although modern developmental biology has its roots in “experimental emb- ology” and the even more classical “chemical embryology,” the recent explosive and remarkable advances in developmental biology are critically linked to the advent of the “cellular and molecular biology revolution.” The impressive arsenal of expe- mental and analytical tools derived from cell and molecular biology, which promise to continue to expand, together with the exponentially developing sophistication in fu- tional imaging and information technologies, guarantee that the study of the devel- ing embryo will contribute one of the most captivating areas of biological research in the next millennium.

A prerequisite for elucidating the structure and function of any protein is the prior purification of that protein. This necessity has led to the development of many purification schemes and chromatographic methods for the isolation of native proteins from complex sources. In Protein Chromatography: Methods and Protocols, leading researchers present clear protocol-style chapters that are suitable for newcomers and experts alike. The book opens with vital topics in protein biochemistry, addressing such areas as protein stability and storage, avoiding proteolysis during chromatography, protein quantitation methods including immuno-qPCR, and the contrasting challenges that microfluidics and scale-up production pose to the investigator, and then it segues into key methods involving the generation and purification of recombinant proteins through recombinant antibody production and the tagging of proteins, amongst other means, as well as many variations on classic techniques such as ion-exchange and immunoaffinity chromatography. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, protocols chapters include 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. Authoritative and up-to-date, Protein Chromatography: Methods and Protocols will greatly aid scientists in establishing these essential techniques in their own laboratories and furthering our understanding of the many imperative functions of proteins.

RNA-Ligand Interactions, Part B focuses on molecular biology methods. Major topics covered include: solution probe methods, tethered-probe methodologies, in vitro affinity selection methodologies, genetic methodologies for detecting RNA-protein interactions, protein engineering methodologies useful for RNA-protein interaction studies, and cell biology methods.RNA-Ligand Interactions, Part A, its companion, VOLUME 317 focuses on structural biology methods.The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

This volume aims to provide protocols on a wide range of biochemical methods, analytical approaches, and bioinformatics tools developed to analyze the proteome. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Proteomics: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.