"StemBook"

StemBook is an open access collection of invited, original, peer-reviewed chapters covering a range of topics related to stem cell biology written by top researchers in the field at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and worldwide. StemBook is aimed at stem cell and non-specialist researchers. In addition to the contributions of the editorial board and the stem cell research community, the project is being done in collaboration with several other enterprises including Harvards Initiative in Innovative Computing. The Initiative in Innovative Computing created the Scientific Collaboration Framework (SCF), the extensible software infrastructure used for the project. SCF and the StemBook project were funded, in part, by a generous grant from an anonymous foundation and also appreciates the input of WormBase's Textpresso team.

Brown A (2003) "In the Beginning Was the Worm: Finding the Secrets of Life in a Tiny Hermaphrodite"

Brown A

[2003]

This is the story of how three men won the Nobel Prize for their research on the humble nematode worm C. elegans; how their extraordinary discovery led to the sequencing of the human genome; how a global multibillion-dollar industry was born; and how the mysteries of life were revealed in a tiny, brainless worm.

Riddle DL et al. (1997) "C. elegans II"

Priess JR, Blumenthal TE, Riddle DL, Meyer BJ

[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.

(2006) "The Dynamic Synapse: Molecular Methods in Ionotropic Receptor Biology"

[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.

(2011) "TRP Channels"

[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.

(2005) "Mechanosensitivity in Cells and Tissues"

[2005]

The rapidly growing cache of knowledge, which has to a considerable extent been generated by the authors themselves, has not only provided us with new, detailed insights into the function of mechanosensitivity in diverse tissues and organs, but has also displayed the potential therapeutic possibilities that arise from this understanding.

(2011) "Neurobiology of Huntington's Disease, 2nd edition, Applications to Drug Discovery"

[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.

(2009) "Methods of Behavior Analysis in Neuroscience."

[2009]

With contributions from more than 40 field specialists, Methods of Behavior Analysis in Neuroscience reflects six years of updates to its first bestselling edition and elucidates new behavioral approaches that are quickly becoming field standards. This second edition features new material on the relevance of transgenic mouse models for Alzheimer's disease, behavioral methods for assessing the cognitive impairment associated with major psychotic disorders, the revival of the scopolamine reversal model for assessing the clinical relevance of new AD drugs, and new approaches to assessing the cognitive impairment in aged mice.

(2010) "The Neurobiology of Olfaction"

[2010]

The common belief is that human smell perception is much reduced compare to other mammals, so that whatever abilities are uncovered and investigated in animal research would have little significance for humans. However, new evidence from a variety of sources indicates this traditional view is likely overly simplistic. The Neurobiology of Olfaction provides a thorough analysis of the state-of-the-science in olfactory knowledge and research, reflecting the growing interest in the field. Authors from some of the most respected laboratories in the world explore various aspects of olfaction, including genetics, behavior, olfactory systems, odorant receptors, odor coding, and cortical activity. Until recently, almost all animal research in olfaction was carried out on orthonasal olfaction (inhalation). It is only in recent years, especially in human flavor research, that evidence has begun to be obtained regarding the importance of retronasal olfaction (exhalation). These studies are beginning to demonstrate that retronasal smell plays a large role in human behavior. Highlighting common principles among various species-including humans, insects, Xenopus laevis (African frog), and Caenorhabditis elegans (nematodes)-this highly interdisciplinary book contains chapters about the most recent discoveries in odor coding from the olfactory epithelium to cortical centers. It also covers neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb. Each subject-specific chapter is written by a top researcher in the field and provides an extensive list of reviews and original articles for students and scientists interested in further readings.

(1997) "Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment: Modeling and Risk Assessment, ASTM Standard Technical Publication 1317."

[1997]

The urgency and importance of properly conducting a risk assessment, and all the various attributes of the assessment, will remain a significant issue for years to come. STP 1317 explores the use of modeling in developing risk assessments for a variety of environmental situations, including human-health assessments, site-specific assessments, and ecosystem-level assessments. 32 peer-reviewed papers examine several aspects to consider when conducting a risk assessment, including: When is Risk Assessment the Right Tool?, Communication of Risk Assessment, Model Selection and Problem Analysis, Data Quality and Uncertainty