RSC Books Blog

Now Published in the RSC Drug Discovery Series

G Protein-Coupled Receptors: From Structure to Function

Edited by Jesus Giraldo and Jean-Philippe Pin

G protein-coupled receptors regulate the function of most cells in the human body and represent approximately three percent of the genes in the human genome. These receptors respond to a wide variety of structurally diverse ligands, ranging from small molecules to lipids, peptides, proteins and even light. Ligands acting on GPCRs are commonly used in drug therapy for numerous diseases and it is estimated that these receptors represent about one third of actual identified targets of clinically used drugs.

This exemplary new book which is broken down into three main parts begins by considering what receptor structures tell us about the mechanism of receptor activation. Part two focuses on receptor function and discusses what the data from biophysical and mutational studies, and the analysis of the interactions of the receptor with ligands and regulator proteins tell us about the process of signal transduction. The final part on modelling and simulation details what new insights can be provided by theoretical studies and their implications for drug design.  The book will be essential reading for medicinal chemists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists and pharmacologists.

http://www.rsc.org/shop/books/2011/9781849731836.asp

Now Published in the RSC Drug Discovery Series

Extracellular and Intracellular Signaling

Edited by James D. Adams Jr. and Keith K. Parker

Intracellular cell signaling is a well-understood process, but extracellular signals such as hormones, adipokines, cytokines and neurotransmitters are vital to the process and have been largely ignored in other literature. These are causative agents in hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and many other types of diseases. Aimed at medical professionals and pharmaceutical specialists, this book integrates for the first time extracellular and intracellular signaling processes and offers a fresh perspective on new targets for drug development. 

With contributions from leading international authorities, readers are introduced to new evidence that by alterations in toxic lifestyles you can reduce the incidence of disease. New approaches are presented on disease causation from the persective of toxic lifestyles and the accumulation of toxic proteins and lipids. New therapeutic targets involving adipokines, ceramide and endocannabinoids are also discussed. The book will be essential reading for medical professionals, pharmaceutical specialists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, pharmacologists and medicinal chemists.

http://www.rsc.org/shop/books/2011/9781849731607.asp

Now Published in the RSC Drug Discovery Series

Pharmaceutical Process Development: Current Chemical and Engineering Challenges

Edited by A. John Blacker and Michael T. Williams

This book presents an overview of the many facets of process development and how recent advances in synthetic organic chemistry, process technology and chemical engineering have impacted on the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. In fifteen concise chapters the book covers such diverse subjects as route design and selection, the interface with medicinal chemistry, the importance of green chemistry, the design of safe chemical reactions, the crucial role of physical organic measurements in gaining a deeper understanding of chemical behaviour, the role of the analyst, new tools and innovations in reactor design, purification and separation, solid state chemistry and its role in formulation and an assessment of future trends and challenges.

The book will be essential reading for both graduate and postgraduate students interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry. It informs them about the breadth of work currently carried out in chemical research and development departments, and gives them a feel for the challenges involved in the job. Within the pharmaceutical industry the book will be a useful training aid for scientists at the early stages of their career development.

http://www.rsc.org/shop/books/2011/9781849731461.asp

Now Published in the RSC Drug Discovery Series

Animal Models for Neurodegenerative Disease

Edited by Jesus Avila, Jose J. Lucas and Felix Hernandez

This book provides up-to-date information on the use of transgenic mouse models in the study of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and  Huntington’s disease. By reproducing some of the pathological aspects of the diseases, these studies could reveal the mechanism for their onset or development. Some of the transgenic mice can also be used as targets for testing new compounds with the potential to prevent or combat these disorders. There are also additional chapters on other CAG diseases, ALS, recessive ataxias and diseases caused by prions and ischemia.

The editors have extensive knowledge and experience in the field and have aimed the book at undergraduates, postgraduates, academics and scientists working in the field of neurosciences.

http://www.rsc.org/shop/books/2011/9781849731843.asp