Books published by Caister Academic Press

In this era of the "Green Planet", cyanobacteria are ideally placed for exploitation as microbial cell factories, both for carbon capture and storage and for the sustainable production of secondary metabolites and biofuels. The application of omics technologies to cyanobacterial research has yielded a wealth of new information. However for today's busy researchers, trawling through the literature to stay abreast of current developments can be extremely time-consuming. By compiling and summarising the most important topics on cyanobacterial omics and manipulation, the authors of this book provide the reader with a timely overview of the field.Topics covered: The cyanobacterial core-genome with a focus on secondary metabolites; cyanobacterial evolution; genomics of NRPS/PKS biosynthetic gene clusters; RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis of single cyanobacterial cells; transcriptomics of the responses: genes, sensors, and molecular triggers; transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of diurnal cycles in nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria; proteomic analysis of post translational modifications; metabolic engineering and systems biology for free fatty acid production; isoprene production; ethanol production: impact of omics of the model organism Synechocystis on yield enhancement; engineering of alkane production; photoautotrophic polyhydroxyalkanoate production. This cutting-edge text will serve as a valuable resource for all those working in this field and is recommended for all microbiology libraries.

Alphaherpesviruses are a fascinating group of DNA viruses that includes important human pathogens such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV): the causative agents of cold sores, genital ulcerous disease, and chickenpox/shingles, respectively. A key attribute of these viruses is their ability to establish lifelong latent infection in the peripheral nervous system of the host. Such persistence requires subversion of the host's immune system and intrinsic antiviral defense mechanisms. Understanding the mechanisms of the immune evasion and what triggers viral reactivation is a major challenge for today's researchers. This has prompted enormous research efforts into understanding the molecular and cellular biology of these viruses. This up-to-date and comprehensive volume aims to distill the most important research in this area providing a timely overview of the field. Topics covered include: transcriptional regulation, DNA replication, translational control, virus entry and capsid assembly, the role of microRNAs in infection and oncolytic vectors for cancer therapy. In addition there is coverage of virus-host interactions, including apoptosis, subversion of host protein quality control and DNA damage response pathways, autophagy, establishment and reactivation from latency, interferon responses, immunity and vaccine development. Essential reading for everyone working with alphaherpesviruses and of interest to all virologists working on latent infections.

In the twenty first century, the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus continues to be a global threat to human and animal health. There is currently no vaccine for preventing S. aureus infections and the bacterium has developed resistance to many, if not most, antibiotics, hence the therapeutic options are rapidly disappearing. The genetic and physiological flexibility that allows this commensal bacterium to become a powerful pathogen and elucidating the myriad of mechanisms it employs to avoid the host and/or antimicrobials are important areas of research. This book brings together respected S. aureus experts from around the world to provide a timely overview of staphylococcal research. Topics covered include: medical significance; genetic variation; virulence factors; metabolism; proteomics; cell wall assembly; antibiotic resistance; genetic regulation; and immune response. Essential reading for scientists working with staphylococci. This text is an excellent introduction for entry level scientists, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of this critically important bacterial pathogen.

Acidophiles are life-forms that grow preferentially in natural or man-made environments where the pH is well below seven. Together with other categories of extremophiles, they have greatly expanded our knowledge of the diversity of life, our understanding on how microorganisms can adapt to seemingly hostile situations, and provided scenarios for the possibility that life-forms may be found outside of our solar system. Written by experts in their field, this important volume provides a comprehensive account of acidophilic microbiology from fundamental to applied aspects. The seventeen chapters are arranged in five sections, each dealing with a specific area. The first section looks at the challenges faced by life-forms that grow in extremely acidic environments and how they adapt to meet these challenges. The next section describes the physiological and phylogenetic diversities of acidophilic microorganisms including archaea, bacteria and eukaryotes. Section three covers acidophile community dynamics, quorum sensing and the formation of biofilms. The next section deals with the various omic technologies that are used to study acidophiles including genomic and metagenomic studies, proteomic-, mobilomic- and metabolomic-focused research. The final section considers the ways in which acidophiles are used in established and emerging biotechnologies and describes why these fascinating microorganisms are considered potential candidates for life on other solar bodies, such as Mars, and beyond. This up-to-date and comprehensive book will be indispensable for environmental scientists and microbiologists and is a recommended acquisition for all microbiology libraries.

