Humana Alzheimer's Disease: Methods and Protocols: 32 (Methods in Molecular Medicine, 32)

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of senile dementia. Since the discovery in 1984 of the amyloid ?-peptide (A?) as the core protein of the senile plaques present in the brains of Alzheimer's disease sufferers, an immense amount of research has gone into mapping out the molecular basis of this debilitating disease. The aim of Alzheimer's Disease: Methods and Protocols is to bring together the main biochemical, cell biological, and molecular biological techniques and approaches that are being used to investigate the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease. This volume begins with chapters of an introductory/ review nature. Chapter 1 provides a historical introduction to Alzheimer's d- ease with particular emphasis on the central role played by A? and its re- tion to tau. Chapter 2 examines the genetics underlying this neurodegenerative disease, covering the amyloid precursor protein, apolipoprotein E, and the presenilins. Chapter 3 presents an overview of currently available therapeutic agents and prospects for drugs of the future. Review "...this volume contains well-written chapters containing factual insights and useful clarifications. An example is David Allsop's introduction of the field through the orthodox views of the amyloid cascade hypothesis that in the exposition of others is often quite simplistic, but here is presented with complexity and wisdom deserving of serious consideration....they are provided in a format that invites the reader to undertake studies and examine the underpinnings of the subject beyond that found in the primary publications and not covered in such a practical manner in other reviews."- Journal of Molecular Neuroscience From the Back Cover With the molecular mechanisms underlying the various forms of muscular dystrophy now rapidly clarifying, precise diagnosis has become a reality, and even a requirement in clinical practice. In Muscular Dystrophy: Methods and Protocols, Katherine Bushby and Louise Anderson have assembled an outstanding collection of key techniques for the analysis of DNA and protein from patients suspected to suffer from muscular dystrophy. Each method is highly detailed to ensure success and is presented by a hands-on expert who uses it on a day-to-day basis. The various DNA techniques focus on both the X-linked muscular dystrophies and the autosomal recessive muscular dystrophies. The protein methods include expression analysis, multiplex western blot analysis, immunocytochemical analysis, and reviews of immunological reagants and of amplification systems. Also discussed are the use of animal models to understand human muscular dystrophy and the available options for gene-based therapy. Comprehensive and highly practical, Muscular Dystrophy: Methods and Protocols offers today‚s diagnostic laboratories, basic and medical researchers, and active clinicians an authoritative collection of tools that will serve as exacting diagnostic tools as well as greatly empowering research on the novel therapeutics now beginning to emerge.