Novartis Foundation Symposia
68 primary works • 104 total works
Book 111
Ciba Foundation Symposium 111 – Enzymes in Organic Synthesis
by Ciba Foundation Symposium
Published 30 May 2008
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Book 113
Ciba Foundation Symposium 113 – Retinoids, Differentiation and Disease
by Ciba Foundation Symposium
Published 30 May 2008
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Book 114
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Book 116
Ciba Foundation Symposium 116 – Growth Factors in Biology and Medicine
by Ciba Foundation Symposium
Published 30 May 2008
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Book 120
Papillomaviruses cause benign papillomas in humans and other mammals, but concern about their association with certain malignant lesions and appreciation of their heterogeneity (over 30 different types exist) have recently heightened interest in the genus. This multidisciplinary symposium volume brings together new research on molecular biological, physiological and clinical aspects of papillomaviruses, focusing on the virus - host interaction and the links between genomic organization and the pathological consequences of infection. The book starts with discussion of the classification and molecular genetics of papillomaviruses, with emphasis on transcriptional control, transforming functions and plasmid replication. The in vitro studies described provide clues to how benign papillomavirus-associated lesions might progress to malignancy. The nature and range of papillomavirus-associated diseases are then explored by reference to diverse lesions, from skin warts and laryngeal papillomatosis to epidermodysplasia verruciformis, bovine carcinomas of the bladder and alimentary tract and human cervical carcinoma.
The potential of both vaccines and interferon in preventing or treating such disorders is also assessed. It is stressed throughout that problems remain in establishing the oncogenicity of papillomaviruses and evaluating the possible roles of cocarcinogens and immunosuppression, and that despite improved methods for diagnosing infection there is still much to be learnt about the natural history of the viruses.
The potential of both vaccines and interferon in preventing or treating such disorders is also assessed. It is stressed throughout that problems remain in establishing the oncogenicity of papillomaviruses and evaluating the possible roles of cocarcinogens and immunosuppression, and that despite improved methods for diagnosing infection there is still much to be learnt about the natural history of the viruses.
Book 124
Proteoglycans are macromolecules containing glycosaminoglycan chains covalently bound to protein cores. In this symposium workers from a range of disciplines (biochemistry, cell biology, pathology and developmental biology among others) focus on the structure and functions of the many types of proteoglycan found in mammalian tissues. The proteoglycans are a major ingredient of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue and help determine its properties. The structure of the large proteoglycan of cartilage has been elucidated in part and distinct families of small proteoglycans are now being identified in skin, bone, cartilage, sclera, tendon and arterial wall. Proteoglycans occur on cells as well as between them. The surface location of these largely heparan sulphate proteoglycans gives them a role in cell-cell and cell-matrix attachments. Several chapters of the symposium deal with these adhesive responses, which involve interactions with the cytoskeleton and with extracellular molecules such as fibronectin. Other proteoglycans are basement membrane constituents; members of this proteoglycan family have been characterized in adult and embryonic tissues.
The storage granules of mast cells, and the granules of cytotoxic NK (natural killer) cells, also contain proteoglycans; their function and fate in mast cell exocytosis and in the killing of tumour and other cells is being actively investigated, as reported here. Proteoglycans are immensely varied but already, molecular biological studies of their protein cores suggest that a relatively small number of major gene families may exist within this heterogeneous, multifunctional and fascinating group of molecules. Proteoglycans are major components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues and also occur in cell surfaces, as mediators of cell attachment. Other proteoglycans are found in basement membranes and in the granules of mast cells and cytotoxic natural killer cells. The symposium emphasizes the structural and functional diversity of these fascinating macromolecules.
The storage granules of mast cells, and the granules of cytotoxic NK (natural killer) cells, also contain proteoglycans; their function and fate in mast cell exocytosis and in the killing of tumour and other cells is being actively investigated, as reported here. Proteoglycans are immensely varied but already, molecular biological studies of their protein cores suggest that a relatively small number of major gene families may exist within this heterogeneous, multifunctional and fascinating group of molecules. Proteoglycans are major components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues and also occur in cell surfaces, as mediators of cell attachment. Other proteoglycans are found in basement membranes and in the granules of mast cells and cytotoxic natural killer cells. The symposium emphasizes the structural and functional diversity of these fascinating macromolecules.
