Streptomyces in Nature and Medicine: The Antibiotic Makers

Streptomyces in Nature and Medicine: The Antibiotic Makers
by David A. Hopwood (Author)

Product Details:
* Hardcover: 260 pages
* Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (January 8, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 019515066X

Book Description
This is an insiders account of 50 years of genetic studies of the soil-inhabiting microbes that produce most of the antibiotics used to treat infections, as well as anti-cancer, anti-parasitic and immunosuppressant drugs. The book begins by describing how these microbes the actinomycetes were discovered in the latter part of the nineteenth century, but remained a Cinderella group until, in the 1940s, they shot to prominence with the discovery of streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tuberculosis and only the second antibiotic, after penicillin, to become a medical marvel. There followed a massive effort over several decades to find further treatments for infectious diseases and cancer, tempered by the rise of antibiotic resistance consequent on antibiotic misuse and over-use. The book goes on to describe the discovery of gene exchange in the actinomycetes in the context of the rise of microbial genetics in the mid-20th century, leading to determination of the complete DNA sequence of a model member of the group at the turn of the millennium. There follow chapters in which the intricate molecular machinery that adapts the organisms metabolism and development to life in the soil, including antibiotic production, is illuminated by the DNA blueprint. Then come an up-to-the minute account of the use of genetic engineering to make novel, hybrid, antibiotics, and a topical description of techniques to learn the roles of the thousands of genes in a genome sequence, throwing a powerful light on the biology of the organisms and their harnessing for increasing antibiotic productivity. In the final chapter we return to the mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy, the first actinomycetes to be discovered, and how methodology, in part derived from the study of the streptomycetes, is being applied to understand and control these still deadly pathogens.

Download

Cytokines in the Genesis and Treatment of Cancer

Cytokines in the Genesis and Treatment of Cancer (Cancer Drug Discovery and Development)
by Michael A. Caligiuri (Editor), Michael T. Lotze (Editor)

Product Details:
* Hardcover: 484 pages
* Publisher: Humana Press; 1 edition (April 20, 2007)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0896038203

Book Description
Cytokines in the Genesis and Treatment of Cancer provides a comprehensive picture of the dual role of host responses in promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. This volume represents an important investigation into the emerging intersection of cancer biology and cancer immunology. Divided into four sections, the volume’s first three parts focus on cytokines in the genesis of cancer. The final section describes the notable progress — both in animal models and humans — in demonstrating the use of cytokine or anticytokine therapies for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Cytokines in the Genesis and Treatment of Cancer brings together an impressive array of internationally distinguished investigators who are devoted to the study of cytokines and cancer. Together, they produce an insightful, comprehensive discussion of cytokines and cancer that will serve as the perfect reference for all those working in the field.

Download

Password: gigapedia.org