Humana Lipoprotein Protocols: 110 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 110)

The development of new methodologies has played a key role in the advancement of all areas of research. Specifically, the initial advances in our understanding of lipoprotein structure and metabolism were made possible by the development of ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic techniques. More recently, the advent of molecular biological techniques opened possibilities that were unthinkable just a few decades ago. The use of the analytical ult- centrifuge to study plasma lipoproteins began in the 1940s with the work of Mutzenbecher, McFarlene, Pedersen, Gofman, Lindgren, and Elliot. Another crucial step, during the 1950s, was the development of this tool as a prepa- tive technique by Havel, Eder, and Bragdon, among others. This technolo- cal progress allowed investigators to "dig" deeper into the structure of these complex macromolecules made of lipids and proteins, and permitted inves- gators to continue unraveling the physical and chemical characteristics of the proteins associated with lipoprotein particles (apolipoproteins) and the enzymes involved in their processing. This information led to both a better understanding of the biological functions of the lipoprotein fractions and their constituents, and creation of a more comprehensive overall scheme for plasma lipoprotein metabolism. Several gaps in this puzzle were filled through the work of Goldstein and Brown, who elucidated the structure and role of the low-density lipoprotein - ceptor. This was the first identified among a profusion of receptors that are key for the cellular catabolism of these particles. Review "This text makes a good selection with admirable breadth and a high general quality of method description."-Clin Chem Lab Med "The book presents the state-of-art of molecular biology and protein techniques specific for lipoprotein research...The book may be especially recommended for students who start working on lipoproteins, but may also be generally helpful for molecular biologists..."-Nahrung "Each chapter contains, besides a description of the principle of the methods, highly instructive protocols and lists of the technical requirements and reagents. Notes with additional information, e.g. special experimental conditions or safety and technical advises as well as numerous references are given. The book may be especially recommended for students who start working on lipoproteins, but may also be generally helpful for molecular biologists."-Nahrung From the Back Cover In Lipoprotein Protocols, Jose Ordovas compiles a cutting-edge collection of molecular protein techniques for studying advanced aspects of lipoprotein structure and metabolism. These step-by-step methods allow both the beginning and the advanced researcher to carry out not only fundamental, but also the most advanced genetic screening techniques, including RT-PCR and the preparation of relevant models of transgenic and knockout mice. In addition, novel techniques are presented to characterize plasma lipoproteins, their subfractions, and their modifications, and to determine the activity of relevant enzymes and carrier proteins. Each method is described in easily reproducible detail by hands-on experts who have perfected it. Lipoprotein Protocols offers many powerful tools for unraveling the complexity of lipoprotein metabolism and determining the individual risk of coronary heart disease. For all those basic and clinical investigators seeking to advance the frontier of lipoprotein research and develop novel genetic therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, this eminently useful book constitutes the new standard reference and guide.