Revised, updated and expanded, the third edition of this authoritative reference work is indispensable to Bacillus scientists and invaluable for anyone involved in bacterial cell biology. With two new chapters on motility and nucleotide regulation, the new edition provides up-to-date reviews on current Bacillus research. Subjects covered include chromosome replication, DNA repair, chromosome segregation, cell division, transcription and translation, RNA-mediated regulation, general and regulatory proteolysis, the MreB cytoskeleton, membrane proteins, the cell wall, sporulation, biofilms, multicellularity and social behaviour, competence and transformation, motility and nucleotide regulation.An essential book for anyone involved in Bacillus and an invaluable reference work for those working in fields as diverse as medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, food and industry. A recommended acquisition for all microbiology laboratories.

The microbial bioremediation of contaminants is cost effective and reliable and a number of approaches are in widespread commercial use. Microbial bioremediation makes use of the metabolic activities of biofilm-dwelling microorganisms which are responsible for the majority of pollutant degradation in natural environments. In this book, renowned scientists from around the world provide up-to-date and authoritative reviews of the latest scientific research that has contributed to our understanding of the vital importance of microbial biofilms for the biological remediation of contaminated environments. The results of a variety of key case studies are presented to highlight the broad range of treatment approaches and applications at our disposal. In addition, the authors discuss the future trends and likely growth areas in biofilm-related research. This comprehensive volume is indispensable for anyone involved in bioremediation, biofilm research or environmental microbiology. It is also recommended as a reference work for all microbiology libraries.

The genus Borrelia, in the spirochete phylum, is not closely related to any other bacteria and has a highly unusual genome composed of a linear chromosome and multiple circular and linear plasmids that appear to be in a constant state of rearrangement, recombination, and deletion. The determination of the genome sequence of Borrelia strains has facilitated tremendous advances in understanding this genus at the molecular and cellular level, as well as the pathogenesis of Lyme disease and relapsing fever. In recent years, there has been an explosion of new insights into the molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology of Borrelia and its tick/vertebrate life cycle. This research is of particular importance as the incidence of Lyme borreliosis continues to increase. Written by renowned scientists who have made seminal contributions to the field, this book is a comprehensive guide to the pathogenic Borrelia, providing researchers, advanced students, clinicians, and other profession

Comprehensively details the current understanding of viruses, their replication, evolution, host interaction.

The distribution and function of microorganisms are of crucial importance for the flow of matter in the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Effects of microbial communities on the carbon and nitrogen cycles are particularly important for producing climate gases such as CO2, CH4, or N2O. However, the biogeochemical cycles are reversely impacted by global climate change, for example by increasing temperature, increasing CO2 concentration, or changing soil humidity. However microbes may respond differently, by accelerating or by alleviating, human-caused climate change. Understanding of microbial ecology in the different ecosystems on Earth, such as soil, oceans, or inland waters, is essential for our ability to assess the importance of biogeochemical cycles-climate feedbacks. Unfortunately, microbial communities are extremely complex in structure and function and can be affected by climate and other global changes in many ways, which impedes our ability to draw reliable conclusions. In this book, a broad range of renowned scientists reviews the most important hot-topics in the area of climate change and microbial ecology, thus providing a timely and authoritative overview of this increasingly important area. Individual chapters cover the various ecosystems on Earth as well as the different groups of microorganisms with respect to different cycles of matter. In addition, special chapters cover applied aspects, such as land-use and geoengineering. This is an essential book for every microbial ecologist from the PhD student to the experienced scientist and is also recommended for everyone interested in the field of global climate change.

