- Table View
- List View
Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
by Undurti N. DasThe book describes how the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules is related to health and disease. It is suggested that many diseases are initiated and their progress is influenced by inflammatory molecules and a decrease in the production and/or action of anti-inflammatory molecules and this imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules seems to have been initiated in the perinatal period. This implies that strategies to prevent and manage various adult diseases should start in the perinatal period. An alteration in the metaolism of essential fatty acids and their anti-inflammatory molecules such as lipoxins, resolvins, protecitns, maresins and nitrolipids seems to play a major role in the pathobiology of several adult diseases. Based on these concepts, novel therapeutic approaches in the management of insulin resistance, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, cancer, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other auto-immune diseases are presented. Based on all these evidences, a unified concept that several adult diseases are due to an alteration in the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules is discussed and novel methods of their management are presented.
Molecular Basis of Hematopoiesis
by Amittha Wickrema Barbara KeeAlthough much is known with respect to blood cell formation and function, many new concepts in the areas of the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell commitment and the subsequent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of progenitors have been elucidated in the last five years. Our understanding of the microenvironment where stem cells reside and commit to distinct blood types (the niche) has grown significantly in recent years. Furthermore, blood cells have been used as the key model system to study microRNA function and the role of microRNAs in the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. The current volume Molecular Basis of Hematopoiesis, edited by Amittha Wickrema & Barbara Kee, provides the most recent developments in the area in addition to a chapter on the utilization of basic science knowledge for the treatment of blood diseases. Each chapter in this book has been written and edited by faculty in major academic and research institutions around the world, who are pushing the frontiers of research in this important area.
Molecular Basis of Human Blood Group Antigens (Blood Cell Biochemistry #6)
by PhilippeRouger Jean-PierreCartronThe science of blood groups was born at the beginning of this century, when the field of immunology married that of genetics. Most of the subsequent progress in immunogenetics was achieved by British investigators. The six consecutive editions of the unequaled Blood Groups in Man have long been considered as the bible of blood groupers. It is quite unfortunate that this book has not been revisited since 1975. Although one cannot do without immunogenetics, which remains useful for the identification of new blood groups and genetic studies, the focus of interest has moved somewhat today. After several decades, the molecular basis of blood groups can be investigated by biochemists. From 1950 to 1980, the ABO, Hh, and Lewis blood groups served as models and their chemical basis came to be established. The red cell membrane glycophorins carrying the MN and Ss antigens and the glycolipids with P blood group specificities were also identified and characterized. The chemical basis of the other groups, however, remained largely unknown.
The Molecular Basis of Human Cancer
by William B. Coleman Gregory J. TsongalisThis book covers the concepts of molecular medicine and personalized medicine. Subsequent chapters cover the topics of genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics, as the tools of molecular pathology and foundations of molecular medicine. These chapters are followed by a series of chapters that provide overviews of molecular medicine as applied broadly to neoplastic, genetic, and infectious diseases, as well as a chapter on molecular diagnostics. The volume concludes with a chapter that delves into the promise of molecular medicine in the personalized treatment of patients with complex diseases, along with a discussion of the challenges and obstacles to personalized patient care.The Molecular Basis of Human Cancer, Second Edition, is a valuable resource for oncologists, researchers, and all medical professionals who work with cancer.
The Molecular Basis of Human Cancer
by William B. Coleman Gregory J. TsongalisInternationally renowned basic and clinical scientists provide an account of our best current understanding of the genetics of cancer. These authoritative contributors describe in detail each of the known molecular mechanisms governing neoplastic transformation in the breast, prostate, lung, liver, colon, and skin, and in the leukemias and lymphomas. Their discussion illuminates both recent developments and established concepts in epidemiology, molecular techniques, oncogenesis, and mutation mechanisms, as well as the chemical, viral, and physical mechanisms in cancer induction.