Book 153
Steroids and Neuronal Activity Chairman: M.A. Simmonds 1990 Classical studies on steroid hormones have been concerned with their regulation of protein synthesis via the modulation of genomic transcription. However, many of the actions of these hormones occur too rapidly to be explained in this way, particularly their effects on the central nervous system. Recent discoveries have shown that steroids can modulate the activity of certain neurotransmitters. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an important regulator of neuronal activity in the CNS; its inhibitory action is mediated by the GABAA receptor and is potentiated by steroids. The mechanisms by which this is achieved are being investigated in electrophysiological and ligand binding studies described in this volume. The effects of steroids on dopamine and other receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase or to protein kinase C are also considered. The binding of steroids to cell membranes, the components involved and the outcome of such interactions are all discussed. These basic studies also have clinical implications.
The use of glucocorticoid steroids in the attenuation of neuronal damage after stroke or other trauma is being investigated, as is the role of ovarian steroids as anaesthetics and as anticonvulsants. The volume concludes with a review of glucocorticoid effects on long-term potentiation in the CNS. Related Ciba Foundation Symposia: No 123 Antidepressants and receptor function Chairman: D.L. Murphy 1986 ISBN 0 471 91089 9 No 152 The biology of nicotine dependence Chairman: L.L. Iversen 1990 ISBN 0 471 92688 4
The use of glucocorticoid steroids in the attenuation of neuronal damage after stroke or other trauma is being investigated, as is the role of ovarian steroids as anaesthetics and as anticonvulsants. The volume concludes with a review of glucocorticoid effects on long-term potentiation in the CNS. Related Ciba Foundation Symposia: No 123 Antidepressants and receptor function Chairman: D.L. Murphy 1986 ISBN 0 471 91089 9 No 152 The biology of nicotine dependence Chairman: L.L. Iversen 1990 ISBN 0 471 92688 4
Book 202
Evolution of Hydrothermal Ecosystems on Earth (and Mars?)
by Ciba Foundation Symposium
Published 15 November 1996
This book explores the possibility that life exists on Mars. It provides an interdisciplinary overview of the early evolution of life in hydrothermal ecosystems on Earth, focusing on the problem of remote sensing and incorporating geological work relevant to the search for evidence of early life on Earth and Mars. It discusses the belief that studying thermal spring deposits as part of this search may be the best opportunity to test whether life on earth is a "unique experiment," or whether there is life elsewhere in the solar system.
Biological Asymmetry and Handedness Chairman: L. Wolpert 1991 Morphological asymmetry occurs in most types of living organisms, often with a systematic bias towards either right-handed or left-handed forms. The predominance of L-amino acids can be explained thermodynamically; their characteristics determine secondary structure in proteins but the information is lost at the next stage of protein assembly. Left-right asymmetry in animals arises early in embryogenesis: the mechanism is unknown but examples from a range of organisms - including ciliates, molluscs, Caenorhabditis, Xenopus and mammals - provide several clues. Evidence from fossils suggests that primitive animals were asymmetrical; bilateral symmetry then evolved, followed by the laterality seen in modern chordates - for example, the displacement of the mammalian heart to the left. So far, only one gene involved in the inheritance of laterality, the mouse iv gene, has been identified. Cerebral lateralization is observed anatomically; the relationship of this to human handedness' is not clear.
Similarly, whether models for the inheritance of handedness share any features with those for the inheritance of anatomical asymmetries is an open question. Was there an ancestral left-right gene that gave rise to a family of homologues which specify morphological and functional handedness? This multidisciplinary book, the first on this topic for twenty years, discusses models for the inheritance of anatomical asymmetry and for the inheritance of human handedness. Other recent Ciba Foundation Symposia: No. 144 Cellular basis of morphogenesis Chairman: L. Wolpert 1989 ISBN 0 471 92306 0 No. 155 Myopia and the control of eye growth Chairman: J. Wallman 1990 ISBN 0 471 92692 2 No. 160 Regeneration of vertebrate sensory receptor cells Chairman: E.W. Rubel 1991 ISBN 0 471 92960 3
Similarly, whether models for the inheritance of handedness share any features with those for the inheritance of anatomical asymmetries is an open question. Was there an ancestral left-right gene that gave rise to a family of homologues which specify morphological and functional handedness? This multidisciplinary book, the first on this topic for twenty years, discusses models for the inheritance of anatomical asymmetry and for the inheritance of human handedness. Other recent Ciba Foundation Symposia: No. 144 Cellular basis of morphogenesis Chairman: L. Wolpert 1989 ISBN 0 471 92306 0 No. 155 Myopia and the control of eye growth Chairman: J. Wallman 1990 ISBN 0 471 92692 2 No. 160 Regeneration of vertebrate sensory receptor cells Chairman: E.W. Rubel 1991 ISBN 0 471 92960 3
This book investigates new agricultural systems such as organic and green manuring, as well as integrated pest management practices, and looks at how they can improve farm productivity against the enhancements for the environment. Much of the information presented focuses on microinvestigation of the soil, and on the effects of soil variability within fields on yields and nutrient flows.
