Humana MicroRNA and Cancer: Methods and Protocols: 676 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 676)

The tiny microRNAs (miRNAs) can have huge impacts on the regulation of a variety of genes and play crucial roles in the fundamental cellular processes. Recent miRNA studies change the landscape of cancer genetics by scrutinizing the alterations of genome-wide miRNA expressions in most common cancers and their regulatory functions during the development of cancer. The connections between miRNAs and cancer are widespread enough to warrant more comprehensive investigations in the systems biology perspective. In MicroRNA and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, internationally renowned experts provide the latest miRNA knowledge, the various techniques and methodologies currently available for cancer research application. Ranging from the fundamental concepts to practical applications, this book presents: • Overview of microRNA biogenesis, computational prediction of new miRNAs in the cancer genome, and miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment • Detailed experimental protocols in miRNA detection with novel and high-throughput technology, miRNA library cloning, miRNA epigenetic regulation, and miRNA pathway study • Stepwise computational and bioinformatic procedures for miRNA complex networks in cancer genomes with a variety of softwares and programs • Cross-cited notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls Authoritative and cutting-edge, MicroRNA and Cancer: Methods and Protocols serves researchers with the basic principles of experimental and computational methods for microRNA study in cancer research and provides a firm grounding for those who wish to further develop their own applications and tailor them to their own specific research needs. Review From the reviews: “The recent discovery of microRNAs … has represented a fundamental turning point in our understanding of gene expression. … In this book … the focus has been placed on this particular topic with a particularly strong emphasis towards ‘wet lab’ and computational approaches. … each chapter is nicely presented with detailed stepwise protocols that can be easily followed without any previous experience with microRNA research … . In summary, this is a book that I would recommend for any researcher to have on the shelf.” (Emanuele Buratti, Molecular Biotechnology, February, 2010) “This well-written, well-illustrated, and concise book provides cutting-edge information on microRNA and its applications to cancer research from scientists around the world. … It is written for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists in cancer research, and it is well suited for clinical oncologists and others in the field. … This book will be of immense help for … researchers in the field of cancer research.” (Omer Iqbal, Doody’s Review Service, March, 2011) “Offers a compilation of reviews in the emerging field of microRNAs in cancer … . these reviews are concise and informative and provide a starting point to key aspects of this rapidly evolving field. … Each chapter ends with a helpful notes section and a comprehensive list of references for the applications discussed. … this book would be a valuable resource, both for those researchers considering the venture of entering this field, as well as for researchers already working in the field.” (Daniela Sanchez Basseres, Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vol. 47 (2), Summer, 2011) From the Back Cover The tiny microRNAs (miRNAs) can have huge impacts on the regulation of a variety of genes and play crucial roles in the fundamental cellular processes. Recent miRNA studies change the landscape of cancer genetics by scrutinizing the alterations of genome-wide miRNA expressions in most common cancers and their regulatory functions during the development of cancer. The connections between miRNAs and cancer are widespread enough to warrant more comprehensive investigations in the systems biology perspective. In MicroRNA and Cancer: Methods and Protocols, inte