Horizon Scientific Press | Caister Academic Press | PCR Books Our high level PCR books bring together expert international authors under the skilled editorship of leading scientists to produce state-of-the-art compendiums of current research. Aimed at the research scientist, graduate student, medical reseacher and other professionals, these books are highly recommended for all PCR laboratories. Every PCR, microbiology and bioscience library should have a copy of each of the following books. http://www.horizonpress.com/pcrbooks
		Molecular Diagnostics: Current Research and ApplicationsBuy now! Edited by: Jim Huggett and Justin O'Grady Published: 2014 Hardback: ISBN 978-1-908230-41-6 £159, $319. Ebook: ISBN 978-1-908230-64-5 £159, $319 The editors of this book have commissioned an excellent series of chapters representing two key molecular diagnostic areas: cancer and infectious diseases. The cancer section deals with the challenges in identifying genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic biomarkers. The infectious disease section describes the current clinical applications of molecular diagnostics for the detection of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as an example of the use of molecular diagnostics outside the clinic environment. A cautionary tale describing what can go wrong when molecular methods are applied incorrectly is also provided and makes fascinating reading. A substantial component of the book is dedicated to the process of translating a preclinical test to the bedside and describes the progress in the near patient point-of-care molecular diagnostics market. This is a fundamental consideration for successful translation of diagnostics tests from bench to bedside and is crucial for molecular diagnostics to have an impact on patient care. The final chapter offers a prediction of future trends in the molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases. This volume is essential reading for anyone involved in the development or application of molecular diagnostics and is recommended for all clinical diagnostics laboratories. read more ...
		Real-Time PCR: Advanced Technologies and ApplicationsBuy now! Edited by: Nick A. Saunders and Martin A. Lee Published: 2013 Hardback: ISBN 978-1-908230-22-5 £159, $319. Ebook: ISBN 978-1-908230-87-4 £159, $319 This essential manual provides both the novice and experienced user with an invaluable reference to a wide-range of real-time PCR technologies and applications and provides an overview of the theory of this increasingly important technique. Renowned international authors present detailed technical insights into the underlying principles, methods and practice of real-time PCR. The initial chapters cover the important aspects of real-time PCR including choosing an instrument and probe system, set-up, nucleic acid synthesis, sample extraction controls, and validation and data analysis. Further chapters provide a comprehensive overview of important real-time PCR methodologies such as quantification, expression analysis and mutation detection. This is complemented by the final chapters, which address the application of real-time PCR to diagnosis of infectious diseases, biodefence, veterinary science, food authenticity and molecular haplotyping. This timely and authoritative volume serves both as a basic introduction to real-time PCR and as a source of current trends and applications for those already familiar with the technology. The editors also aim to stimulate readers of all levels to develop their own innovative approaches to real-time PCR. An essential book for all laboratories using PCR. read more ...
		Real-Time PCR in Food Science: Current Technology and Applications Buy now! Edited by: David Rodriguez-Lazaro Published: 2013   ISBN: 978-1-908230-15-7 Price: GB £159 or US $319 Written by experts in the field, this book is an indispensable manual for scientists in the food industry. The first section provides an introduction to real-time PCR, discusses the use of PCR diagnostics in food science, describes the principles and methods of sample preparation, and covers the verification and control of PCR procedures. The eleven chapters in the second section cover the use of real-time PCR to detect various pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, viruses and parasites. Also included is a chapter on the standardisation of real-time PCR methods in food microbiology. In the final section authors cover the use of real-time PCR for the analysis of genetically modified organisms, food allergens and for identification of animal or plant species. An invaluable book for anyone involved in food microbiology or the detection of foodborne pathogens and a recommended volume for all microbiology laboratories. read more ...
		Quantitative Real-time PCR in Applied Microbiology Buy now! Edited by: Martin Filion Published: 2012   ISBN: 978-1-908230-01-0 Price: GB £159 or US $319 Written by experts in the field and aimed specifically at microbiologists, this volume describes and explains the most important aspects of current qPCR strategies, instrumentation and software. Renowned authors cover the application of qPCR technology in various areas of applied microbiology and comment on future trends. Topics covered include instrumentation, fluorescent chemistries, quantification strategies, data analysis software, environmental microbiology, water microbiology, food microbiology, gene expression studies, validation of microbial microarray data and future trends in qPCR technology. The editor and authors have produced an outstanding book that will be invaluable for all microbiologists. A recommended book for all microbiology laboratories. read more ...
		PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide Buy now! Edited by: Suzanne Kennedy and Nick Oswald Published: 2011   ISBN: 978-1-904455-72-1 Price: GB £159 or US $319 This book discusses the strategies for preparing effective controls and standards for PCR, when they should be employed and how to interpret the information they provide. It highlights the significance of optimization for efficiency, precision and sensitivity of PCR methodology and provides essential guidance on how to troubleshoot inefficient reactions. Experts in PCR describe design and optimization techniques, discuss the use of appropriate controls, explain the significance of standard curves and explore the principles and strategies required for effective troubleshooting. Authors highlight the importance of sample preparation and quality, primer design, controlling inhibitors, avoiding amplicon and environmental contamination, optimizing reagent quality and concentration, and modifying the thermal cycling protocol for optimal sensitivity and specificity. In addition, specific chapters discuss the history of PCR, the choice of instrumentation, the applications of PCR in metagenomics, high resolution melting analysis, the MIQE guidelines, and PCR at the microliter scale. The strategies, tips and advice contained in this concise volume enable the scientist to optimize and effectively troubleshoot a wide range of techniques including PCR, reverse transcriptase PCR, real-time PCR and quantitative PCR. An essential book for anyone using PCR technology. read more ...
		Chapter 5 - RT-PCR Optimisation Strategies by Martina Reiter & Michael W. Pfaffl Physiology Weihenstephan, Weihenstephaner Berg 3, 85354 Freising, Germany PCR technology is based on a simple principle; an enzymatic reaction that increases the initial amount of nucleic acids. This method makes it possible to detect specific mRNA transcripts in any biological sample. Performing RT-PCR analysis does not only comprehend this experimental PCR step. Following the whole workflow of a RT-PCR quantitative analysis, it starts with the sampling step, followed by nucleic acid extraction and stabilization, cDNA synthesis and finally the qPCR where the mRNA quantification takes place. Problems arise when optimization of the experimental work flow becomes necessary because of high technical variations. The PCR reaction itself is a quite stable reaction with reproducibility between 2-8%. Therefore the source of experimental variances can often be found in the pre-PCR analytical steps. Usually this is neglected and optimization is done for PCR reaction only. In this chapter – RT-PCR optimization strategies - the whole workflow of RT-PCR experiment will be discussed, because the identification of the source of variability is only possible following error accumulation in every single step. Reliable data can be created when the technical variance caused by the experimental steps is kept as low as possible. In this chapter many recommendations to decrease the technical variance can be found.
		Lab-on-a-Chip Technology (Vol. 2): Biomolecular Separation and Analysis Buy now! Edited by: Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly Published: 2009   ISBN: 978-1-904455-47-9 Price: GB £159 or US $319 The editors of this book have brought together expert authors from many countries to produce a comprehensive volume focusing on the applications of LOC technology in the biomedical and life sciences. The first section includes chapters on LOC biomolecule separation. Separation of biomolecules is an important element of various clinical laboratories and is required for many "down stream" analytical applications. Various electrophoresis and liquid chromatography applications for proteins and DNA are described as well as methods for cell separation, with an emphasis on blood cell separation, which have many important clinical applications. The second part includes chapters on analysis and manipulation technologies. Authors describe protein, genetic (mainly PCR) and transcriptome analysis with examples from research and clinical applications, as well as cell manipulation and analysis including cell viability analysis and microorganism capturing. A skillful selection of topics of exceptional importance to current science ensures that this book will be of major value to a wide range of molecular biologists, clinical scientists, microbiologists, biochemists and anyone interested in LOC technology or developing applications for LOC devices. read more ...
