Humana Protein Kinase Protocols: 124 (Methods in Molecular Biology, 124)

The wealth of primary information provided by genome sequencing projects in various species is of enormous potential value in our efforts to understand biological funtions and molecular interactions not only in normal development and cellular physiology, but also in diseases. However, utili- tion of these resources can come only from the development and application of a fully integrated set of molecular, biochemical, biophysical, and genetic skill bases. As key components of many cell signalling pathways, protein kinases are implicated in a broad variety of diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative conditions, and offer considerable potential as tractable targets for therapeutic intervention. With these issues in mind, the present vlume has been compiled to provide examples of core skills required for ana- sis of knase-mediated signalling cascades, with particular emphasis on iden- fication of proteins according to interactive relationships and analysis of functional properties of signalling proteins. Compilation of Protein Kinase Protocols has been possible only as a - sult of the effort of all the contributors, and I am grateful to them for taking the time and having the patience to desseminate the detailied information - quired in order that others can succeed in the application of these techniques. Most importantly, I extend my deepest gratitude to Chris, Emma, and Helen for making it all worthwhile Alastair D. Reith v Contents Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv ix Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Protein Kinase-Mediated Signaling Networks: Regulation and Functional Characterization Alastair D. Reith. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Review "By engaging high-ranking experts as authors of the individual chapters the editor has succeeded in compiling an updated an highly useful compendium of today's technology in protein kinase research. besides its topicality, this book has the particular advantage that the chapters are arranged according to a constantly recurring scheme, that is, beginning with a comprehensive introduction, which provides the appropriate key references, and then continuing with very detailed experimental instructions, which are given clearly enough to enable even a less experienced experimentator to follow. The "Notes" at the end of each chapter are extremely helpful, in which the experimental steps are critically examined and explained in detail....for students and newcomers in the field it provides an excellent introduction to the methodology of protein kinase research, and for the experienced scientist it will be a highly valuable work of reference and an indispensable companion in daily laboratory work." - Chembiochem "The authors are all experienced researchers with some eminent names among them. Each of the chapters has been contributed by scientists with considerable expertise in the areas included, leaving the reader with knowledge that the protocols are thoroughly tried and tested. All in all, the book presents a wide range of specialized techniques which those working on (or intending to work on) kinases would find a very useful addition to their laboratories." - Cell Biology International From the Back Cover As key components of many cell signaling pathways, protein kinases are implicated in a broad variety of diseases, including cancers and neurodegenerative conditions, and offer considerable potential as tractable targets for therapeut