Author: Edward Wilhelm Green Publisher: ISBN: Category : Languages : en Pages : 277
Book Description
In the post-genomic era, the question of how genes give rise to the observable diversity of morphology, physiology, behaviour and disease susceptibility is becoming of one central importance. Even in a model system as well studied as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, the function of the vast majority of genes, and the mechanisms by which they give rise to such diversity, remains unknown. Drosophila behaviour represents a sensitive system in which to evaluate novel methods of determining gene function. Traditionally the analysis of behavioural phenotypes has represented a time consuming, highly subjective process. I have developed a suite of automated analysis tools (the BeFly! package) that has not only made such analyses both quicker and more objective, but has also allowed data to be examined in greater depth by making complex algorithms more accessible to users. The BeFly! package was initially used to characterise a serendipitously identified circadian mutant strain provisionally named Party on. As the Party on gene could not be conclusively mapped, and a meta analysis of existing circadian microarray data suggested that many circadian genes remained to be identified, BeFly!'s high throughput tools were employed in a novel systems biology screen in which phenotypic analysis was combined with gene expression data to identify likely gene function. This approach generated a number of novel candidate clock genes, the roles of which were further analysed using RNAi knockdown, confirming that the neuropeptide gene Adipokinetic hormone-like played a role in the clock mechanism. Given the success of our new strategy, it was widened to identify genes controlling sleep in Drosophila, leading to the identification of several genes associated with distinct aspects of sleep. In conclusion, the tools and methods developed in this thesis represent a novel, sensitive method for determining gene function applicable beyond the Drosophila model.
Author: Florian Markowetz Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 131638098X Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 287
Book Description
Whereas genetic studies have traditionally focused on explaining heritance of single traits and their phenotypes, recent technological advances have made it possible to comprehensively dissect the genetic architecture of complex traits and quantify how genes interact to shape phenotypes. This exciting new area has been termed systems genetics and is born out of a synthesis of multiple fields, integrating a range of approaches and exploiting our increased ability to obtain quantitative and detailed measurements on a broad spectrum of phenotypes. Gathering the contributions of leading scientists, both computational and experimental, this book shows how experimental perturbations can help us to understand the link between genotype and phenotype. A snapshot of current research activity and state-of-the-art approaches to systems genetics are provided, including work from model organisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster, as well as from human studies.
Author: Michael R. Barnes Publisher: John Wiley & Sons ISBN: 047086219X Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 432
Book Description
This timely book illustrates the value of bioinformatics, not simply as a set of tools but rather as a science increasingly essential to navigate and manage the host of information generated by genomics and the availability of completely sequenced genomes. Bioinformatics can be used at all stages of genetics research: to improve study design, to assist in candidate gene identification, to aid data interpretation and management and to shed light on the molecular pathology of disease-causing mutations. Written specifically for geneticists, this book explains the relevance of bioinformatics showing how it may be used to enhance genetic data mining and markedly improve genetic analysis.
Author: Frank Zufall Publisher: Academic Press ISBN: 0128017864 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 432
Book Description
Written by leaders in the field of chemosensation, Chemosensory Transduction provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms that allow animals to detect their chemical world. The text focuses on mammals, but also includes several chapters on chemosensory transduction mechanisms in lower vertebrates and insects. This book examines transduction mechanisms in the olfactory, taste, and somatosensory (chemesthetic) systems as well as in a variety of internal sensors that are responsible for homeostatic regulation of the body. Chapters cover such topics as social odors in mammals, vertebrate and invertebrate olfactory receptors, peptide signaling in taste and gut nutrient sensing. Includes a foreword by preeminent olfactory scientist Stuart Firestein, Chair of Columbia University’s Department of Biological Sciences in New York, NY. Chemosensory Transduction describes state-of-the-art approaches and key findings related to the study of the chemical senses. Thus, it serves as the go-to reference for this subject for practicing scientists and students with backgrounds in sensory biology and/or neurobiology. The volume will also be valuable for industry researchers engaged in the design or testing of flavors, fragrances, foods and/or pharmaceuticals. Provides a comprehensive overview for all chemosensory transduction mechanisms Valuable for academics focused on sensory biology, neurobiology, and chemosensory transduction, as well as industry researchers in new flavor, fragrance, and food testing Edited by leading experts in the field of olfactory transduction Focuses on mammals, but lower vertebrates and invertebrate model systems are also included
Author: Ephraim Cohen Publisher: Springer ISBN: 3319407406 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 715
Book Description
Emphasis is placed on the elaborate cuticular matrices in insects and crustaceans, spider and insect silks, sialomes of phytophagous and blood-feeding arthropods as well as on secretions of male and female accessory glands. Focus is placed largely on insects, due to the extensive body of published research that in part is the result of available whole genome sequences of several model species (in particular Drosophila melanogaster) and accessible ESTs for other species. Such advances have facilitated fundamental insights into genomic, proteomic and molecular biology-based physiology. This new volume contains comprehensive contributions on extracellular composite matrices in arthropods. The building blocks of such matrices are formed in and secreted by single layered epithelial cells into exterior domains where their final assembly takes place.Additionally, the unique mechanical properties of natural biocomposites like chitin/chitosan, the crustacean mineralized exoskeleton, the pliant protein resilin or insect and spider silks, have inspired basic and applied research that yield sophistical biomimetics and structural biocomposite hybrids important for future industrial and biomedical use. In summary, this book provides an invaluable vast source of basic and applied information for a plethora of scientists as well as textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students.
