Molecular biology emerged from advances in biochemistry during the 1940s and 1950s, when the structure of the nucleic acids and proteins were elucidated. Beginning in the 1970s, with nucleic acid enzymology and the discovery of the restriction enzymes, the tools of molecular biology became widely available andapplied in cell biology to study how genes are regulated. This new knowledge impacted endocrinology and reproductive biology since it was largely known that the secretion of the internal glands affected the phenotypes, and expressionof genes. Modern reproductive biology encompasses every level of biological study from genomics to ecology, encompassing cell biology, biochemistry, endocrinology and general physiology. All of these disciplines require a basic knowledge, both as a tool and as an essential aid to a fundamental understanding ofthe principles of life in health and disease. Overall, molecular biology is central to scientific studies in all living matter, impacting disciplines such as medicine, related health sciences, veterinary, agriculture and environmental sciences. In this book, the basic biochemistry of nucleic acids and proteinsare reviewed. Methodologies used to study signaling and gene regulation in the endocrine/reproductive system are also discussed. Topics include mechanisms of hormone action and several endocrine disorders affecting the reproductive system. Professionals in the medical, veterinary and animal sciences fields will find exciting and stimulating material enhancing the breadth and quality of their research. INDICE: Introduction to the Molecular Organization of the Endocrine/Reproductive System.- Hormone Receptors.- Second Messenger Pathways.- Introduction to Molecular Biology: Structure and Function of the Macromolecules of Genetic Information.- Regulation of Gene Expression.- Recombinant DNA Technology.- Techniques for DNA Analysis.- Analyzing Gene Expression.- Reporter Gene Assays.- Use of Computers in Molecular Biology.- Prostaglandins and their Mechanisms of Action in the Cyclic Female Reproductive Tract.- FSH: One Hormone with Multiple Forms or a Family of Multiple Hormones.- The FSH receptor: One Receptor withMultiple Forms or a Family of Receptors.- The Adipokines.- Epigenetic Regulation of Gene Expression in the Ovary.- Transcriptional Regulation of the Steroid Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR).- Regulation of Steroidogenesis.- Neurosteroids and Reproductive Behavior.- Regulation of Apoptosis in the Ovary.- Structure and Function of Telomere and Telomerase in Mammals.- Genetic Basis of Abnormal Genotype.- Molecular Basis of Androgen Actions and Disorders.- Introduction to Gene Therapy in the Reproductive System.- Gene Targeting in Embryonic Stem Cells.- Molecular Basis of Pharmacological Interventions in the ReproductiveSystem.- Appendix I: Amino Acids Codes.- Appendix II: Steroids Nomenclature.-Appendix III: Glossary of Terms.- Index.
- ISBN: 978-0-387-88185-0
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Cartoné
- Páginas: 362
- Fecha Publicación: 01/07/2009
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés