Evolutionary Diversity As A Source For Anticancer Molecules

Evolutionary Diversity as a Source for Anticancer Molecules discusses evolutionary diversity as source for anticancer agents derived from bacteria, algae, bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms. The book goes over the isolation of anticancer agents and the technologyenabled screening process used to develop anticancer drugs. The book also includes discussion of the nutraceuticals and natural products derived from invertebrates that can be used as part of cancer treatment. Evolutionary Diversity as a Source for Anticancer Molecules also deals with some of the current challenges in the prevention of cancer as well as the side effects of conventional drugs used for cancer patients. This book is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists, biotechnologists, pharmacologists, and any member of the biomedical field interested in understanding more about natural products with anticancer potential. Discusses the application of natural products in place of conventional drugs to minimize the side effects in cancer treatment Explains the relation between evolutionary mechanisms and climate change for production of secondary metabolites

This edited volume is a compilation of 30 articles discussing what constitutes food for health and longevity. The aim is to provide up-to-date information, insights, and future tendencies in the ongoing scientific research about nutritional components, food habits and dietary patterns in different cultures. The health-sustaining and health-promoting effects of food are certainly founded in its overall composition of macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the consumption of these nutrients is normally in the form of raw or prepared food from the animal and plant sources. The book is divided into four parts and a conclusion, and successfully convenes the well-established information and knowledge, along with the personal views of a diversified group of researchers and academicians on the multifaceted aspects of nutrition, food and diet. The first part reviews the scientific information about proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, micronutrients, pro- and pre-biotics, and hormetins, along with a discussion of the evolutionary principles and constraints about what is optimal food, if any. The second part discusses various kinds of foods and food supplements with respect to their claimed benefits for general health and prevention of some diseases. The third part brings in the cultural aspects, such as what are the principles of healthy eating according to the traditional Chinese and Indian systems, what is the importance of mealing times and daily rhythms, and how different cultures have developed different folk wisdoms for eating for health, longevity and immortality. In the part four, various approaches which are either already in practice or are still in the testing and research phases are discussed and evaluated critically, for example intermittent fasting and calorie restriction, food-based short peptides, senolytics, Ayurvedic compounds, optimal food for old people, and food for the prevention of obesity and other metabolic disorders. The overreaching aim of this book is to inform, inspire and encourage students, researchers, educators and medical health professionals thinking about food and food habits in a holistic context of our habits, cultures and patterns. Food cannot be reduced to a pill of nutritional components. Eating food is a complex human behavior culturally evolved over thousands of years. Perhaps the old adage “we are what we eat” needs to be modified to “we eat what we are”.

This book discusses cancers and the resurgence of public interest in plant-based and herbal drugs. It also describes ways of obtaining anti-cancer drugs from plants and improving their production using biotechnological techniques. It presents methods such as cell culture, shoot and root culture, hairy root culture, purification of plant raw materials, genetic engineering, optimization of culture conditions as well as metabolic engineering with examples of successes like taxol, shikonin, ingenol mebutate and podophylotoxin. In addition, it describes the applications and limitations of large-scale production of anti-cancer compounds using biotechnological means. Lastly, it discusses future economical and eco-friendly strategies for obtaining anti-cancer compounds using biotechnology.

While drug therapies developed in the last 80 years have markedly improved treatment outcomes and the management of some types of cancers, the lack of effectiveness and side effects associated with the most common treatment types remain unacceptable. However, recent technological advances are leading to improved therapies based on targeting distinct biological pathways in cancer cells. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Anticancer Drugs is a comprehensive survey of all families of anticancer agents and therapeutic approaches currently in use or in advanced stages of clinical trials, including biological-based therapies. The book is unique in providing molecular structures for all anticancer agents, discussing them in terms of history of development, chemistry, mechanism of action, structure–function relationships, and pharmacology. It also provides relevant information on side effects, dosing, and formulation. The authors, renowned scientists in cancer research and drug discovery, also provide up-to-date information on the drug discovery process, including discussions of new research tools, tumor-targeting strategies, and fundamental concepts in the relatively new areas of precision medicine and chemoprevention. Chemistry and Pharmacology of Anticancer Drugs is an indispensable resource for cancer researchers, medicinal chemists and other biomedical scientists involved in the development of new anticancer therapies. Its breadth of coverage, clear explanations, and illustrations also make it suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, nutrition, the biomedical sciences, and related disciplines. Key Features: Summarizes the fundamental causes of cancer, modes of treatment, and strategies for cancer drug discovery Brings together a broad spectrum of information relating to the chemistry and pharmacology of all families of anticancer agents and therapies Includes up-to-date information on cutting-edge aspects of cancer treatments such as biomarkers, pharmacogenetics, and pharmacogenomics Features new chapters on the "Evolution of Anticancer Therapies", "Antibody-Based Therapies", and "Cancer Chemoprevention"

​In recent years there has been significant attention paid on the endophytic research by various groups working within this domain. Mutualistic endophytic microbes with an emphasis on the relatively understudied fungal endophytes are the focus of this special book. Plants are associated with micro-organisms: endophytic bacteria and fungi, which live inter- and intra-cellularly without inducing pathogenic symptoms, but have active biochemical and genetic interactions with their host. Endophytes play vital roles as plant growth promoters, biocontrol agents, biosurfactant producers, enzymes and secondary metabolite producers, as well as providing a new hidden repertoire of bioactive natural products with uses in pharmaceutical, agrochemical and other biotechnological applications. The increasing interest in endophytic research generates significant progress in our understanding of the host-endophyte relationship at molecular and genetic level. The bio-prospection of microbial endophytes has led to exciting possibilities for their biotechnological application as biocontrol agent, bioactive metabolites, and other useful traits. Apart from these virtues, the microbial endophytes may be adapted to the complex metabolism of many desired molecules that can be of significant industrial applications. These microbes can be a useful alternative for sustainable solutions for ecological control of pests and diseases, and can reduce the burden of excess of chemical fertilizers for this purpose. This book is an attempt to review the recent development in the understanding of microbial endophytes and their potential biotechnological applications. This is a collection of literature authored by noted researchers having signatory status in endophytic research and summarizes the development achieved so far, and future prospects for further research in this fascinating area of research.

New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Microbial Secondary Metabolites Biochemistry and Applications examines the areas of biotechnology and chemical engineering, covering aspects of plants, bacteria and machines, and using microbes as factories. The book is aimed at undergraduates, post-graduates and researchers studying microbial secondary metabolites, and is an invaluable reference source for biochemical engineers working in biotechnology, manipulating microbes, and developing new uses for bacteria and fungi. The applications of secondary metabolites in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and medical device development are also extensively covered. The book integrates the aforementioned frontline branches into an interdisciplinary research work to satisfy those working in biotechnology, chemical engineering, alternative fuel development, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals. Chapters related to important research work on applications of microbial secondary metabolites are written by specialists in the various disciplines from the international community. Compiles the latest developments in the area of microbial secondary metabolites Authored by the top international researchers in this area Includes information related to nearly all areas of a microbial secondary metabolites system

Biological Diversity and Sustainable Resources Use is a very interesting volume, including attractive overviews and original case studies mainly focused on socio-economical effects of the right management of the ecosystems biodiversity, as well as on the useful integration between human activities and environmental responses. Ecological, medical and historical aspects of the sustainable development are also discussed in this book which consists of articles written by international experts, offering the reader a clear and extensive view of the present condition in which our planet is.

This book provides practical information on obtaining and using a wide variety of plant based reagents for different sectors, addressing the needs and challenges in a single resource. The chapters complement each other seamlessly and present contributions from reputed international researchers and renowned professionals from industry, covering the latest efforts in the field. The book serves as the starting point for future collaborations in the new area “Plant Based Green Chemistry” between research, industry, and education, covering large ecologic and economic applications: perfume, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food ingredients, nutraceuticals, biofuels, or fine chemicals industries. This book is aimed at professionals from industries, academicians engaged in plant based green chemistry, researchers and graduate level students, but will also be useful to food technologists and students and researchers involved in natural products chemistry.

The first edition of Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources was published in a period of renewed attention to biologically active compounds of natural origin. This trend has continued and intensified—natural products are again under the spotlight, in particular for their possible pharmacological applications. Largely focusing on natural products as lead compounds in drug discovery, Bioactive Compounds from Natural Sources, Second Edition: Natural Products as Lead Compounds in Drug Discovery is actually a completely new volume containing surveys of selected recent advances in an interdisciplinary area covering chemistry of natural products, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, and other related topics. Written by some of the most reputed scientists in the field, this second edition includes new chapters from authors who contributed to the first edition as well as many chapters compiled by new authors. Introducing the reader to strategies and methods in the search for bioactive natural products, this book covers topics including: Natural sources of bioactive compounds such as aquatic cyanobacteria, filamentous fungi, and tropical plants, The tremendous potentiality of metabolic engineering of natural products biosynthesis The contribution of emerging or developing technologies to the study of bioactive natural compounds, namely computational methods and circular dichroism The potential of natural or natural-derived compounds for specific therapeutic applications: treatment of viral diseases, regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor, antimalarials, modulation of angiogenesis, and antitumor and wound-healing activity Selected examples of natural product families and related synthetic analogues, namely polyphenols and campthotecins Compiled for researchers and Ph.D. students working in interdisciplinary fields, this book will also be appreciated by readers without a background in chemistry interested in bioactive natural products, their biological and pharmacological properties, and their possible use as chemopreventive or chemotherapeutic agents. Conversely, the biological and pharmacological data and methods are accessible by chemists.

