[
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.
[
2006]
Bringing together the latest information into one easily accessible resource, The Dynamic Synapse: Molecular Methods in Ionotropic Receptor Biology explores the diverse tools and technologies used to study synaptic processes. Written by world-renowned leaders in the field, the book delineates newly developed techniques, methods, and conceptual advances used for studying neurotransmitter receptors and other synaptic proteins. A broad array of molecular, biochemical, imaging, and electrophysiological approaches for studying the biology of synapses are described. Specific topics include the use of proteomics to study synaptic protein complexes, the development of phosphorylation state-specific antibodies, post-genomic tools applied to the study of synapses, and RNA interference in neurons. In addition, several chapters focus on methods for gene and protein delivery into neuronal tissue. The use of biochemical, electrophysiological, and optical tagging techniques to study the movement and membrane trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors in the membranes of live nerve cells are also discussed. To complement these approaches, the application of state-of-the-art approaches for achieving long-term alterations in the genetic complement of neurons in vivo using viral vectors or homologous recombinations of ES cells is also described.