Cyclic Nucleotide Signaling PDF

Preface

The cyclic nucleotide second messenger systems are of major historical significance in biology. Since the original prize-winning discovery of cAMP by Earl Sutherland more than half a century ago, deciphering the cyclic nucleotide signaling pathways has led to several major scientific breakthroughs, including the discoveries of cAMP-dependent protein kinase/protein kinase A (PKA), G proteins, nitric oxide, and G protein–coupled receptors, for which Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2012. In addition to the aforementioned longlasting impact on fundamental biology and chemistry, the study of cyclic nucleotide second messengers has also revolutionized the practices of modern medicine and pharmaceutics in view of the fact that current medicines target the cyclic nucleotide signaling pathway more than any other pathway.

With the surprising discovery of the exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs), the research field is currently undergoing a renaissance, which has generated a large amount of excellent original work across a wide range of research topics. Because of the diverse roles that cyclic nucleotides exert under physiological and pathological conditions, assorted methodologies, such as fluorescence imaging, structural biology, molecular and cell biology, genetics, proteomics, pharmacology, and drug discovery, are employed to investigate various aspects of these important signaling molecules. Without a comprehensive coverage of methodology for studying cyclic nucleotide signaling, choosing and carrying out the proper protocol among many possible approaches in these broad areas can be a daunting task. This volume is aimed to bridge this gap by bringing together novel and current techniques, spanning from x-ray crystallographic analysis at the atomic level to in vivo genetic knockout in whole organisms, employed in the cyclic nucleotide signal transduction field. The book is organized in chapters, written by experts, and focuses on describing experimental protocols and tools, as well as their applications in solving biological problems with the goal of providing clear directions for laboratory use. Because of the breadth of the cyclic nucleotide signaling field, the applications of some methods are described in multiple chapters to provide distinctive views on how the methodology can be utilized to study different physiological functions. Some chapters include discussion on the usefulness and pitfalls associated with the use of certain tools and techniques. We believe that this volume will be a useful resource for investigators, new or experienced, in the cyclic nucleotide and related fields.

Finally, we would like to thank all authors for their valuable contributions that made the book possible. Special thanks also go to Professor Michael Zhu for sharing his knowledge and experience in preparing the book, as well as to Dr. Chuck Crumly and Ms. Joselyn Banks-Kyle at CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group.