A single volume collection that surveys the exciting field of plant-made pharmaceuticals and industrial proteins This comprehensive book communicates the recent advances and exciting potential for the expanding area of plant biotechnology and is divided into six sections. The first three sections look at the current status of the field, and advances in plant platforms and strategies for improving yields, downstream processing, and controlling post-translational modifications of plant-made recombinant proteins. Section four reviews high-value industrial and pharmacological proteins that are successfully being produced in established and emerging plant platforms. The fifth section looks at regulatory challenges facing the expansion of the field. The final section turns its focus toward small molecule therapeutics, drug screening, plant specialized metabolites, and plants as model organisms to study human disease processes. Molecular Pharming: Applications, Challenges and Emerging Areas offers in-depth coverage of molecular biology of plant expression systems and manipulation of glycosylation processes in plants; plant platforms, subcellular targeting, recovery, and downstream processing; plant-derived protein pharmaceuticals and case studies; regulatory issues; and emerging areas. It is a valuable resource for researchers that are in the field of plant molecular pharming, as well as for those conducting basic research in gene expression, protein quality control, and other subjects relevant to molecular and cellular biology. Broad ranging coverage of a key area of plant biotechnology Describes efforts to produce pharmaceutical and industrial proteins in plants Provides reviews of recent advances and technology breakthroughs Assesses realities of regulatory and cost hurdles Forward looking with coverage of small molecule technologies and the use of plants as models of human disease processes Providing wide-ranging and unique coverage, Molecular Pharming: Applications, Challenges and Emerging Areas will be of great interest to the plant science, plant biotechnology, protein science, and pharmacological communities.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Chemoresistance to Cancer, Volume Two, focuses on nutraceuticals, the compounds derived from natural sources, which are usually multi-targeted as a means to overcome chemoresistance. This book discusses the role of several compounds related to nutraceuticals and chemoresistance, such as curcumin, resveratrol, indole 3-carbinol, tocotrienols, ursolic acid, fisetin, celastrol, gambogic, butein, catechins and silymarin. It is a valuable resource for cancer researchers, oncologists and members of several areas of the biomedical field who are interested in understanding how to use nutraceuticals as a sensitizing agent for chemotherapy. Brings updated information on natural compounds used as specific inhibitors of cell signaling pathways as reviewed by experts in the field Presents experts analysis and summary of reported and novel findings and potential translational application in cancer patients Describes molecular mechanisms with new and helpful approaches for the readers to use in their own investigations

This book is an introduction to cancer treatment, the basics of radio- and chemotherapy, drug actions, the eradication of cancer cells, and the origins and persistence of pharmacological and toxicological effects of drugs. It further provides ideas for research based on knowledge of cancer metastasis, invasive and molecular pathways, and diagnosis and treatment. Many of the adaptive features of cancer biology, clinical features, pathology and treatment are reviewed. In addition to introducing the major themes and theories, the book also advances the current discussion by moving beyond explanations for clinical implementation. Key Selling Features: Reviews basic cancer treatments Summarizes chemotherapies Discusses radiotherapies Examines pharmacological and toxicological approaches to treatment Introduces oncological drug development

Tumor progression is driven by mutations that confer growth advantages to different subpopulations of cancer cells. As a tumor grows, these subpopulations expand, accumulate new mutations, and are subjected to selective pressures from the environment, including anticancer interventions. This process, termed clonal evolution, can lead to the emergence of therapy-resistant tumors and poses a major challenge for cancer eradication efforts. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine examines cancer progression as an evolutionary process and explores how this way of looking at cancer may lead to more effective strategies for managing and treating it. The contributors review efforts to characterize the subclonal architecture and dynamics of tumors, understand the roles of chromosomal instability, driver mutations, and mutation order, and determine how cancer cells respond to selective pressures imposed by anticancer agents, immune cells, and other components of the tumor microenvironment. They compare cancer evolution to organismal evolution and describe how ecological theories and mathematical models are being used to understand the complex dynamics between a tumor and its microenvironment during cancer progression. The authors also discuss improved methods to monitor tumor evolution (e.g., liquid biopsies) and the development of more effective strategies for managing and treating cancers (e.g., immunotherapies). This volume will therefore serve as a vital reference for all cancer biologists as well as anyone seeking to improve clinical outcomes for patients with cancer.

