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[
2017]
During the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research pertaining to the molecular mechanisms that allow for organisms to detect different stimuli, an essential feature for their survival. Among these mechanisms, living beings need to be able to respond to different temperatures as well as chemical and physical stimuli.Thermally activated ion channels were proposed to be present in sensory neurons in the 1980s, but it was not until 1997 that a heat- and capsaicin- activated ion channel, TRPV1, was cloned and its function described in detail. This groundbreaking discovery led to the identification and characterization of several more proteins of the family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels.Intensive research has provided us with the atomic structures of some of these proteins, as well as understanding of their physiological roles, both in normal and pathological conditions. With chapters contributed by renowned experts in the field, Neurobiology of TRP Channels contains a state-of-the-art overview of our knowledge of TRP channels, ranging from structure to their functions in organismal physiology.
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[
2007]
TRP ion channels were first described in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989 and in mammals several years later. In 1997, TRPV1, a member of the TRP channel superfamily (now with more than 60 members in vertebrates and invertebrates but not in bacteria and plants), was described to respond to the pungent ingredients of hot pepper, then named capsaicin receptor. Ever since we have witnessed an explosion of activity in this field of scientific inquiry for obvious reasons. TRP ion channels are critical elements in signal transduction of cellular signaling cascades and of neurosensory processes, which are involved in all five senses. This book, TRP Ion Channel Function in Sensory Transduction and Cellular Signaling Cascades presents 31 chapters written by researchers who have made these key discoveries, such as Dr. Lutz Birnbaumer who discovered mammalian TRP channels, and who continues to conduct TRP ion channel research at the cutting edge of this hyperdynamic area. Because of the burgeoning nature of the field, this book does not represent an all-comprehensive view on TRP channel biology. However, it does shed light on selected topics of outstanding interest in the TRP arena, such as signal transduction in axonal pathfinding, and vascular, renal, auditory, and nociceptive functioning, to name a few, and the spotlight is cast by an international cast of outstanding chapter authors.
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[
1997]
This book is part of an on-going series presenting collections of original research papers and literature reviews on diverse topics in molecular and cellular biology. This volume houses 34 literature reviews and research summaries on various aspects of the biology of Caenorhabditis elegans, a nematode of extraordinary usefulness as a research model. Topics include: the genome, mutation, transcription and its regulation, sex determination, male development, nervous system patterning, feeding and defecation, neural plasticity, and evolution. Appendices house a list of characterized genes, on-line resources, and other information. The text is illustrated, indexed, and includes a common bibliography of over 2000 literature citations.
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[
2011]
The rapid expansion of the TRP field has generated a large amount of excellent original work across many different research fields. However, investigators are not necessarily familiar with the pros and cons of the variety of methods used to study TRP channels. Because of functional and genetic diversity, as well as the different physiological roles they play, techniques used for studying TRP channels range from single molecular analysis to behavioral animal studies. Methods in multiple areas, such as molecular biology, fluorescence imaging, electrophysiology, cell biology, genetics, proteomics, pharmacology, system physiology, and behavioral assessment, are employed to investigate various aspects of these channels. Choosing among many possible topics in these broad areas was a daunting task. A comprehensive review of the field, TRP Channels spans the information gap by providing broad coverage of current methods and techniques commonly used in TRP channel research, and detailed protocols with thorough discussions of the advantages and disadvantages across methods. Some topics covered include 1. Mammalian, Drosophila and C. elegans TRP channels. 2. Practical protocols for functional studies of TRP channels, including TRPC, TRPV, TRPA, TRPM and the intracellularly localized TRPML channels. 3. ThermoTRPs, including the new fast temperature jump apparatus and the high throughput random mutagenesis method for screening critical motifs involved in TRP channel regulation. 4. Cell-based high-throughput screening assays for TRP channels and their applications in drug discoveries. 5. TRP channel functions in native cells, including smooth muscles, neurons, and cancers. Showcasing the current status of the field, TRP Channels covers the major techniques used in various areas of research. The majority of the chapters are protocol oriented, with the goal of providing clear directions for laboratory use. Because of the breadth of the TRP field, the applications of some methods are described in multiple chapters by experts working on a variety of channel types that serve different physiological functions, highlighting distinctive views on how the methodology can be utilized. Some chapters include discussion on the usefulness and pitfalls associated with the use of certain techniques. Together with chapters that offer comprehensive reviews on the functional regulation and other roles of TRP channels, students and investigators new to the field should find this book particularly informative.
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[
2006]
Featuring contributions from distinguished researchers in the field of cognitive therapy research, Animal Models of Cognitive Impairment examines some of the most popular and successful animal archetypes used in the context of drug discovery. It provides integrated coverage of the latest research concerning neuronal systems relevant to cognitive function and dysfunction, assimilating reviews of this research within the context of each chapter. This approach is unique in that it brings together molecular and neurochemical methodologies, behavioral applications in translational models, and clinical applications. This book comprehensively discusses a wide variety of animal models of cognitive impairment, including genetic, lesion, pharmacological, and aging related impairments. It also explores the significance of this research in regards to the treatment of various addictions and disorders such as stroke, autism, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and ADHD.
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[
2011]
In 1993, the genetic mutation responsible for Huntington's disease (HD) was identified. Considered a milestone in human genomics, this discovery has led to nearly two decades of remarkable progress that has greatly increased our knowledge of HD, and documented an unexpectedly large and diverse range of biochemical and genetic perturbations that seem to result directly from the expression of the mutant huntingtin gene. Neurobiology of Huntington's Disease: Applications to Drug Discovery presents a thorough review of the issues surrounding drug discovery and development for the treatment of this paradigmatic neurodegenerative disease. Drawing on the expertise of key researchers in the field, the book discusses the basic neurobiology of Huntington's disease and how its monogenic nature confers enormous practical advantages for translational research, including the creation of robust experimental tools, models, and assays to facilitate discovery and validation of molecular targets and drug candidates for HD. Written to support future basic research as well as drug development efforts, this volume:Covers the latest research approaches in genetics, genomics, and proteomics, including high-throughput and high-content screening. Highlights advances in the discovery and development of new drug therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Examines the practical realities of preclinical testing, clinical testing strategies, and, ultimately, clinical usage. While the development of effective drug treatments for Huntington's disease continues to be tremendously challenging, a highly interactive and cooperative community of researchers and clinical investigators now brings us to the threshold of potential breakthroughs in the quest for therapeutic agents. The impressive array of drug discovery resources outlined in the text holds much promise for treating this devastating disease, providing hope to long-suffering Huntington's disease patients and their families.