Scientists at the forefront of academic research and pharmaceutical drug development offer their well-polished methodologies for protein nucleases that can be used to determine their activity, structure, interaction with other molecules, and physiological role. Protocols range from methods for characterizing nucleases, to correlating nuclease structure and function, to the use of nucleases in cloning. Recombinant techniques for expressing and isolating nucleases are covered, as well as methods specific for dealing with protein/nucleic acid complexes. Each chapter contains a minireview of a specific nuclease or nuclease-related theme, a discussion of why and when to use the assay in question, and an explanation of the thinking that went into its development. Comprehensive and highly practical, Nuclease Methods and Protocols offers both novice and experienced researchers a deeper understanding of their importance in cell metabolism, growth control mechanisms, and, increasingly, in diagnostics and therapeutics.Nucleases, the enzymes that cleave and shape nucleic acids, are key regulators of cellular metabolism. Angiogenesis and the unfolded protein response are just a few instances of important intra- and extracellular pathways regulated by nucleases. In Nuclease Methods and Protocols, researchers at the forefront of academic research and pharmaceutical drug development from four continents summarize their recent results. Their projects involve nucleases in many different areas of medicine and biology, ranging from protein structure and folding, to DNA repair, to developing cures for insidious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, AIDS, and cancer. Each chapter contains a minireview of a specific nuclease or nuclease-related theme, a discussion of why and when to use the assays described, and often, an explanation of how the assay was developed. The authors describe their most valuable methods for determining the mode of action, structure, interaction with other molecules, and physiological role of nucleases. Detailed step-by-step instructions and notes on avoiding pitfalls help ensure readily reproducible results.§Comprehensive and highly practical, Nuclease Methods and Protocols offers§both novice and experienced researchers a deeper understanding of the importance of nucleases in cell metabolism, growth control mechanisms, and, increasingly, in §diagnostics and therapeutics.