Interactions Among Cell Signalling Systems Chairman: Y. Nishizuka 1992 The study of mechanisms of cell signalling, including the processes involved in signal transduction, is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of biological research. As the mechanisms of cell signalling systems have become known in more detail, the importance of interactions between them - cross-talk' - has emerged. Interactions are seen at various levels of receptors, ion channels, coupling factors, second messengers and effectors. The subject of this book is cross-talk and its functional implications for mechanisms of hormone action, synaptic activity, the immune system, gene expression and growth control. The actions of and interactions between various types of protein kinases are a particular feature. There is discussion of the involvement of tyrosine kinases and the recently identified tyrosine phosphatases in growth control and the immune system. Protein kinase C activity in T cell activation mechanisms, stimulation of the enzyme by the synergistic action of diacylglycerol and unsaturated fatty acids, and the role and localization of protein kinase C subspecies are considered.
The convergence of the protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin signal transduction pathways in the control of cytoskeletal - plasma membrane interactions by regulation of the MARCKS protein is described. The roles of GABA and NMDA receptors, calcium, protein kinase C and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in the mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation are analysed. Other topics covered include G protein regulation of phosphoinositide and phosphatidylcholine phospholipases, growth factor tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1, the interaction between the Ca2+ and cyclic AMP second messenger systems in the regulation of insulin secretion and that between cyclic AMP and inositol lipids in activation of B cells. Related Ciba Foundation Symposia: No. 122 Calcium and the cell Chairman: P.F. Baker 1986 ISBN 0 471 91088 0 No. 150 Proto-oncogenes in cell development Chairman: T. Hunter 1990 ISBN 0 471 92686 8 No. 52 The biology of nicotine dependence Chairman: L. L. Iversen 1990 ISBN 0 471 92688 4
The convergence of the protein kinase C and Ca2+/calmodulin signal transduction pathways in the control of cytoskeletal - plasma membrane interactions by regulation of the MARCKS protein is described. The roles of GABA and NMDA receptors, calcium, protein kinase C and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in the mechanisms underlying long-term potentiation are analysed. Other topics covered include G protein regulation of phosphoinositide and phosphatidylcholine phospholipases, growth factor tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C-gamma1, the interaction between the Ca2+ and cyclic AMP second messenger systems in the regulation of insulin secretion and that between cyclic AMP and inositol lipids in activation of B cells. Related Ciba Foundation Symposia: No. 122 Calcium and the cell Chairman: P.F. Baker 1986 ISBN 0 471 91088 0 No. 150 Proto-oncogenes in cell development Chairman: T. Hunter 1990 ISBN 0 471 92686 8 No. 52 The biology of nicotine dependence Chairman: L. L. Iversen 1990 ISBN 0 471 92688 4
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
Epithelial cells cover the outer abd inner surfaces of the body, forming a selective polarized barrier between the intercellular space and the 'external' world. Linking the cells of this continuous layer and contributing to epithelial organization and function are specialized membrane domains- desomes, gap junctions and occluding junctions.The contributors to this multidisciplinary symposium volume explore the nature of such junctional structures, focusing on the molecular organization and diversity of their constituent proteins, their formation and control, and interactions with ions and cytoskeletal elements. The physiological significance of cell-cell interaction in epithelia is considered, with reference to cell adhesion, barrier formation and intracellular communication and to the functional implications for tissue architecture, embryonic development, morphogenesis and carcinogenesis.
Renowned contributors provide comprehensive coverage of calcium gradients, waves and oscillations in diverse systems. Discusses the mechanisms initiating and sustaining calcium waves and their role in cell function. Describes studies using the latest techniques for measuring calcium ion gradients including chemiluminescent indicators.
The Ciba Foundation is an international scientific and educational charity which exists to promote internationalco-operation in biological, medical and chemical research. It organizes about eight international multidisciplinary symposia each year on topics that seem ready for discussion by a small group of research workers. These are the proceedings of a symposium held at the Ciba Foundation in London during March 1989. The topic, photosensitizing compounds, was proposed by Professor Raymond Bonnett. The papers presented cover various aspects of these compounds, their behaviour and their uses.
Ciba Foundation Symposium – Development Of The Lung
by Ciba Foundation Symposium
Published 27 May 2008
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.
The Novartis Foundation Series is a popular collection of the proceedings from Novartis Foundation Symposia, in which groups of leading scientists from a range of topics across biology, chemistry and medicine assembled to present papers and discuss results. The Novartis Foundation, originally known as the Ciba Foundation, is well known to scientists and clinicians around the world.