		Lab-on-a-Chip Technology (Vol. 1): Fabrication and MicrofluidicsBuy now! Edited by: Keith E. Herold and Avraham Rasooly  Published: 2009   ISBN: 978-1-904455-46-2 Price: GB £159 or US $319  This invaluable book describes the latest methods and novel technologies being developed for the fabrication of LOC devices and new approaches for fluid control and manipulation. Expert authors from around the world describe and discuss the newest technologies for the prototyping of devices, including replication and direct machining methods of fabrication. Part I of the book covers all aspects of fabrication including laser micromachining, silicon and glass micromachining, PMMA and COC microfluidic substrates, and xurography (LOC prototyping with a cutting plotter). Part II focuses on fluid control and manipulation for LOC systems. As well as providing examples of the use of pumps in microfluidics, topics covered include electrokinetic pumping (electroosmois), electrochemical pumping and electrowetting, and the fabrication of a microchip for rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This comprehensive volume presents the current technologies in the field and includes theoretical and technical information to enable both the understanding of the technology and the reproduction of experiments. The book aims to help the reader to understand current LOC technologies, to perform similar experiments, to design new LOC systems and to develop new methodologies and applications. An essential book for biologists and clinicians using LOC technology and developing applications and also for engineering, chemical and physical science researchers developing analytical technologies. The book will also be useful as a teaching tool for bioengineering, biomedical engineering and biology. read more ...
		Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and ApplicationsBuy now! Edited by: Julie Logan, Kirstin Edwards and Nick Saunders Published: 2009   ISBN: 978-1-904455-39-4 Price: GB £159 or US $319  This essential manual presents a comprehensive guide to the most up-to-date technologies and applications as well as providing an overview of the theory of this increasingly important technique. Renowned experts in the field describe and discuss the latest PCR platforms, fluorescent chemistries, validation software, data analysis, and internal and external controls. This timely and authoritative volume also discusses a wide range of RT-PCR applications including: clinical diagnostics, biodefense, RNA expression studies, validation of array data, mutation detection, food authenticity and legislation, NASBA, molecular halotyping, and much more. An essential book for all laboratories using PCR. read more ...
		Real-Time PCR in Microbiology: From Diagnosis to Characterization Buy now! Edited by: Ian M. Mackay Published: 2007   ISBN: 978-1-904455-18-9 Price: GB £159 or US $319 The editor and authors have produced an excellent book that will be extremely useful for all microbiologists. A recommended book for all microbiology laboratories. read more ...
		PCR Troubleshooting: The Essential Guide Buy now! Author: Michael L. Altshuler Published: 2006   ISBN: 978-1-904455-07-3 Price: GB £30 or US $60 A unique PCR troubleshooting guide that is an essential companion for anyone who uses the polymerase chain reaction technique. Aimed at a reader with some experience in PCR the book discusses the many and varied problems encountered with PCR together with tips, advice and procedures to obviate rather than overcome the PCR problems. Written in the language of the laboratory with a little humour and a down-to-earth approach, the book is easy to read and understand. If you fail at PCR, consult this book! The advice in these pages is invaluable and is the sort of advice that is not usually found elsewhere. In the words of the author, remember that there are many other things in life than PCR ... for example, isothermal DNA amplification. read more ...
		A-Z of Quantitative RCR IUL Biotechnology Series ISBN: 0-9636817-8-8 US$ 119.95 Flyer for the book   =>  PDF http://www.iul-press.us/Books/BBT05-PCR/pcr.html This book is a comprehensive manual to allow both the novice researcher and the expert to set up and carry out quantitative PCR assays from scratch. However, this book also sets out to explain as many features of qPCR as possible, provide alternative viewpoints, methods, and aims to simulate the researchers into generating, interpreting, and publishing data that are reproducible, reliable, and biologically meaningful. Contents http://www.iul-press.us/Books/BBT05-PCR/content-pcr.html Search inside  @   Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0963681788/ref=sib_dp_pt/102-2200945-3924931#reader-link
book content download book		Real Time PCR BIOS - Advanced Methods by Tevfik Dorak http://www.amazon.com Real-time PCR is based on the conventional principles of PCR and, with the simple shift of emphasis from the end-product to the whole course of the PCR process, has established itself as the most sensitive and specific quantitative PCR method. Real-time PCR is, like any other modern method in molecular genetics, expanding, with potential applications even in proteomics. With a variety of detection chemistries, an increasing number of platforms, multiple choices for analytical methods and the jargon emerging along with these developments, real-time PCR is facing the risk of becoming an intimidating method, especially for beginners. Real-Time PCR provides the basics, explains how they are exploited to run a real-time PCR assay, how the assays are run and where these assays are informative in real life. It doesn't cover every aspect of real-time PCR, but addresses the most practical aspects of the techniques with the emphasis on 'how to do it in the laboratory'. Keeping with the spirit of the Advanced Methods Series, most chapters provide an experimental protocol as an example of a specific assay. The BIOS Advanced Methods series is intended for advanced undergraduates, graduate students and established research scientists. Titles in this series are designed to cover current important areas of research in life sciences, and include both theoretical background and detailed protocols. The aim is to give researchers sufficient theory, supported by references, to take the given protocols and adapt them to their particular experimental systems.