Genomics and post-genomics technologies - including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, next-generation sequencing-based genotyping, and mass spectrometry - are becoming increasingly important in agricultural research and, in particular, for the genetic improvement of crops for disease resistance. In this book, distinguished scientists from around the world provide an overview of the topic and critically analyze the omics technologies currently being used in agricultural research. The book reviews the practical applications and implications of these technologies in the genetic improvement of crops for resistance against various viral, bacterial, and fungal diseases of economic significance. Topics include: resistance to fungal diseases in lentil * proteomic studies in rice * metabolomics of disease resistance in crops * omics approachs in Brassica * resistance to planthopper-borne viruses * resistance to root-knot nematodes * complex oomycete plant interactions * omics of pathogen resistant plants * rice-Magnaporthe interaction * role of nitric oxide * overview of proteomics tools * pathogen resistance in legumes. In each case, the authors comprehensively describe the most relevant technology, the latest applications, and the most recent scientific research. (Series: Current Issues in Molecular Biology - Vol. 19) [Subject: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Life Science]

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are the causative agents of significant morbidity and mortality among humans and domestic animals globally. They are maintained in complex biological life cycles, involving a primary vertebrate host and a primary arthropod vector. While all known arboviruses are zoonotic pathogens, their emergence as human pathogens is associated with dramatic increases of human population growth leading to uncontrolled urbanization, changes in land and water use, changes in agricultural practices, new irrigation systems and deforestation. This book brings together a panel of expert arbovirologists to produce a timely review of the rapidly expanding arbovirus research literature. In addition authors identify the most pressing questions that remain to be answered, thus providing a stimulus for future research. Topics include: taxonomy, genome organization, virus-host and virus-vector interactions, evolutionary history, role of vertical transmission in arbovirus maintenance and evolution, epidemiology, arbovirus replication, pathogenesis, arbovirus diagnostics and control, including vaccines, novel anti-viral drugs, RNA interference and genetically modified vectors. Essential reading for every arbovirologist and highly recommended for all virologists and public health officials.

Composed of nearly a thousand different types of microorganisms - some beneficial, others not - the human gut microbiota plays an important role in health and disease. This is due to the presence of probiotic or beneficial microbes, or due to the feeding of prebiotics that stimulate the endogenous beneficial microbes (these promote health by stimulating the immune system, improving the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and inhibiting the growth of pathogens). The notable health benefits of probiotic organisms have prompted much commercial interest, which in turn has led to a plethora of research initiatives in this area. These range from studies to elucidate the efficacy of the various health benefits to analyses of the diet-microbe interaction as a means of modulating the gut microbiota composition. Research in this area is at a very exciting stage. With state-of-the-art commentaries on all aspects of probiotics and prebiotics research, this book provides an authoritative and timely overview of the field. Written by leading international researchers, each chapter affords critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction, and stimulates discussion. Topics range from the different microorganisms used as probiotics (lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, yeast, etc.), and the techniques and approaches used (metagenomics, etc.), to the reviews of the clinical and medical aspects. The provision of extensive reference sections positively encourages readers to pursue each subject in greater detail. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science

Thermophilic microorganisms thrive in a variety of marine and terrestrial habitats. These organisms have evolved several biochemical and molecular strategies to counteract the deleterious effects of the high temperatures in their environments. Given that temperature is considered to be one of the most important physical factors controlling the adaptation and evolution of organisms, the remarkable ability of thermophilic microorganisms to thrive at high temperatures makes them an ideal model to study this phenomenon. Over the decades, these organisms and their enzyme systems have found applications in a variety of industrial and biotechnological applications, for example the heat-stable DNA polymerases used in PCR. In this book, leading scientists highlight the current progress in the most topical areas of research, providing a timely overview of the field. The book reviews the ecology, enzymology, and genetics of thermophiles, and it includes topics on the diversity and ecological roles of thermophiles, the biochemical properties of thermostable biocatalysts and their applications, polyamines and the impact of viruses on thermophiles, DNA replication and metabolic engineering of thermophiles, and much more. An important feature of the book is the extensive focus on the industrial application of thermostable catalysts, including alcohol dehydrogenase, glycoside hydrolase, protease, and lipases. In addition, contributors discuss current technical challenges and future development trends. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science