Molecular Basis of Human Cancer (Nato Science Series A: #209)
by C. NicoliniDuring May 21-June 1 1990, the eleventh course of the International School of Pure and Applied Biostructure, a NATO Advanced Study Institute, was held at the Ettore Majorana Center for Scientific Culture in Erice, Italy, co-sponsored by the Italian Ministry of Universities and of Scientific and Technological Research, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Italian National Research Council, the Sicilian Regional Government and Technobiochip. The subject of the course was "Molecular Basis of Human Cancer" with participants selected worldwide from 15 different countries. The purpose of the course was to address, in a tutorial and structural fashion, the molecular basis of human cancer, including the mechanism of signal transduction in mammalian cells, the genetic mechanism of malignant transformation in man, growth factors, hormone receptors, cell membrane and cytoskeleton, and DNA high order structure. The course had this as its major objective and the resulting book reflects it. The participants were exposed to a critical evaluation of current knowledge about cancer and to some of the key problems that remain as stumbling blocks to our eventual understanding of this important biological and medical problem. Through the media of formal and informal lectures, workshops, symposia and informal discussions, a select group of interested young and senior scientists were acquainted with many of the aspects of human cancer.
Molecular Basis of Insulin Action
by Michael P. CzechOne day, in a moment of weakness, I fell prey to the temptation to organize and edit this volume on the mechanism of insulin action. The major reason for attempting to resist, of course, is the amazing speed at which advances are being made in this field. The usefulness of books such as this is often quickly compromised by new findings obtained during and just after publication. Happily for the contributors to this volume and myself, this unfortunate fate does not appear to be in store for us. New and important findings will undoubtedly continue to flow in this field during the next few years, but I believe this will increase rather than decrease the usefulness of this volume. As a matter of fact, as we go to press, I am delighted both that I was tempted and that I failed to resist. There are two basic reasons for my enthusiasm about this book, and they both relate to this issue of timeliness. First, each of the contributors has had an opportunity to update the scientific content of the various chapters only a few months before actual publication of this volume. The material presented in this volume is, at publication, contemporary with the current original literature. This volume thus provides an ex cellent framework for assessing new discoveries in this field for some time to come.
Molecular Basis of Lymphokine Action (Experimental Biology and Medicine #18)
by David R. Webb Carl W. Pierce Stanley CohenThe Fifth International Lymphokine Workshop was convened in Clearwater Beach, Florida, January 11-15, 1987. The theme chosen for the meeting was 'The Molecular Basis of Lymphokine Action," which reflected the opinion of the organizers as to how far the field had moved since the first Lymphokine Workshop only eleven years ago. As was evident at the last Lymphokine Workshop held in 1985, the contribution of molecular biology, particularly in the cloning of lymphokine genes, continues to play an important role in clarifying the structure of lymphokines, providing recombinant (read "pure") proteins for biological studies, and suggesting directions for studies of the molecular basis of lymphokine activity. The most recent lymphokines to yield to molecular cloning meth odology were the B-cell growth and differentiation factors, in partic ular BSF-1 or, as it is sometimes termed, interleukin 4. One of the surprises from this research is the broad spectrum of activities that can be attributed to this molecule, aside from its effects on B-cells, thus perhaps justifying its being called an interleukin. The interleukin 2 symposium demonstrated that even in a well-established research area, controversy and excitement can continue, when evidence was presented by several investigators indicating the presence of a second "converter" protein that changes the affinity of the now classical Tac antigen from a low to a high affinity IL-2 receptor.
Molecular Basis of Membrane-Associated Diseases
by Angelo Azzi Zdenek Drahota Sergio PapaBiological membranes are often effected by diseases. Molecular events leading to or arising from pathological changes in the course of different diseases are as yet not clearly understood. This competent study by leading experts covers changes of the cellular environment, membranes and the metabolic functions during tissue growth and differentiation as well as aspects of abnormal organelle function in lysosomal storage diseases, peroxisomal and mitochondrial disorders, enzyme defects and regulatory defects of receptors due to oncogenes.
