In this book, scientists pioneering the field have compiled a series of focused chapters to highlight the relevance of the BCL‐2 family of proteins in apoptosis, physiology and disease. An important focus of this volume is considering the potential TH ERA PEUT IC benefits of targeting apoptosis pathways in the context of human disease. Readers interested in understanding how a cell handles stress and the consequences of dysregulation of this process for human disease will find this book very valuable. It attempts to describe a fascinating area of research where physiology and biomedicine converge at different levels, revealing a trip from the molecular regulation of apoptosis to the impact of this process to the physiology of a whole organism.

Mitochondrial diseases comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare disorders that may affect virtually any system of the body at any age. Due to their complexity, understanding and diagnosing these diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach. This book provides an update on the major features of human mitochondrial diseases: genetic bases, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, and of the new technologies involved in the diagnosis and on the characterization of patients. The 11 chapters examine the unique complex interactions between the mitochondrial and the nuclear genomes involved in the biogenesis and the regulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and their relevance to human disease. We discuss the traditional biochemical and genetic approaches, as well as the new omic technologies, and the cellular and animal models used in mitochondrial research. The last chapter is dedicated to the current treatment options. Authors are worldwide experts in these fields and integrate expertise in both basic science and clinical research. This book is particularly important for both scientists and clinicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

This book provides the first comprehensive coverage of the quickly evolving research field of membrane contact sites (MCS). A total of 16 chapters explain their organization and role and unveil the significance of MCS for various diseases. MCS, the intracellular structures where organellar membranes come in close contact with one another, mediate the exchange of proteins, lipids, and ions. Via these functions, MCS are critical for the survival and the growth of the cell. Owing to that central role in the functioning of cells, MCS dysfunctions lead to important defects of human physiology, influence viral and bacterial infection, and cause disease such as inflammation, type II diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. To approach such a multifaceted topic, this volume assembles a series of chapters dealing with the full array of research about MCS and their respective roles for diseases. Most chapters also introduce the history and the state of the art of MCS research, which will initiate discussion points for the respective types of MCS for years to come. This work will appeal to all cell biologists as well as researchers on diseases that are impacted by MCS dysfunction. Additionally, it will stimulate graduate students and postdocs who will energize, drive, and develop the research field in the near future.

Cyclin Dependent Kinase 5 provides a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of reviews on the discovery, signaling mechanisms and functions of Cdk5, as well as the potential implication of Cdk5 in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Since the identification of this unique member of the Cdk family, Cdk5 has emerged as one of the most important signal transduction mediators in the development, maintenance and fine-tuning of neuronal functions and networking. Further studies have revealed that Cdk5 is also associated with the regulation of neuronal survival during both developmental stages and in neurodegenerative diseases. These observations indicate that precise control of Cdk5 is essential for the regulation of neuronal survival. The pivotal role Cdk5 appears to play in both the regulation of neuronal survival and synaptic functions thus raises the interesting possibility that Cdk5 inhibitors may serve as therapeutic treatment for a number of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mitochondrial research has exploded over the last ~150 years. This book gives an amazing view on a conceptual change in our understanding of mitochondrial biology. It becomes clear that mitochondria are extremely dynamic in nature, controlling life at multiple levels. Mitochondria rule energy conversion, adapt cells well to changing stress and nutrient conditions, and regulate many cellular processes including immunity. The dynamic nature of mitochondria occurs at an intramitochondrial level but also includes its ability to interact with other organelles and to modulate multiple signalling pathways. It is thus not surprising that alterations or inabilities to ensure this dynamic behaviour is linked to ageing and human diseases. The following sections give an updated view on mitochondria: Mitochondrial ultrastructure: molecular mechanisms shaping the inner membrane Mitochondrial cristae and lipid dynamics: from super-resolution microscopy to lipid-OXPHOS interplay Mitochondrial control of cellular homeostasis: from redox signalling to interorganellar contact sites Mitochondria in health and disease: from mtDNA release to Complex I assembly Advanced methods in mitochondrial biology and metabolism research Integrative view on mitochondrial research and outlook The field of mitochondrial research has always been full of surprises and has helped science to advance tremendously. It developed hand in hand with landmark developments in technology, such as super-resolution microscopy (nanoscopy), and is currently influencing an increasing number of scientific disciplines. There is still much ‘new’ to find out about this ‘old’ organelle and I think that you can find interesting and also unexpected aspects of mitochondrial biology in this book. I hope the book will enhance your scientific curiosity and inspire your own research.

A guide to modern scanning electron microscopy instrumentation, methodology and techniques, highlighting novel applications to cell and molecular biology.