		Early, rapid and sensitive veterinary molecular diagnostics - real time PCR applications Erika Pestana, Sandor Belak, Adama Diallo, John R. Crowther, Gerrit J. Viljoen 2010, 310 pages, Englisch  Springer Netherland download book This book gives a comprehensive account of the practical aspects of Real time PCR and its application to veterinary diagnostic laboratories. The optimisation of assays to help diagnose livestock diseases is stressed and exemplified through assembling standard operating procedures from many laboratory sources. Theoretical aspects of PCR are dealt with as well as quality control features necessary to maintain an assured testing system. The book will be helpful to all scientists involved in diagnostic applications of molecular techniques, but is designed primarily to offer developing country scientists a collection of working methods in a single source. The book is an adjunct to the Molecular Diagnostic PCR Handbook published in 2005.
		The PCR Revolution  (2010) Cambridge University Press ISBN: 978-0521882316 £48 http://www.cambridge.org/gb/knowledge/isbn/item2709754/?site_locale=en_GB   The invention of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1994 and remains one of the most important scientific discoveries of the twentieth century. More than 50,000 researchers in the United States use PCR replication technology, and yet a book has not been published on the subject in more than ten years. In this book, Dr. Stephen A. Bustin, a world-renowned PCR expert, examines in detail the latest innovations and the overall impact of PCR on many areas of molecular research. The book contains personal reflections, opinions, and comments by leading authorities on the many applications of the PCR and how this technology has revolutionized their respective areas of interest. This book conveys the ways in which PCR has overcome many obstacles in life science and clinical research and also charts the PCR's development from time-consuming, low throughput, non-quantitative procedure to today's rapid, high throughput, quantitative super method. Contents - http://www.cambridge.org/aus/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521882316&ss=toc
		PCR Technology: Current Innovations, Third Edition Editors: Tania Nolan, Sigma Life Science Custom Products, Haverhill, UK Stephen A. Bustin, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK Published: June 13, 2013 by CRC Press Content:457 Pages | 161 Illustrations ISBN 9781439848050 Summary PCR’s simplicity as a molecular technique is, in some ways, responsible for the huge amount of innovation that surrounds it, as researchers continually think of new ways to tweak, adapt, and re-formulate concepts and applications. PCR Technology: Current Innovations, Third Edition is a collection of novel methods, insights, and points of view that provides a critical and timely reference point for anyone wishing to use this technology. Features: Covers all aspects of PCR and real-time PCR Uses an accessible writing style appealing to a broad range of readers Examines buffer and oligonucleotide components Discusses assay design and instruments Presents a plethora of applications and innovations Supplies detailed "how to" information and protocols, along with tips and tricks from recognized experts Topics in this forward-thinking volume include: The purification and handling of PCR templates The effect of the manufacture and purification of the oligonucleotide on PCR behavior Optimum buffer composition Probe options The design and optimization of qPCR assays Issues surrounding the development and refinement of instrumentation Effective controls to protect against uncertainties due to reaction variability Covering all aspects of PCR and real-time PCR, the book contains detailed protocols that make it suitable as both a reference and an instruction manual. Each chapter presents detailed guidelines as well as helpful hints and tips supplied by authors who are recognized experts in their fields. In addition to descriptions of current technology and best practices, the book also provides information about new developments in the PCR arena.
		Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols   (Methods in Molecular Biology) by Roberto Biassoni, Alessandro Raso http://www.amazon.com/Quantitative-Real-Time-PCR-Protocols-Molecular/dp/1493907328/?&tag=nrbo-20 Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols focuses on different applications of qPCR ranging from microbiological detections (both viral and bacterial) to pathological applications. Several chapters deal with quality issues which regard the quality of starting material, the knowledge of the minimal information required to both perform an assay and to set the experimental plan, while the others focus on translational medicine applications that are ordered following an approximate logical order of their medical application. The last part of the book gives you an idea of an emerging digital PCR technique that is a unique qPCR approach for measuring nucleic acid, particularly suited for low level detection and to develop non-invasive diagnosis. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, most chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Practical and authoritative, Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols aims to aid researchers seeking to devise new qPCR-based approaches related to his or her area of investigation. download book Product Details Series: Methods in Molecular Biology (Book 1160) Hardcover: 231 pages Publisher: Humana Press; 2014 edition (May 31, 2014) Language: English ISBN-10: 1493907328
		Chapter 5 -- mRNA and microRNA Purity and Integrity:  The Key to Success in Expression Profiling Benedikt Kirchner, Vijay Paul, Irmgard Riedmaier and Michael W. Pfaffl in Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols   (Methods in Molecular Biology) by Roberto Biassoni, Alessandro Raso RNA quality control is a crucial step in guaranteeing integer nondegraded RNA and receiving meaningful results in gene expression profiling experiments, using micro-array, RT-qPCR (Reverse-Transcription quantitative PCR), or Next-Generation-Sequencing by RNA-Seq or small-RNA Seq. Therefore, assessment of RNA integrity and purity is very essential prior to gene expression analysis of sample RNA to ensure the accuracy of any downstream applications. RNA samples should be nondegraded or fragmented and free of protein, genomic DNA, nucleases, and enzymatic inhibitors. Herein we describe the current state-of-the-art RNA quality assessment by combining UV/Vis spectrophotometry and microfl uidic capillary electrophoresis. Chapter 15 -- Posttranscriptional Regulatory Networks:  From Expression Profi ling to Integrative Analysis of mRNA and MicroRNA Data Swanhild U. Meyer, Katharina Stoecker, Steffen Sass, Fabian J. Theis and Michael W. Pfaffl in Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols   (Methods in Molecular Biology) by Roberto Biassoni, Alessandro Raso Protein coding RNAs are posttranscriptionally regulated by microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs. Insights in messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) regulatory interactions facilitate the understanding of fi ne-tuning of gene expression and might allow better estimation of protein synthesis. However, in silico predictions of mRNA–microRNA interactions do not take into account the specifi c transcriptomic status of the biological system and are biased by false positives. One possible solution to predict rather reliable mRNA-miRNA relations in the specifi c biological context is to integrate real mRNA and miRNA transcriptomic data as well as in silico target predictions. This chapter addresses the workfl ow and methods one can apply for expression profi ling and the integrative analysis of mRNA and miRNA data, as well as how to analyze and interpret results, and how to build up models of posttranscriptional regulatory networks.

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microRNA Books
	microRNA: Medical Evidence -- From Molecular Biology to Clinical Practice Editors: Santulli, Gaetano (Ed.) eBook -- Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 2015 This volume explores microRNA function in a wide array of human disorders, providing a clinical basis for precision medicine and personalized therapies using these molecules. The twenty-one chapters, all authored by internationally-renowned experts, open with an introduction contextualizing microRNA manipulation within today’s initiatives towards precision medicine. The following chapters explore the clinical role of microRNAs in the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, focusing on mitochondrial fitness, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, cerebrovascular disease, pulmonary hypertension, diabetic kidney disease, and kidney transplantation. The subsequent chapters discuss the importance of microRNAs in the wound healing process and in skin disease, in the pathogenesis of allergy, in human ovulation, and in infection. The book concludes with chapters  which outline the emerging role of microRNAS in doping and detail microRNA profiling.
	MicroRNAs -- From Basic Science to Disease Biology Edited by Krishnarao Appasani Cambridge University Press August 2009 ISBN: 9780521118552 MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are RNA molecules, conserved by evolution, that regulate gene expressions and their recent discovery is revolutionising both basic biomedical research and drug discovery. Expression levels of MiRNAs have been found to vary between tissues and with developmental stages and hence evaluation of the global expression of miRNAs potentially provides opportunities to identify regulatory points for many different biological processes. This wide-ranging reference work, written by leading experts from both academia and industry, will be an invaluable resource for all those wishing to use miRNA techniques in their own research, from graduate students, post-docs and researchers in academia to those working in R&D in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies who need to understand this emerging technology. From the discovery of miRNAs and their functions to their detection and role in disease biology, this volume uniquely integrates the basic science with industry application towards drug validation, diagnostic and therapeutic development. Forewords by: Sidney Altman, Yale University, Winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1989 and Victor R. Ambros, Dartmouth Medical School, Co-discoverer of MicroRNAs.