Bioprospecting of Microbial Diversity: Challenges and Applications in Biochemical Industry, Agriculture and Environment Protection gives a detailed insight into the utilization of microorganisms or microorganism-based bioactive compounds for the development of sustainable approaches, covering recent advances and challenges in the production and recovery of bioactive compounds such as enzymes, biopesticides, biofertilizers, biosensors, therapeutics, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. The challenges associated with the different approaches of microbial bioprospecting along with possible solutions to overcome these limitations are addressed. Further, the application of microbe-based products in the area of environmental pollution control and developing greener technologies are discussed. Providing valuable insight into the basics of microbial prospecting, the book covers established knowledge as well as genomic-based technological advancements to offer a better understanding of its application to various industries, promoting the commercialization of microbial-derived bioactive compounds and their application in biochemical industries, agriculture, and environmental protection studies. Describes the advanced techniques available for microbial bioprospecting for large-scale industrial production of bioactive compounds Presents recent advances and challenges for the application of microbe-based products in agriculture and environment pollution control Provides knowledge of microbial production of bioenergy and high-value compounds such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals

Plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms have evolved complex chemical defense and signaling systems that are designed to protect them from predators and provide other biological benefits. These organisms thus produce substances containing novel chemotypes that may have beneficial effects for humans. As collection methods improve and new screen

Here in a single source is a complete spectrum of ideas on the development of new anticancer drugs. Containing concise reviews of multidisciplinary fields of research, this book offers a wealth of ideas on current and future molecular targets for drug design, including signal transduction, the cell division cycle, and programmed cell death. Detailed descriptions of sources for new drugs and methods for testing and clinical trial design are also provided. One work that can be consulted for all aspects of anticancer drug development Concise reviews of research fields, combined with practical scientific detail, written by internationally respected experts A wealth of ideas on current and future molecular targets for drug design, including signal transduction, the cell division cycle, and programmed cell death Detailed descriptions of the sources of new anticancer drugs, including combinatorial chemistry, phage display, and natural products Discussion of how new drugs can be tested in preclinical systems, including the latest technology of robotic assay systems, cell culture, and experimental animal techniques Hundreds of references that allow the reader to access relevant scientific and medical literature Clear illustrations, some in color, that provide both understanding of the field and material for teaching

What can sharks teach us about our immune system? What can horseshoe crabs show us about eyesight? The more we learn about the ocean, the more we realize how critical these vast bodies of water are to our health and well-being. Sometimes the ocean helps us, as when a marine organism yields a new medical treatment. At other times, the ocean poses the threat of coastal storm surges or toxic algal blooms. From Monsoons to Microbes offers a deeper look into the oceans that surround us, often nurturing yet sometimes harming humankind. This book explores the links among physical oceanography, public health, epidemiology, marine biology, and medicine in understanding what the ocean has to offer. It will help readers grasp such important points as: How the ocean's sweeping physical processes create long-term phenomena such as El Nino and short-term disastrous events such as tsunamis--including what communities can do to prepare. What medicines and nutritional products have come from the ocean and what the prospects are for more such discoveries. How estuaries work--where salt and fresh water meet--and what can go wrong, as in the 7,000 square mile "dead zone" at the out-flow of the Mississippi River. How the growing demand for seafood and the expansion of ocean-going transport has increased our exposure to infectious agents--and how these agents can be tracked down and fought. Why "red tides" of toxic algae suddenly appear in previously unaffected coastal areas, and what happens when algal toxins find their way into our food supply or the air we breathe. The book recommends ways we can implement exciting new technologies to monitor the physics, chemistry, and biology of the ocean to recognize change as it happens. From the impact of worldwide atmospheric warming to the significance of exotic bacteria from submarine hydrothermal vents, the ocean has many depths left to explore.