Author: Wim E. Crusio Publisher: Elsevier ISBN: 0080536867 Category : Psychology Languages : en Pages : 994
Book Description
The book gives a broad overview of recombinant DNA techniques for the behavioral neuroscientist, with illustrative examples of applications. Species covered include rodents (mainly mice), Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans and Danio rerio. Experimental techniques required to characterize the behavioral phenotypes of mutant animals is provided. Several aspects of novel molecular-genetic techniques are overviewed and possible research strategies are explained. The sections of the book start with general descriptions of techniques followed by illustrative examples. It is divided into six sections. Section 1, bioinformatics and genomics research. Section 2, top-down strategies, where the researcher starts with the phenotype and then analyzes the associated genes; bottom-up strategies, where the physiological chain leading to a phenotype is analyzed starting from the gene product. Section 3, transgenic approaches in rodents including overexpressing foreign genes and gene-targeting; systemic manipulation approaches directly targeting the central nervous system and methods used with invertebrates. Section 4, methods used to evaluate relevant behavioral phenotypes, including learning and aggression. Section 5, examples on molecular brain research in man. Section 6, ethical aspects of research in this field.
Author: Josh Dubnau Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN: 1139952196 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 309
Book Description
The common fruit fly - Drosophila melanogaster - has been the subject of genetics research since the early twentieth century. The complete genomic sequence of Drosophila was published in 2000 and it is still the model organism par excellence for the experimental study of biological phenomena and processes. It is also by far the best model for studying gene function in mammals, including humans. Presenting state-of-the-art studies on the behaviour of Drosophila, this volume discusses normal and pathological models of neurobehavioral disorders and encompasses the specialised methods that have been used, from anatomical, histological, immunohistological and neurophysiological to genomic, genetic and behavioural assays. A comprehensive and thorough reference, this volume is a valuable resource for students and researchers alike across several disciplines of life sciences, including behavioral genetics, neurogenetics, behavioral neuroscience, molecular biology, evolutionary biology and population biology.
Author: Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr Publisher: Harvard University Press ISBN: 0674984730 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 273
Book Description
A single species of fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has been the subject of scientific research for more than one hundred years. Why does this tiny insect merit such intense scrutiny? Drosophila’s importance as a research organism began with its short life cycle, ability to reproduce in large numbers, and easy-to-see mutant phenotypes. Over time, laboratory investigation revealed surprising similarities between flies and other animals at the level of genes, gene networks, cell interactions, physiology, immunity, and behavior. Like humans, flies learn and remember, fight microbial infection, and slow down as they age. Scientists use Drosophila to investigate complex biological activities in a simple but intact living system. Fly research provides answers to some of the most challenging questions in biology and biomedicine, including how cells transmit signals and form ordered structures, how we can interpret the wealth of human genome data now available, and how we can develop effective treatments for cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Written by a leader in the Drosophila research community, First in Fly celebrates key insights uncovered by investigators using this model organism. Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr draws on these “first in fly” findings to introduce fundamental biological concepts gained over the last century and explore how research in the common fruit fly has expanded our understanding of human health and disease.
Author: Pinar Erkekoglu Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand ISBN: 9535132172 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 166
Book Description
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound for hardening and clearing polycarbonate plastics. BPA is mainly classified as an estrogen-like endocrine-disrupting chemical. In the last decade, attention has arisen in scientific communities that it is not safe to use this chemical in mainly polycarbonate plastics. Exposure to BPA starts in prenatal period, which is the critical period for its toxic effects on different organs. Throughout this book, the readers will obtain information on the effects of BPA on different systems. They will also get information on the prenatal and postnatal effects of BPA. We believe that readers will get qualified scientific knowledge and a general overview of the toxic effects of BPA exposure and its consequences from this book.
Author: Edward Wilhelm Green
Author: Florian Markowetz
Author: Michael R. Barnes
Author: Frank Zufall
Author: Ephraim Cohen
Author: Wim E. Crusio
Author: Josh Dubnau
Author: Stephanie Elizabeth Mohr
Author: Pinar Erkekoglu
Author: Masatoshi Nei