Humana Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols: 654 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 654)

Membrane proteins, representing nearly 40% of all proteins, are key components of cells involved in many cellular processes, yet only a small number of their structures have been determined. Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols presents many detailed techniques for membrane protein structure determination used today by bringing together contributions from top experts in the field. Divided into five convenient sections, the book covers various strategies to purify membrane proteins, approaches to get three dimensional crystals and solve the structure by x-ray diffraction, possibilities to gain structural information for a membrane protein using electron microscopy observations, recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular modelling strategies that can be used either to get membrane protein structures or to move from atomic structure to a dynamic understanding of a molecular functioning mechanism. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and easy to use, Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference for scientists seeking to further our knowledge of these vital and versatile proteins as well as our overall understanding of the complicated world of cell biology. Review From the reviews: “This extensive monograph devoted to membrane proteins represents just what the subheading promises: a collection of experimental protocols proven competent in renowned laboratories. … This book introduces the reader to major techniques used in the field of membrane protein structure determination. … Authors show how the synergy between a laboratory experiment and computational modeling leads to structural delineation of the ligand binding pocket and how this knowledge can be used for rational drug design.” (Ľubica Lacinová, General Physiology and Biophysics, May, 2011) “This treatise … is a well-rounded compilation of methodological approaches to solving membrane protein structure. … The appropriateness of these approaches in the membrane structural biologist toolkit is nicely articulated in the example applications and state-of-the-art methodologies are described in detail. … current title has uniquely organized individual chapters to address a broader scope … . the effort should prove valuable to scientists unfamiliar with membrane proteins as well as more experienced investigators wanting to broaden the structural and/or computational tools at their disposal.” (O. John Semmes, Proteomics, Vol. 11, (16), 2011) “This book includes descriptions of modern methods employed for studies of membrane proteins, which represent nearly 40% of all proteins. … gives a brief introduction into problems related to studies of membrane proteins. … this book will be useful for biochemists, membrane biologists, molecular biologists, and biotechnologists, and also for specialists in cell biology and proteomics. There is no doubt that the material of this book will be very useful for teachers and students of colleges and universities specialized in the fields mentioned above.” (G. Ya. Wiederschain, Biochemistry, Vol. 76 (11), 2011) From the Back Cover Membrane proteins, representing nearly 40% of all proteins, are key components of cells involved in many cellular processes, yet only a small number of their structures have been determined. Membrane Protein Structure Determination: Methods and Protocols presents many detailed techniques for membrane protein structure determination used today by bringing together contributions from top experts in the field. Divided into five convenient sections, the book covers various strategies to purify membrane proteins, a