The series describes several examples of multiligand receptors. Some of these interact specifically with classes of structurally-related ligands, others bind structurally and functionally dissimilar molecules.
Published September 2001
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans are complex molecules consisting of a protein core and glycosaminoglycan side chains. Articles in the series summarize the current knowledge of heparan sulfate proteoglycan biology in various areas of basic biology and clinical medicine.
Published July 2001
The cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to biologically active prostaglandins, which have numerous physiological functions. The series discusses the current status and future promise of prostaglandin research.
Published June 2001
This series on cell-matrix interactions discusses different molecules that mediate cell shape in vivo and in vitro, with a focus on the interpretation of extracellular signals at the cell surface.
Published April 2001
The series introduces some of the biologically and medically relevant polymorphisms found in several species of bacteria, the basis for the genetic diversity in those populations, and its effect on human hosts.
Published February 2001
NF-kappaB is a primary effector of human disease. The series highlights the evolutionary conservation of the NF-kappaB pathway and its regulation as well as the diverse functions the transcription factor has in human health and disease.
Published January 2001
Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease that starts with peripheral insulin resistance, which in itself is a key feature of other human disease states. The series outlines the complex pathophysiology of insulin resistance, including the connections to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Published January 2000
The series provides an update on progress in the field of nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Individual articles explore a number of strategies that exploit different facets of DNA and RNA biochemistry towards the development of safe and effective therapeutics.
Published January 2000
Epigenetic effects are changes in the genetic material that alter gene expression in a manner that is heritable during somatic cell divisions but nonmutational and therefore fundamentally reversible. The articles consider the consequences of epigenetic changes for human disease phenotypes.
Published January 2000
The series reviews the emerging field of tumor-targeted microbes, which offer great potential for antitumoral potency and selective targeting of cancer cells and act by mechanisms not subject to cross-resistance when combined with standard therapies.
Published January 2000