	MicroRNAs in Medicine Editor(s): Charles H. Lawrie Published Online: 1 Nov 2013,  Online ISBN:  9781118300312 MicroRNAs in Medicine provides an access point into the current literature on microRNA for both scientists and clinicians, with an up-to-date look at what is happening in the emerging field of microRNAs and their relevance to medicine. Each chapter is a comprehensive review, with descriptions of the latest microRNA research written by international leaders in their field. Opening with an introduction to what microRNAs are and how they function, the book goes on to explore the role of microRNAs in normal physiological functions, infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, cancer, circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers, and finally their potential as novel therapeutics. Including background information on the field as well as reviews of the latest research breakthroughs, MicroRNAs in Medicine is a one-stop source of information to satisfy the specialists and non-specialists alike, appealing to students, researchers, and clinicians interested in understanding the potential of microRNAs in medicine and research.
	Free Nature reprint collection: MicroRNA from bench to clinic Read the collection online Since their discovery, microRNAs have revolutionized cell biology and completely changed the way we view the regulation of gene expression. These short regulating RNAs are now known to be involved in all cellular and developmental pathways and all major types of disease so far investigated. This Nature Reprint Collection presents some of the recent advances in moving microRNAs from basic research into the clinic both as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Read the collection and learn more about:     microRNA qPCR profiling to identify minimally invasive biomarkers in biofluids     The prognostic importance of microRNA in situ hybridization against miR-21     The potential of microRNAs as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and epilepsy
	MicroRNA and Cancer -- Methods and Protocols Humana Press 2011 Edited by Wei Wu; Institute for Biocomplexity and Informatics, Department of Biological Science, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) heralded a new and an exciting era in biology and started a new chapter in human gene regulation. The miRNAs, a class of small endogenous noncoding RNAs (~22 nt), fine tune the gene expression at the posttranscriptional level through mainly binding 3′-UTR of mRNAs. They are involved in stem cell self-renewal, cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Small miRNAs have big impacts in cancer development. Among the many miRNAs, a subset of miRNAs were identified as regulators of neoplastic transformation, tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis as well as tumor-initiating cells (cancer stem cells). The widespread deregulation of miRNomes in diverse cancers when compared to normal tissues have been unveiled. The oncomirs (oncogenic miRNAs), TSmiRs (tumor suppressive miRNAs), and MetastamiRs (miRNAs associated to cancer metastasis) comprise an importantpart of the cancer genome and confer pivotal diagnostic and prognostic significance. Moreover, cancer associated miRNAs are proving worthwhile for developing effective cancer biomarkers for individualized medicine and potential therapeutic targets. This book provides the latest and foremost miRNAs knowledge of cancer research applications from scientists all over the world. It is organized in two parts: the first part begins with a general introduction of miRNA biogenesis which is followed by chapters on the computational prediction of new microRNAs in cancer, the innovative technologies for modulating miRNAs of interests, and an overview of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. The second part of the book provides experimental and computational procedures in miRNA detection with diverse techniques, miRNA library construction, epigenetic regulation of miNRAs, microRNA::mRNA regulatory networks predicted with computational analysis in cancer cells or tissues, and the principle of designing the miRNA-mimics for miRNA activation. These chapters have been written for practical use in laboratories for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and scientists in cancer research. The contributors have shared their most valuable experiences in the translation of miRNA knowledge into cancer research. MicroRNA is a fast growing field, and microRNA knowledge is a pivotal element of cancer biology. An individual miRNA interferes with a broad range of mRNAs; conversely, a single mRNA could be targeted by a variety of miRNAs. The complexity of miRNA::mRNA interaction is far-reaching and a bit beyond our understanding to date. This book is expected to provide the basic principles of experimental and computational methods for microRNA study in cancer research and provide a firm grounding for those who wish to develop further applications. I am especially indebted to Prof. Shu Zheng and Dr. Suzanne D. Conzen for giving me the opportunity to gain substantial experience in cancer research. I would like to thank Dr. Gunglin Li for his kind support. Without their confidence and continuous support, many things would not have been possible. I also thank Prof. John Walker for his encouragement. Finally, I am grateful to all of the contributing authors for providing such high quality manuscripts.