Advances in Cyanobacterial Biology presents the novel, practical, and theoretical aspects of cyanobacteria, providing a better understanding of basic and advanced biotechnological application in the field of sustainable agriculture. Chapters have been designed to deal with the different aspects of cyanobacteria including their role in the evolution of life, cyanobacterial diversity and classification, isolation, and characterization of cyanobacteria through biochemical and molecular approaches, phylogeny and biogeography of cyanobacteria, symbiosis, Cyanobacterial photosynthesis, morphological and physiological adaptation to abiotic stresses, stress-tolerant cyanobacterium, biological nitrogen fixation. Other topics include circadian rhythms, genetics and molecular biology of abiotic stress responses, application of cyanobacteria and cyanobacterial mats in wastewater treatments, use as a source of novel stress-responsive genes for development of stress tolerance and as a source of biofuels, industrial application, as biofertilizer, cyanobacterial blooms, use in Nano-technology and nanomedicines as well as potential applications. This book will be important for academics and researchers working in cyanobacteria, cyanobacterial environmental biology, cyanobacterial agriculture and cyanobacterial molecular biologists. Summarizes the various aspects of cyanobacterial research, from primary nitrogen fixation, to advanced nano-technology applications Addresses both practical and theoretical aspects of the cyanobacterial application Includes coverage of biochemical and molecular approaches for the identification, use and management of cyanobacteria

This book is the first of its kind in bringing together biodiversity, chemical ecology, phytochemistry and cancer therapy. The highlight of the book is an exhaustive compilation of scientific data on biodiversity of medicinal plants, biodiversity and metagenomics, chemical ecology of medicinal plants, chemical ecology of marine organisms, natural products from terrestrial microbial organisms with activity towards cancer cells, marine organisms, ethnopharmacology and phytotherapy, contribution of African flora in world fight against cancer, natural products derived from terrestrial plants with activity towards cancer cells and established anticancer drugs from natural origin. The book discusses the state-of-the-art of each topic to serve as reference resource tools for graduate students as well as scientists and scholars in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, organic chemistry and biochemistry, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicine and ethnopharmacology, complementary and alternative medicine, medical and public health sciences and others. It includes cutting-edge developments in anticancer discovery from both medicinal plants and organisms. Contents:Biodiversity of Medicinal Plants (Kirsten Yacoub, Katharina Cibis and Corinna Risch)Biodiversity and Metagenomics (Eva-Maria Surmann and Thomas Efferth)Chemical Ecology of Medicinal Plants (Christian Kersten, Stephanie Lenz and Janina Wich)Chemical Ecology of Marine Organisms (André Antunes and Thomas Efferth)Natural Products from Terrestrial Microbial Organisms with Cytotoxic Cell Cycle Inhibitors (Theresa Dreis, Caroline Gartner, Julia Krebs and Mathias Schneider)Marine Compounds (Jennifer Honek and Thomas Efferth)Ethnopharmacology and Phytotherapy (Ariane Löhnert, Susanne Löhnert, Viktoriya Mogilevskaya and Sandra Schick)Contribution of African Flora in a Global Fight Against Cancer (Victor Kuete and Thomas Efferth)Natural Products Derived from Terrestrial Plants with Activity Towards Cancer Cells (Sonia Falenska, Ina Kirmes, Stephanie Kletting, Irini Karagianni and Karen Duffy)Established Anticancer Drugs from Natural Origin (Clara Becker, Kerstin Hoffmann, Laura Hoffmann, Tanya King, Franziska Faulstich, Katrin Viertel, Victor Kuete and Thomas Efferth) Readership: Graduate students and scientists in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicine & ethnopharmacology, compementary & alternative medicine, public health. Key Features:This book is the first of its kind bringing together biodiversity, chemical ecology, phytochemistry and cancer therapyThe book provides the state-of-the-art in anticancer discovery from medicinal plantsThe book also provides the state-of-the-art in anticancer discovery from marine organismsKeywords:Biodiversity;Cancer;Marine Products;Natural Products;Established Drugs

Biomedical advances have made it possible to identify and manipulate features of living organisms in useful ways--leading to improvements in public health, agriculture, and other areas. The globalization of scientific and technical expertise also means that many scientists and other individuals around the world are generating breakthroughs in the life sciences and related technologies. The risks posed by bioterrorism and the proliferation of biological weapons capabilities have increased concern about how the rapid advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology could enable the production of biological weapons with unique and unpredictable characteristics. Globalization, Biosecurity, and the Future of Life Sciences examines current trends and future objectives of research in public health, life sciences, and biomedical science that contain applications relevant to developments in biological weapons 5 to 10 years into the future and ways to anticipate, identify, and mitigate these dangers.