Sterm Cell Protocols

This detailed book collects methodologies exploring mechanobiology, the involvement of mechanical forces in cell fate specification and in controlling single and collective cell behaviors such as directed migration, morphogenesis, wound healing, and the immune response. The volume features methods to quantify the mechanical properties of cells and adhesion proteins, to expose cells to external mechanical forces, to quantitatively characterize mechano-responses at various scales, to measure forces applied by cells on the extracellular matrix, as well as chapters on force measurement inside cells, probing cell signaling and gene expression in response to force, and biophysical modeling of cell shape and protein dynamics. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary material and reagents, step-by-step and readily reproducible protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

This volume presents current methods to detect and measure the activity of proteolytic enzymes in organisms ranging from unicellular algae to flowering plants. Chapters detail in vitro production, characterization of plant proteases, tools for in vivo modifications, proteomic approaches for identification of substrates, inhibitors and interacting partners, and the function of plant proteases in plant programmed cell death. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols.