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The lungs are the organ for gas exchange between the body and the external environment. Dysfunction of upper airway epithelium and smooth muscle cells leads to pathogenesis of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and other conditions, resulting in airway inflammation and narrowing. Injury to alveolar epithelium and endothelium causes influx of neutrophil and protein-rich fluid from circulation, resulting in edema and disruption of gas exchange. In addition to lung structural cells, immune cells, including alveolar macrophages and lymphocytes play critical roles in the maintenance of lung function. This book contributes to the understanding homeostasis of lun...
This book focuses on neuron signaling in the regulation of metabolism and body weight, and especially on methods used in these studies. Obesity and related metabolic syndromes have reached epidemic status, but still are no effective strategies for prevention and treatment. Body weight homeostasis is maintained by balanced food intake and energy expenditure, both of which are under the control of brain neurons. In the recent years, significant progress has been made in identifying specific neurons, neural pathways, and non-neuron cells in feeding regulation, as well as in delineating autonomic nervous systems targeting peripheral metabolic tissues in the regulation of energy expenditure and m...
Inflammation, once considered a physiological response to foreign pathogens, is now recognized as a crucial pathological player in the initiation and progression of several chronic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and many others. Considering that cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide, the identification of critical inflammatory processes is of utmost importance to devising new immune-based therapeutics that can be added to existing regimens. This book provides detailed information on aspects of inflammation and the manner in which immune activation pathways affect the progression of...
Calcium Entry Channels in Non-Excitable Cells focuses on methods of investigating the structure and function of non-voltage gated calcium channels. Each chapter presents important discoveries in calcium entry pathways, specifically dealing with the molecular identification of store-operated calcium channels which were reviewed by earlier volumes in the Methods in Signal Transduction series. Crystallographic and pharmacological approaches to the study of calcium channels of epithelial cells are also discussed. Calcium ion is a messenger in most cell types. Whereas voltage gated calcium channels have been studied extensively, the non-voltage gated calcium entry channel genes have only been identified relatively recently. The book will fill this important niche.
All hollow organs, such as blood vessels, the gastrointestinal tract, airways, male and female reproductive systems, and the urinary bladder are primarily composed of smooth muscle. Such organs regulate flow, propulsion and mixing of luminal contents and storage by the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells respond to numerous inputs, including pressure, shear stress, intrinsic and extrinsic innervation, hormones and other circulating molecules, as well as autocrine and paracrine factors. This book is a review of smooth muscle cell regulation in the cardiovascular, reproductive, GI, and other organ systems with emphasis on calcium and receptor signaling. Key selling features: Focuses on smooth muscles of different types Describes ion channel signaling mechanisms Reviews calcium and receptor signaling Includes novel, cutting-edge methodologies Summarizes studies of mice with genetically encoding sensors in smooth muscle Chapter 9 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a CC-BY 4.0 license. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tandfbis/rt-files/docs/Open+Access+Chapters/9781498774222_oachapter9.pdf
This volume focuses on the investigatory methods applied to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), one of the most common human genetic diseases. ADPKD is caused by mutations in PKD1 and TRPP2, two integral membrane proteins that function as receptor/ion channels in primary cilia of tubular epithelial cells. Thus, ADPKD belongs to ciliopathies, a group of disorders caused by abnormal cilia formation or function. This proposed book will cover the state-of-the-art methods ranging from molecular biology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, to tools in model animal studies. Key Features Explores the role of cilia in polycystic kidney disease Focuses on myriad state-of-the-art methods and techniques Reviews specific mutations integral to this autosomal genetic disease Includes discussions of model systems
Autophagy and Signaling is an up-to-date overview of the many signaling pathways regulating autophagy in response to different cellular needs. Discussion includes the status and future directions of autophagy signaling research with respect to different aspects of health and disease. These include the roles of autophagy in regulating cell fate, immune response and host defense, nutrient sensing and metabolism, neural functions and homeostasis. The mechanisms and significance of cross-talk between autophagy and other cellular processes is also explored. Lastly, alterations in autophagy observed in aging and age-related pathologies are described.
New Techniques for Studying Biomembranes describes some of the latest methods used to investigate the dynamic distribution of specific lipids in membranes and their effects on other membrane components. The contributors present important discoveries with respect to lipid analysis and lipid interactions with membrane proteins. Various methods, which have been used to study lipid bilayer structure and lipid organization in membranes, include both in vitro and in vivo membrane systems, and study membrane proteins in various membrane systems. Key Features: Reviews both in vivo and in vitro analytical technologies and methods for studying membrane structure and function Explores how lipid bilayer...
Lysosomes are key subcellular organelles that regulate the cell function. Many of the essential activities of the cell are dependent on lysosomes. Dysfunction is linked to multiple diseases - storage disorders, neurodegeneration, immunological diseases and cancer. This book discusses concepts and methods used to study lysosome ion and small molecule transport. The contents will not only attract accomplished investigators in need of a broad review and synthesis of this important subject but will also appeal to young investigators and trainees needing to acquire comprehensive knowledge and technical skills working with lysosomal ion channels and small molecule transporters. Key selling features: Summarizes the endocellular role that lysosomes play with respect to cellular waste disposal Reviews essential cellular functions of lysosomes Explores how lysosome dysfunction is the cause of many metabolic disorders Examines how lysomes are involved in storage diseases Describes various technologies and methods used in lysosome research
Ion channels generate bioelectricity. Recent findings have documented the biophysical properties, the structure, assembly and regulation, and function and dysfunction of nonclassical nervous system ion channels. This book reviews nonclassical ion channel research, ranging from the basic biology, structure, regulations to their functions not only in normal physiology but also neurological disorders, using a variety of cutting-edge techniques and novel animal models.