Molecular Basis of Motility: 26. Colloquium am 10.-12. April 1975 (Colloquium der Gesellschaft für Biologische Chemie in Mosbach Baden #26)
by L. M. G. Jr. Heilmeyer J. C. Rüegg T. Wieland
Molecular Basis of Multiple Sclerosis: The Immune System (Results and Problems in Cell Differentiation #51)
by Roland Martin Andreas LutterottiDespite major efforts by the scientific community over the years, our understanding of the pathogenesis or the mechanisms of injury of multiple sclerosis is still limited. Consequently, the current strategies for treatment and management of patients are limited in their efficacy. The mechanisms of tissue protection and repair are probably even less understood. One reason for these limitations is the enormous complexity of the disease and every facet of its pathogenesis, the mechanisms of tissue injury, the diagnostic procedures and finally the efficacy of treatments and their side effects. The aim of this book is to review the most recent advances made in this highly complex field.
Molecular Basis of Neurological Disorders and Their Treatment
by J.W. Gorrod A. Albano E. Ferrari S. Papacytochemical techniques (ICC) which provide a useful adjunct to investigations by immunoblotting. A particular advantage of a cytochemical approach to the investiga tion of mitochondrial disorders is that it allows the mosaic distribution of certain of these defects to be detected, whereas the tissue homogeniza tion involved in conventional enzyme assays or immunoblotting precludes this. A further advantage of MEA or ICC is that only small amounts of tissue are needed, which is important since many of the affected patients are infants or small children. The main aim of this communica tion is to outline ways in which these techniques can be used in the diagnosis and further investigation of mitochondrial disorders. Reference will be made not only to those situations in which MEA and ICC offer advantages over standard enzyme asays and immunoblotting but also to contexts in which the reverse applies. 4. 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS Muscle biopsies for cytochemical investigation were snap-frozen using isopentane cooled to - 150°C in liquid nitrogen. Samples were stored in heat-sealed polythene packets in the vapour phase of liquid nitrogen containers. 4. 2. 1 Microphotometric enzyme assays Frozen sections 8 Jlm thick were cut using a Reichert-J ung Frigocut cryostat microtome equipped with motor-driven cutting action to maintain maximal reproducibility of section thickness. Sections were picked up on microscope slides and air-dried for 15 min at room temperature.
Molecular Basis of Pancreas Development and Function (Endocrine Updates #11)
by Joel F. Habener Mehboob HussainDiabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in prevalence throughout both developed and developing countries. The social and economic burden of this disease is estimated to cost 14 billion dollars worldwide. In the USA alone, 15 million individuals are diabetic, nearly half of them unaware of their condition. Complications of diabetes mellitus are the leading causes for blindness, limb amputation and chronic renal failure and kidney transplantation in industrialized countries. Further, diabetes mellitus per se and the metabolic derangement associated with diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, as defined by an elevated fasting blood glucose level is presently subdivided in etiologically distinct groups. The most prevalent being type 2 (adult onset) diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and failure of the ~-cell to supply insulin in amounts sufficient to meet the body's needs. Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, most commonly with an onset during childhood and adolescence, is caused by an auto-immune destruction of the pancreatic ~-cells. The causations of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve a combination of complex genetic traits and environmental influences. A third category are the mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY). This comparatively small group of patients (-10% of diabetes) presents relative early in life «30 years of age) compared to the more common late onset type 2 diabetes.
Molecular Basis of Pulmonary Disease: Insights from Rare Lung Disorders (Respiratory Medicine)
by Francis X. McCormack Ralph J. Panos Bruce C. TrapnellThe study of rare lung disorders enhances our understanding of common pulmonary diseases such as fibrosis and emphysema. Molecular Basis of Lung Disease: Insights from Rare Disorders brings together a panel of distinguished clinicians and molecular scientists who are experts in a range of rare lung diseases and their underlying molecular defects. Each chapter focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets suggested by basic research and follows an easy to read format: brief introduction followed by discussion of epidemiology, genetic basis and molecular pathogenesis, animal models, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, conventional management and treatment strategies, as well as future therapeutic targets and directions. Disorders ranging from the Marfan and Goodpasture’s syndromes to Sarcoidosis and alpha one titrypsin deficiency are treated in detail. Written for pulmonary clinicians and scientists alike, Molecular Basis of Lung Disease: Insights from Rare Disorders is a comprehensive and invaluable nesource that sheds new light on the molecular mechanisms influencing the clinical presentation and treatment strategies for these debilitating disorders.
