[
2006]
Bringing together the latest information into one easily accessible resource, The Dynamic Synapse: Molecular Methods in Ionotropic Receptor Biology explores the diverse tools and technologies used to study synaptic processes. Written by world-renowned leaders in the field, the book delineates newly developed techniques, methods, and conceptual advances used for studying neurotransmitter receptors and other synaptic proteins. A broad array of molecular, biochemical, imaging, and electrophysiological approaches for studying the biology of synapses are described. Specific topics include the use of proteomics to study synaptic protein complexes, the development of phosphorylation state-specific antibodies, post-genomic tools applied to the study of synapses, and RNA interference in neurons. In addition, several chapters focus on methods for gene and protein delivery into neuronal tissue. The use of biochemical, electrophysiological, and optical tagging techniques to study the movement and membrane trafficking of neurotransmitter receptors in the membranes of live nerve cells are also discussed. To complement these approaches, the application of state-of-the-art approaches for achieving long-term alterations in the genetic complement of neurons in vivo using viral vectors or homologous recombinations of ES cells is also described.
[
2017]
During the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research pertaining to the molecular mechanisms that allow for organisms to detect different stimuli, an essential feature for their survival. Among these mechanisms, living beings need to be able to respond to different temperatures as well as chemical and physical stimuli.Thermally activated ion channels were proposed to be present in sensory neurons in the 1980s, but it was not until 1997 that a heat- and capsaicin- activated ion channel, TRPV1, was cloned and its function described in detail. This groundbreaking discovery led to the identification and characterization of several more proteins of the family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels.Intensive research has provided us with the atomic structures of some of these proteins, as well as understanding of their physiological roles, both in normal and pathological conditions. With chapters contributed by renowned experts in the field, Neurobiology of TRP Channels contains a state-of-the-art overview of our knowledge of TRP channels, ranging from structure to their functions in organismal physiology.
[
2011]
The rapid expansion of the TRP field has generated a large amount of excellent original work across many different research fields. However, investigators are not necessarily familiar with the pros and cons of the variety of methods used to study TRP channels. Because of functional and genetic diversity, as well as the different physiological roles they play, techniques used for studying TRP channels range from single molecular analysis to behavioral animal studies. Methods in multiple areas, such as molecular biology, fluorescence imaging, electrophysiology, cell biology, genetics, proteomics, pharmacology, system physiology, and behavioral assessment, are employed to investigate various aspects of these channels. Choosing among many possible topics in these broad areas was a daunting task. A comprehensive review of the field, TRP Channels spans the information gap by providing broad coverage of current methods and techniques commonly used in TRP channel research, and detailed protocols with thorough discussions of the advantages and disadvantages across methods. Some topics covered include 1. Mammalian, Drosophila and C. elegans TRP channels. 2. Practical protocols for functional studies of TRP channels, including TRPC, TRPV, TRPA, TRPM and the intracellularly localized TRPML channels. 3. ThermoTRPs, including the new fast temperature jump apparatus and the high throughput random mutagenesis method for screening critical motifs involved in TRP channel regulation. 4. Cell-based high-throughput screening assays for TRP channels and their applications in drug discoveries. 5. TRP channel functions in native cells, including smooth muscles, neurons, and cancers. Showcasing the current status of the field, TRP Channels covers the major techniques used in various areas of research. The majority of the chapters are protocol oriented, with the goal of providing clear directions for laboratory use. Because of the breadth of the TRP field, the applications of some methods are described in multiple chapters by experts working on a variety of channel types that serve different physiological functions, highlighting distinctive views on how the methodology can be utilized. Some chapters include discussion on the usefulness and pitfalls associated with the use of certain techniques. Together with chapters that offer comprehensive reviews on the functional regulation and other roles of TRP channels, students and investigators new to the field should find this book particularly informative.