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Overview
This book presents a comprehensive collection of essential and up-to-date methods for studying both the biology of microtubules and the mechanisms of action of microtubule-interacting drugs. The book contains a straightforward presentation of readily reproducible prools, tips for troubleshooting, and advice on avoiding common mistakes. Basic scientists and clinical researchers will benefit from this collection.
Synopsis
Microtubules are essential components of the cytoskeleton, and play critical roles in a variety of cell processes, including cell shaping, intracellular tracking, cell division, and cell migration. Microtubule Protocols presents a comprehensive collection of essential and up-to-date methods for studying both the biology of microtubules and the mechanisms of action of microtubule-interacting drugs. The straightforward presentation of readily reproducible protocols is a hallmark of the Methods in Molecular MedicineTM series, and is evident in this volume. Methods presented range from the purification and characterization of microtubule proteins, analysis of post-translational modifications of tubulin, and determination of microtubule structure, to the visualization of microtubule and spindle behavior, measurement of microtubule dynamics, and examination of microtubule-mediated cellular processes. Both basic scientists and clinical researchers will benefit from this collection of state-of-the-art protocols for microtubule research.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD(Thomas Jefferson University)Description: Microtubules provide essential, intracellular tracks and engines for controlling cell shape, protein transport, cell division, and cell motility. This book details straightforward methods for isolating and analyzing microtubules, and includes protocols for testing microtubule interactions with cytotoxic anticancer drugs. It includes 20 concise chapters on topics ranging from fluorescence microscopy of microtubules in cultured cells to use of microtubule-targeting agents in cancer therapy and strategies for the development of novel taxol-like agents. This book, part of the popular Methods in Molecular Medicine series, focuses on cell biology and biochemistry.
Purpose: According to the editor, the aim of the book is to "offer a collection of state-of-the-art techniques for...researchers who are interested in microtubules and microtubule-interacting drugs." Dissemination of these methods is important "because our knowledge of microtubule-interacting drugs has greatly evolved over the past decades...in part due to the advance of experimental techniques."
Audience: The book is written for basic science and clinical researchers (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists) interested in cancer biology, oncology, cell biology, neurobiology, and microtubule biochemistry.
Features: Each chapter includes a summary, list of key words, introduction, overviews for specific protocols, and step-by-step instructions for proven laboratory techniques. The authors provide examples of results from their laboratories. The chapters, written by experts in this field, focus on important research topics. The book is carefully edited and easy to follow. Continuous tone figures and line drawings illustrate key points. An excellent feature of this series is the addition of a "notes" section at the end of each chapter, in which the authors provide tips and practical advice for success in the laboratory.
Assessment: This book focuses on a clinically important class of biomolecules, pulling together almost everything you need to know to study the structure and function of microtubules. The detailed protocols will provide useful tools to stimulate progress in the field of microtubule biochemistry and contribute to the development of new generations of anticancer drugs. This book is a welcome addition to the literature.