Molecular Basis of Reproductive Endocrinology (Serono Symposia USA)
by Peter C. K. Leung, Aaron J. W. Hsueh and Henry G. FriesenRecent advances in molecular biology have provided new dimensions in the study of the reproductive system. There has been major progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hormone action in the past few' years. The symposium on "Molecular Basis of Reproductive Endocrinology" was organized to highlight new research findings on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The emphasis of the symposium was on physiological questions answered by the molecular biology approach. Studies on the functional relevance of gonadotropin releasing hormone and LH and FSH gene expression were presented, together with research on the molecular biology of ovarian and testicular steroidogenic enzymes and protein hormones. Also, several novel aspects of hormone gene expression in placental tissues were reviewed. The symposium was held July 25 to 26, 1991, immediately prior to the 24th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Serono Symposia, USA generously financed and coordinated the meeting. We are indebted to Dr. Bruce K. Burnett and Dr. L. Lisa Kern for their professional assistance in the organization of the symposium. We would also like to thank Drs. Victor Gomel, Basil Ho Yuen, and John Challis, who served as session moderators. Most of all, we truly appreciate the efforts of all the invited speakers, poster presenters, and discussants in making this a memorable event as the largest one-day meeting of the Serono Symposia USA, series.
Molecular Basis of Resilience: Adapting to a Changing Environment
by Patrick L. IversenThis book illuminates mechanisms of resilience. Threats and defense systems lead to adaptive changes in gene expression. Environmental conditions may dampen adaptive responses at the level of RNA expression. The first seven chapters elaborate threats to human health. Human populations spontaneously invade niche boundaries exposing us to threats that drive the resilience process. Emerging RNA viruses are a significant threat to human health. Antiviral drugs are reviewed and how viral genomes respond to the environment driving genome sequence plasticity. Limitations in predicting the human outcome are described in “nonlinear anomalies.” An example includes medical countermeasures for Ebola and Marburg viruses under the “Animal Rule.” Bacterial infections and a review of antibacterial drugs and bacterial resilience mediated by horizontal gene transfer follow. Chapter 6 shifts focus to cancer and discovery of novel therapeutics for leukemia. The spontaneous resolution of AML in children with Down syndrome highlights human resilience. Chapter 7 explores chemicals in the environment. Examples of chemical carcinogenesis illustrate how chemicals disrupt genomes. Historic research ignored RNA damage from chemically induced nucleic acid damage. The emergence of important forms of RNA and their possible role in resilience is proposed. Chapters 8-10 discuss threat recognition and defense systems responding to improve resilience. Chapter 8 describes the immune response as a threat recognition system and response via diverse RNA expression. Oligonucleotides designed to suppress specific RNA to manipulate the immune response including exon-skipping strategies are described. Threat recognition and response by the cytochrome P450 enzymes parallels immune responses. The author proposes metabolic clearance of small molecules is a companion to the immune system. Chapter 10 highlights RNA diversity expressed from a single gene. Molecular Resilience lists paths to RNA transcriptome plasticity forms the molecular basis for resilience. Chapter 11 is an account of ExonDys 51, an approved drug for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Chapter 12 addresses the question “what informs molecular mechanisms of resilience?” that drives the limits to adaptation and boundaries for molecular resilience. He speculates that radical oxygen, epigenetic modifications, and ligands to nuclear hormone receptors play critical roles in regulating molecular resilience.
Molecular Basis of Specificity in Nucleic Acid-Drug Interactions: Proceedings of the Twenty-Third Jerusalem Symposium on Quantum Chemistry and Biochemistry Held in Jerusalem, Israel, May 14–17, 1990 (Jerusalem Symposia #23)
by A. Pullman Joshua JortnerOne of the central problems in the study of the mechanism of DNA-ligand interactions is the existence and nature of sequence specificity with respect to the base pairs of DNA. The presence of such a specificity could be of particular significance because it might possibly mean the involvement of specific genes in the effectiveness of the different drugs. The elucidation of the factors responsible for the specificity could then be important for the development of compounds susceptible to contribute to the control of gene expression and also to the development of rationally conceived, improved new generations of effective and specific chemotherapeutic agents. Important recent achievements, experimental and theoretical, in the analysis of such sequence specificities open prospects for possible rapid progress in this field. The 23rd Jerusalem symposium was devoted to the exploration of these recent achievements in relation to many types of ligand, with special emphasis on antitumor drugs. All major types of interaction, intercalation, groove binding, covalent linking, coordination, have been considered. So was also the effect of the interaction on the structure and properties of the nucleic acids and the relationship between the interaction and biological or pharmacological activities. We feel that this Volume presents a relatively complete up-to-date account of the state of the art in this important field of research.
