Protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) is known to play a critical role in the control of cell growth and cell death and is thus intimately involved in the development of cancer. More specifically, CK2 has been found to be elevated in all cancers examined. While CK2 levels are known to be high in proliferating normal cells, CK2 has also been found to be a potent suppressor of apoptosis and is a link to the cancer cell phenotype, which is characterized by deregulation of both cell proliferation and cell death. Indeed, it would appear that CK2 impacts many of the hallmarks of...
Protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) is known to play a critical role in the control of cell growth and cell death and is thus intimate...
The unique biology of cardiac fibroblasts and related cells, such as cardiac myofibroblasts and valvular interstitial cells, distinguish them from other fibroblastic cells, a concept that is only beginning to be widely appreciated. Further, the natural signals that stimulate and inhibit cardiac fibrosis within these cells are not well understood. This volume compiles articles that address the molecular mechanisms that control the synthesis and secretion of the cardiac ECM. The book showcases chapters that highlight discussion of role of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), an...
The unique biology of cardiac fibroblasts and related cells, such as cardiac myofibroblasts and valvular interstitial cells, distinguish them from ...
The biological membranes of cellular organization enfold an important group of membrane proteins called the ATPases, which are not only versatile in maintaining chemical gradient and electrical potential across the membrane but also bring metabolites necessary for cell metabolism and drive out toxins, waste products and solutes that otherwise can curb cell functions. ATPases are distributed virtually in all live forms starting from unicellular to multicellular and also in viruses. There are different types of ATPases, which differ in function and structure and in the type of ions they...
The biological membranes of cellular organization enfold an important group of membrane proteins called the ATPases, which are not only versatile i...
Na+-K+ ATPase or Na-pump ATPase, a member of "P"-type ATPase superfamily, is characterized by association of multiple isoforms mainly of it's α- and β- subunits. At present four different α- (α-1,α-2,α-3 and α-4) and three β- (β-1, β-2, and β-3) isoforms have been identified in mammalian cells and their differential expressions are tissue specific. Regulation of Na+-K+ ATPase activity is an important but a complex process, which involves short-term and long-term mechanisms. Short-term...
Na+-K+ ATPase or Na-pump ATPase, a member of "P"-type ATPase superfamily, is characterized by association of multiple isoform...
The heart has a very high energy demand but very little energy reserves. In order to sustain contractile function, the heart has to continually produce a large amount of ATP.The heart utilizes free fatty acids mainly and carbohydrates to some extent as substrates for making energy and any change in this energy supply can seriously compromise cardiac function.It has emerged that alterations in cardiac energy metabolism are a major contributor to the development of a number of different forms of heart disease.It is also now known that optimizing energy metabolism in the heart is a viable and...
The heart has a very high energy demand but very little energy reserves. In order to sustain contractile function, the heart has to continually pro...
Diabetes has long been recognized as a disease of high blood sugar, and there has been a continuous search of the exact reason for its development and effective treatment. In 2005, the World Health Organization had estimated that more than 180 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus and indicated that this figure is likely to double within the next 20 years. Among the 3.8 million deaths each year associated with diabetes, about two thirds are attributable to cardiovascular complications, and diabetes is now considered to be a major metabolic risk factor for the occurrence of...
Diabetes has long been recognized as a disease of high blood sugar, and there has been a continuous search of the exact reason for its development ...
In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing and emerging research in this exciting area. In-depth critical state-of-the-art reviews will be written by established investigators on proteases dysfunctions associated with pathogenesis of different diseases that are known to occur due to deregulation of proteolytic systems. Multidisciplinary approaches demonstrating biochemical and signal transduction mechanisms associated with deregulation of proteases leading to manifestation of the...
In view of rapidly growing research in the deregulation of proteases and their impact in human health and diseases, this book will highlight existing ...
It is now well known that proteases are found everywhere, in viruses and bacteria as well as in all human, animal and plant cells, and play a role in a variety of biological functions ranging from digestion, fertilization, development to senescence and death. Under physiological conditions the ability of proteases is regulated by endogenous inhibitors. However, when the activity of proteases is not regulated appropriately, disease processes can result, as seen in Alzheimer's disease, cancer metastasis and tumor progression, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Thus it is evident that there is...
It is now well known that proteases are found everywhere, in viruses and bacteria as well as in all human, animal and plant cells, and play a role ...
The strongest point of this book titled "Biochemistry of Oxidative Stress: Physiopathology and Clinical Aspects," is that the academic and scientific background of the authors/editors guarantee the authorship of a book comprising all aspects of oxidative stress, ranging from very molecular aspects, to clinical application, including the antioxidant therapy. Of particular importance is the fact that the aforementioned aspects are described in the book in a general section and in three different and important pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer....
The strongest point of this book titled "Biochemistry of Oxidative Stress: Physiopathology and Clinical Aspects," is that the academic and scientific ...
Phospholipases generate lipid signaling molecules through their hydrolytic action on phospholipids and are known to regulate function of a variety of cells under normal and diseased conditions. While several physiological, biochemical and molecular techniques have identified key players involved in different disease processes, phospholipases have also emerged as critical players in the pathogenesis of a number of different diseases including cancer and heart disease. In addition, phospholipases are also implicated in such conditions as brain disorder/injury, kidney and immune cell...
Phospholipases generate lipid signaling molecules through their hydrolytic action on phospholipids and are known to regulate function of a variety ...