Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)

The Protein Reviews series serves as a publication vehicle for reviews that focus on crucial contemporary and vital aspects of protein structure, function, evolution and genetics. Volumes are published online first, prior to publication in a printed book. Chapters are selected according to their importance to the understanding of biological systems, relevance to the unravelling of issues associated with health and disease, or impact on scientific or technological advances and developments. Volume 23 presents four review chapters authored by experts in related fields. 
The first chapter covers the structure and function of SNM1 family nucleases. Chapter two examines the molecular details of DNA integration by CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins during adaptation in bacteria and archaea. The third chapter reviews the ordered motions in the nitric-oxide dioxygenase (NOD) mechanism of flavohemoglobin and assorted globins with tightly coupled reductases. Chapterfour reviews structural analyses of the multicopper site of CopG support a role as a redox enzyme. This volume is intended for research scientists, clinicians, physicians and graduate students in the fields of biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology and genetics.

The evolution of genome’s modification by genetic engineering was characterized by a major technological breakthrough with the discovery of CRISPR in 2012. A distinction is now made between first-generation biotechnologies developed in the 20th century and current second-generation biotechnologies, NGT or New Genomic Techniques, including genome editing. How do we consider these genomic modifications compared to those that occur spontaneously in nature? What are the applications of these techniques in the fields of plants, animals, and human health? What prospects in terms of development and independence for countries and at least what regulations are in force on the different continents?

The book questions what GMOs are, genome editing products and the place of genomic transformations today and tomorrow in our societies. It tries to give some geostrategic and regulatory benchmarks on biotech products in order to better understand the current issues.

Adrenoceptors have been at the forefront of physiological and pharmacological research for a century. They served as prototypes for rationale drug design as recognized by a Nobel Prize to Sir James Black and for the molecular understanding and structure of G protein-coupled receptors as recognized by a Nobel Prize to Brian Kobilka and Robert J. Lefkowitz. Drugs directly or indirectly targeting adrenoceptors have become guideline-recommended treatments for more than 30 human and various animal diseases. This volume assembles leading experts on various types of adrenoceptor research to provide concise insight into the current standing and future direction of uses of adrenoceptor-targeted drugs and research in this field.

In the face of recent viral outbreaks and a global viral pandemic, the necessity for innovation and continued rapid advancement in viral diagnosis and treatment methods has become even more apparent. Global Virology IV: Viral Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Delivery in the 21st Century explores the latest advances in virology and trends in clinical practice, focused on foundational principles and advancements expected to significantly impact this field. Chapters address SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Mpox, and Hepatitis C, among other key viral threats, before presenting a detailed analysis of antiviral agents broadly and concerning specific vulnerable populations such as stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients. It is designed as a helpful resource for medical students, scientists, and professionals, bridging current practice and future applications and inspiring further innovations and improvements in global health.

This book discusses indigenous practices and obstacles faced by farmers conducting shifting cultivation (jhum) in North-east India and suggests methods of soil fertility improvement through e.g. microbial-mediated rejuvenation of forest fallows as a sustainable approach for mitigating deteriorating jhum lands and enhancing their productivity. Shifting cultivation has experienced a decline in crop productivity due to high population density and shortened fallow length that has impacted upon farmers' socio-economic status, and raised concerns regarding food security and environmental conservation. As shifting cultivation is conducted in moist tropical forests globally supporting millions of people, there is the potential to benefit many populations. This book is suitable for researchers, policy makers, development agencies, NGOs and farmers to formulate strategies that conserve the biodiversity, environment, soil health and traditions of tribal farming communities.

This open access book is a rich resource that chronicles the abundant livestock genetic resources in Africa. Organized in five sections, the chapters trace special productive and adaptive attributes of African livestock breeds, past breed improvement efforts, capacity building and strategies to effective utilization of available genetic resources in the era of modern technologies. The authors cover major farm animal groups as well as dromedaries, rabbits and grasscutters.
 
In view of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (in particular SDG 2, Zero Hunger, and SDG 15, Life on Land), the purpose of this volume is to catalogue opportunities that can be leveraged with available technologies and technical knowhow for achieving rapid genetic gain and improved livestock productivity in Africa. It fosters the utilization of genetic resources and the protection of indigenous livestock biodiversity.
 
