In this contribution, several specialists describe the current knowledge on the molecular networks that regulate cell cycle progression, with an emphasis on the G1 phase of the cell cycle. The first part of Regulation of G1 Phase Progression is concerned with the individual molecules that form the network, including cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, inhibitors of these kinases and retinoblastoma and p53. The second section describes the signaling cascades by which external factors influence the cell cycle network, including mitogens, the extracellular matrix, nutrients and...

In vertebrates, the integrin family includes 24 members. As the alpha-chains were sequenced, some were observed to have an inserted domain similar to the A domain in several matrix and complement proteins. This inserted ligand binding domain is interactive and was called the I domain in integrins. More recently structural data have shown that an integrin beta-chain also contains an I domain. Nine of the currently known 18 alpha-chains contain an I domain.
This book systematically goes through the current knowledge about these integrins, including the newest additions to the integrin...

The CFTR chloride channel is one of the most well studied transport proteins in biology. Yet there remain many mysteries about the functional properties and biological roles of this ABC transporter. The Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator addresses a select series of hot' topics that relate to the function of CFTR, and the links between CFTR dysfunction and human disease (i.e., cystic fibrosis). The timeliness of these topics distinguishes this collection from previous volumes of this type. Given the general interest in CFTR, this collection will appeal to a...

Wnt genes code for a family of secreted glycoproteins which fulfil important functions during the development of vertebrates and invertebrates. Wnts regulate as different aspects as differentiation, proliferation, cell migration, and cell polarity. Wnt proteins are able to activate different intracellular signaling cascades.
This book describes different aspects of Wnt signaling during development of different species like the mouse, Xenopus, chicken, C. elegans or Drosophila and in different cellular contexts like heart formation or limb bud patterning. By doing such, this book provides,...

The B7-CD28 family molecules are probably the most intensively studied receptor-ligand systems in the field of immunology. This is evident from the explosive accumulation of literature, particularly in the last ten years. Recent years have witnessed rapid discoveries and characterization of new receptors and ligands in the family. These new pathways, although still in their infancy, have already brought much excitement to the field. However, until now, there has been no single volume to cover this entire area. This book was created to bring together state-of-the-art information and critical...

This book is unique in providing pertinent information on the various established roles carbohydrate play in the immune system and how the innate and adaptive immune systems respond to this type of microbial antigens.
The editors selected only topics that have established basic and clinical relevance to this field. The topics from basic research are organised like a textbook, in order to guide the readers through complex sets of events that lead to clearance of or to immune responses toward carbohydrate antigens. The book is clear, concise and contains fully annotated summaries of the key...