Molecular Basis of Thyroid Cancer (Cancer Treatment and Research #122)
by Nadir R. Farid- This series is indexed in index Medicus - The turn around time for this series is fast, making the research as accurate as a journal
Molecular Basis of Viral and Microbial Pathogenesis: April 9-11, 1987 (Colloquium der Gesellschaft für Biologische Chemie in Mosbach Baden #38)
by Rudolf Rott Werner GoebelElucidation of the mechanisms of pathogenesis underlying the diseases caused by viruses and bacteria has fascinated scientists for many years in two ways. Firstly, these pathogenic agents represent relatively sim ple biological systems for the study of basic biological processes such as replication, gene regulation, genetic variability and host-pathogen interactions. Secondly, process in this field is valuable in a practi cal sence, since it can help in the control of these diseases. The avail ability of new genetic and immunological techniques, especially recom binant DNA methods and monoclonal antibody technology, has provided powerful tools for unravelling the genetic, biochemical and immunologi cal basis of viral and microbial pathogenesis. Molecular cloning has allowed the isolation of single genes or groups of genes related to phenotypes which appear to be immunologically important for pathogene sis. The specific elimination of such genes from the complex genomes of the pathogens can now be achieved with similar genetic techniques. These genetic studies have provided additional information on the role played by specific phenotypic traits in pathogenesis, especially when combined with relevant animal model systems. Furthermore, the struc tural analysis of important virulence factors and surface antigens may allow the prediction of antigenic domains suitable for the development of new vaccines. The 38th Mosbacher Colloquium focuses on the molecular basis of viral and microbial pathogenesis. The virology part begins with the well studied plant viroids. The unusual structure of their genome, as well as knowledge about their replication and pathogenicity, are presented.
The Molecular Basis of Viral Replication (Nato Science Series A: #136)
by R. Bercoffthe discovery of the "splicing" of the gene transcripts, the list would include the whole molecular genetics of the lambda bacteriophage, the notions of "promotor," "repressor," and "integration," the discovery of the reverse flow of genetic information, the very existence of oncogenes, the S'-terminal "cap" struc ture of eukaryotic mRNAs, ... Electronmicroscopy, ultracentrifugation and tissue culture were the landmarks on the way of the young science. During the past few years, however, a major (and not so silent) revolution took place: recombinant DNA technology with all its might entered in our laboratories, and restriction mapping of cloned genomes and sequencing gels have replaced plaque counting and sucrose gradients. The new techniques have made it possible to "dissect" the entire genome of a virus at the molecular level, and studies that would have been dreamt of just in the mid-seventies became the everyday experiments of our days. With new insight into the structure of viral genomes, and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that regulate their expression, our view of viruses was bound to change: this volume bears witness to this impressive advance.
Molecular Beacons: Signalling Nucleic Acid Probes, Methods, And Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology #429)
by Andreas Marx and Oliver SeitzFrom probe design to applications in clinical settings, this book provides a diverse set of instructive examples, guided by experts in the field who offer easy-to-follow experimentals. The book first offers an introduction to the basic principles of fluorescence and then describes applications of fluorogenic probes in real-time PCR, which currently is the gold standard for quantitative DNA and RNA analysis. Coverage extends the potential of realtime as well as advocates simplifications of the probe technologies. It also presents a new simplified molecular beacon design, EasyBeacons, and demonstrates the utility in DNA methylation profiling.