Natural selection and humans have generated genetically diverse breeds of domesticated farm animals which can significantly contribute to the livelihoods of millions of Africans today. Africa’s indigenous livestock are particularly hardy and well-adapted to local production contexts, having evolved adaptations to the continent’s diverse climatic conditions and environmental pressures. In spite of the wealth of desirable genetic traits, however, some of Africa’s iconic and lesser-known livestock are disappearing at an alarming rate. Moreover, despite increasing recognition of what this diversity portends, little has been done to understand and optimally harness the full potential of these genetic resources.
 
By combining scientific basis and practical instructions, this work is a valuable manual for a diverse readership, including students, researchers, livestock farmers, livestock and non-governmental organizations, policy makers and business professionals who want to understand the uniqueness of African livestock genetic resources, production systems and strategies for sustainable improvement for the African environment.

This book addresses significant gaps in our understanding of how watershed microbial structures and functions respond to the pressures of urbanization. It consolidates rapidly evolving, yet often fragmented, global data on watershed microbiomes, providing critical insights into the impacts of urban pollution, human health risks, and long-term ecological consequences.

Featuring the latest technological advancements in biological monitoring, microbial source-tracking technologies, and strategies for effective watershed management, this volume serves as a comprehensive and reliable source for the current state of urban watershed microbiology. It examines the unique challenges urbanization presents to ecosystems, especially in terms of atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, vegetation, and how these factors disrupt microbial communities that mediate essential ecosystem services like water purification, nutrient recycling, and degradation of pollutants.

Together the two-volume work delves into the mechanisms behind the urban watershed syndrome—ecological degradation of streams—and explores many unanswered questions that hinder progress in understanding urban watershed microbiomes. With original research articles, reviews, and perspectives, this collection is a key resource for microbiologists, environmental scientists, engineers, and professionals involved in water quality, ecosystem management, and land-use planning. The hope is that this volume will inspire new breakthroughs, drive further research, and ultimately help shape effective strategies for addressing the ecological challenges of urban watersheds.

Recent studies on extremophiles have focused on thermophiles, microbes that thrive in high temperatures, while psychrophiles, which prefer cold environments, have received less attention. However, interest in cold-adapted microbes, especially those in polar regions, has increased significantly in recent decades. Given that much of Earth’s biosphere remains below 5°C, psychrophiles likely outnumber thermophiles. Oceans, covering over 75% of the planet, maintain deep water temperatures between 2–4°C. Antarctica offers both terrestrial and aquatic cold habitats, including ice that melts seasonally. Other cold ecosystems include permafrost, alpine soils, cold deserts, marine sediments, glaciers, and sea ice.

This book explores microbial diversity and adaptation in extreme polar environments, emphasizing their potential for biotechnological applications. It presents a comprehensive overview of molecular diversity and genetic adaptations in cold-loving microorganisms. The chapters detail representative microbial groups, their habitats, and survival strategies in frigid conditions. It is designed for scientists interested in how life persists in extreme cold.

To survive in such harsh climates, polar microbes have evolved specific regulatory mechanisms to respond to environmental stressors. Over the past decade, research has uncovered microbial responses to anthropogenic challenges like UV-B radiation, nutrient scarcity, desiccation, heavy metals, and temperature extremes. These studies have provided the basis for understanding gene regulatory pathways involved in morphological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations.

Despite advances, the molecular diversity and adaptation mechanisms of polar microbes remain poorly studied. Research is dispersed, and there is a need for a unified resource. This book aims to fill that gap by offering a complete, up-to-date atlas of microbial life in polar regions, highlighting their unique adaptations and potential for future scientific and industrial exploration.

This comprehensive volume gathers foremost experts on the coral reefs of Cuba who represent a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, conservation ecology, economics and geology. The volume is organized along general themes including the Cuban Reef biota, reefs occurring in the Mesophotic and Eutrophic zones, ecology, conservation, management and the economic importance of the coral reefs of Cuba. The combination of case studies, new and previously published research, historical overview and examples of the ways in which research has contributed to the management and conservation of Cuban coastal resources provides a unique reference for graduate students and professionals holding a wide range of interests and expertise related to coral reef systems.