	microRNA maturation -- Methods and Protocols Humana Press 2014 Edited  by  Christoph Arenz Institute  for  Chemistry,  Humboldt-Universität  zu  Berlin,  Berlin,  Germany The last decade has seen a dramatic development in the fi eld of micro RNAs (miRNAs). Starting with a small set of small noncoding regulatory RNAs in D. melanogaster and C. elegans miRNAs are now regarded as important regulatory components in many eukaryotic species including humans. The number of reported miRNAs exceeds 1,000 and many of these miRNAs have been implicated in important biological processes and human diseases. In this volume of “Methods in Molecular Biology” we concentrate on the pathway of microRNA maturation. After its synthesis, the primary miRNA transcript (pri-miRNA) is cleaved by indonuclease called Drosha to yield the precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA). After being transported to the cytoplasm, the latter is further cleaved by another nuclease called Dicer to yield the mature double-stranded miRNA. This mature miRNA consists of the active guide strand which remains bound to the miRNA effector complex, whereas the passenger strand is degraded. These few relatively simple steps (although the cellular machinery promoting this pathway is rather complex) are common to most miRNAs and thus are highly important to study. In this book we concentrate on three important aspects of this maturation pathway: First of all, we give an overview over the current knowledge of the pathway of miRNA maturation (Chapter 1 ) and how this pathway relates to human disease (Chapter 2 ). In the third review, established and novel approaches to manipulate miRNA maturation and activity are described. During the last 5 years many correlations between the levels of certain miRNAs and various human malignancies have been identifi ed, and in some cases the causative role of certain miRNAs in disease formation has been shown. Specifi c miRNAs can regulate certain proteins causing or preventing disease formation. These miRNA–disease correlations call for easy for easy and reliable methods for quantifying specifi c miRNA species from biological samples, a topic which is only partially covered in this book. While miRNAs today have somehow lost their “exotic” touch with many standard methods established in laboratories around the world, novel methods with the potential to expand the view on miRNAs are currently being developed. Such innovation can arise from improving existing methods or by the development of completely new methods allowing for addressing questions other than previous ones. In this book, established methods (qRT-PCR of miRNA maturation components,qRT-PCR of miRNAs) are completed with fl uorescent and nonfl uorescent methods for homogenous assays of Dicer-mediated miRNA maturation or an in vivo assay for Drosha activity. Since miRNAs appear to be emerging drug targets, anti-miRs are already commercially available. Less common is the use of biologically stable PNA as anti-miRs or even miRNA maturation inhibitors, doubtlessly adding to the arsenal of current oligonucleotide approaches to manipulate miRNA activity. Apart from oligonucleotides affecting miRNA activity, which are already under clinical investigation, there is a huge interest in finding small molecules with equivalent effects. Specially adapted luciferase assays have proven as powerful tools for identifying candidate small molecule miRNA effectors. I am convinced that the collection of methods of this book is suitable to widen the view on miRNA as biological mediators and potential drug targets and thus stimulate futurer esearch in this highly dynamic and thrilling topic.
	Nucleic Acids Research Methods Each of the collections on this page is a category-specific archive of Methods published in NAR from 1999 to the present. The numbers in parentheses show the number of articles currently in each collection. http://nar.oxfordjournals.org/collections/
	http://www.web-books.com/MoBio/ Chapter 1 - Cells and Viruses - Overview Chapter 2 - Protein Structure and Function Chapter 3 - Nucleic Acids, Genomics and Proteomics Chapter 4 - Gene Transcription Chapter 5 - Posttranscriptional Processes Chapter 6 - Cell Signaling and Apoptosis Chapter 7 - DNA Replication, Mutation and Repair Chapter 8 - Cell Division and DNA Recombination Chapter 9 - Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Chapter 10 - Genes and Disease

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