Molecular Beacons
by Chaoyong James Yang and Weihong TanMolecular Beacons explains working principle of molecular beacons, discusses their design, synthesis, purification and characterization, explores their thermodynamic and kinetic properties, and more importantly, reviews their in vivo and in vitro applications with the emphasis on the design and modification of molecular beacons for in vivo mRNA imaging applications.This book is designed to bring together in a single resource an organized and comprehensive view of molecular beacons and will be a valuable resource for academic, clinical and industrial scientists and graduate students who may consider exploring molecular beacons in their research or practice.Chaoyong James Yang is the Lu Jiaxi Professor of Chemistry at Xiamen University, China.Weihong Tan is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering at Hunan University, China and also a University of Florida Distinguished Professor and V. T. and Louis Jackson Professor of Chemistry at the University of Florida, USA.
Molecular Bio-Sensors and the Role of Metal Ions (Metal Ions in Life Sciences Series)
by Thomas J. MeadeVolume 23, entitled Molecular Bio-Sensors and the Role of Metal Ions, of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences (MILS) represents a milestone of contemporary progress and understanding of molecular bio-sensors for metal ions. It is bringing together the latest research in academia and industry, and it also emphasizes the spectrum of evolving regulations from regulatory bodies. This vibrant research area is covered by 31 internationally recognized experts. The impact of MILS-23 is manifested by more than 1300 references and close to 200 figures, more than 100 of them in color; further information is summarized in several tables. In conclusion, Volume 23 significantly advances our understanding of Molecular Bio-Sensors, it is therefore an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from earth sciences, material sciences, physics, pharmacology, enzymology, analytical, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic. • It provides an understanding of the roles that metals play in living systems. • It offers an insight for the demands needed in the clinic. • It reveals the interplay between bio-sensors and therapies. The Series METAL IONS IN LIFE SCIENCES increases our understanding of the relationship between the chemistry of metals and life processes. The volumes reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Biological Inorganic Chemistry and coordinate the efforts of researchers in fields like biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, molecular and structural biology, enzymology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, biophysics, pharmacy, and medicine. The volumes deal with the formation, stability, structure, and reactivity of metal-containing biological compounds of low and high molecular weight. The metabolism and transport of metal ions and their complexes as well as new models of complicated natural structures and processes are in the focus. Consequently, the volumes are an essential source for researchers in the mentioned fields as well as for teachers preparing courses, e.g., in Bioinorganic Chemistry.
Molecular Bio-Sensors and the Role of Metal Ions (Metal Ions in Life Sciences Series)
by Astrid Sigel Helmut Sigel Eva Freisinger Roland K.O. Sigel Thomas J. MeadeVolume 23, entitled Molecular Bio-Sensors and the Role of Metal Ions, of the series Metal Ions in Life Sciences (MILS) represents a milestone of contemporary progress and understanding of molecular bio-sensors for metal ions. It is bringing together the latest research in academia and industry, and it also emphasizes the spectrum of evolving regulations from regulatory bodies. This vibrant research area is covered by 31 internationally recognized experts. The impact of MILS-23 is manifested by more than 1300 references and close to 200 figures, more than 100 of them in color; further information is summarized in several tables. In conclusion, Volume 23 significantly advances our understanding of Molecular Bio-Sensors, it is therefore an essential resource for scientists working in the wide range from earth sciences, material sciences, physics, pharmacology, enzymology, analytical, organic, and inorganic biochemistry all the way through to medicine including the clinic. • It provides an understanding of the roles that metals play in living systems. • It offers an insight for the demands needed in the clinic. • It reveals the interplay between bio-sensors and therapies. The Series METAL IONS IN LIFE SCIENCES increases our understanding of the relationship between the chemistry of metals and life processes. The volumes reflect the interdisciplinary nature of Biological Inorganic Chemistry and coordinate the efforts of researchers in fields like biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, coordination chemistry, molecular and structural biology, enzymology, toxicology, environmental chemistry, biophysics, pharmacy, and medicine. The volumes deal with the formation, stability, structure, and reactivity of metal-containing biological compounds of low and high molecular weight. The metabolism and transport of metal ions and their complexes as well as new models of complicated natural structures and processes are in the focus. Consequently, the volumes are an essential source for researchers in the mentioned fields as well as for teachers preparing courses, e.g., in Bioinorganic Chemistry.