This volume covers the entire spectrum of research on troponin and related muscle proteins, including pathophysiological and clinical aspects. It details recent advances in work on the genetic disorders of cardiac troponin and ryanodine receptor proteins. Many color figures illustrate the three-dimensional structures of the proteins involved in the muscle functions. The book will help readers understand characteristic features of the regulatory mechanisms of striated muscle contraction and their disorders at the molecular level.

The papers in this issue were contributed by close friends, the publication of this issue possible. Owing to some un- coworkers and pupils ofProfessor Setsuro Ebashi. They are expected troubles ofone ofthe editors (M. E. ) the publication dedicated to him to commemorate his great and pioneering ofthis issue has been greatly delayed, for which he sincerely contribution to the advancement of muscle physiology and apologizes to all the contributors and other editors. We biochemistry, which in course of time exerted a great in- believe that this issue reveals the present stateofresearch on...