Since the publication of Fabio Bagnoli's and Rino Rappuoli's first book in 2011 (Vaccine Design: Innovative Approaches and Novel Strategies; ISBN 978 1 904455 74 5), the field of vaccinology has advanced significantly. The application of new sophisticated 'omics' technologies and the use of pioneering approaches have yielded a wealth of new data. This new book distills the most important new findings to provide a timely overview of the field. Written by leading experts in the field, each chapter affords a critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction, and aims to stimulate discussion. The provision of extensive reference sections in the book's chapters positively encourages readers to pursue the subject in greater detail. The book has retained the format of the 2011 book and is divided into two main parts. The first section explores in considerable depth the key innovations that are dramatically changing the field, both for preclinical as well as clinical vaccine research fields. Some of the topics covered include: the use of deep sequencing * cellular screens to interrogate the human T and B cell repertoires * comparative genomics to track bacterial pathogens * quantitative proteomics * structural biology * novel strategies for vaccine administration * T-cell inducing vaccines * etc. The second section focuses on diseases for which current medical treatment is not very effective, as well as diseases that could be either prevented or treated by vaccination. The book's contributors believe that these will be the vaccines of the future, the 'vaccines for 2020.' This book is essential reading for everyone working in vaccine R and D in academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry, and it is a recommended volume for all microbiology libraries. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Vaccinology, Life Science

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant public health problem of international importance. HCV is capable of establishing chronic infections resulting in progressive liver damage and other problems. Current drug therapies are ineffective, highlighting the need for better antiviral drugs. Recent research in HCV genetics and molecular biology have led to significant advances in our understanding of the life cycle of this important pathogen and may ultimately lead to better antiviral strategies. The editors of this book have recruited experts from around the world to produce a timely and well-compiled review of current HCV research, with an emphasis on antiviral drug development. The chapters provide in-depth reviews of the most critical areas of research. Topics include: the HCV life cycle * HCV assays * HCV resources * HCV databases * HCV infection systems * models of hepatitis C infections * overview of the drug pipeline * clinical trial design * clinical virology and drug development * NS3 protease inhibitors * NS3-NS4A complex inhibitors * NS3 helicase inhibitors * NS4B targets and inhibitors * NS5A inhibitors * nucleoside inhibitors * NS5B polymerase inhibitors * glycoprotein-dependent entry * host cell targets and inhibitors * innate immunity for HCV antiviral therapy.

An international panel of leading staphylococcal researchers provide a state-of-the art overview of the field. Essential reference source.

Written by eminent international researchers actively involved in the disparate areas of bacteriophage research this book focuses on the current rapid developments in this exciting field.

This volume is an essential reference for anyone interested in phage therapy and a highly recommended book for everyone working in the areas of antibacterial resistance, antimicrobial development, bacteriophage research, biocontrol and biodetection.

Flow cytometry is a powerful technique for the rapid analysis of single cells in a mixture. In microbiology, flow cytometry permits the reliable and rapid detection of single or multiple microbes and can provide information about their distribution within cell populations. Flow cytometry may also lead to a faster means of viability counting of microorganisms while, at the same time, enabling a better understanding of all bacterial cells within a given population. Specially adapted commercial cytometers for microbial detection are being developed. In this text, renowned contributors have brought together a wealth of experience demonstrating the power and limitations of flow cytometry as it currently stands in the field of microbiology. The book commences with an overview of flow cytometry by Professor Howard Shapiro, one of the most eminent scientists in the area of flow cytometry. Further chapters discuss: cytometry technology and applications in environmental biotechnology * microbial community fingerprinting * clinical microbiology * lactic acid bacteria * spore forming bacteria * yeasts and fungi * water analysis * chip-based cytometry assays. The final chapter describes the adoption of flow cytometry to routine water quality analysis in Switzerland and provides a fascinating case study of how this emerging microbial technology overcame technical, regulatory, and practical issues to become a standard rapid quality control methodology. The book provides a thorough description of flow cytometry and includes practical and up-to-date information aimed specifically at microbiologists. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science

Biofilms in aquatic ecosystems colonize various surfaces (sand, rocks, leaves) and play a key role in the environment. Aquatic biofilms supply energy and organic matter to the food chain, they are important in recycling organic matter, and they contribute to water quality. This book is a concise review of the current knowledge on aquatic biofilms, with an emphasis on the characteristics and ecology of biofilms in natural ecosystems, along with a focus on biofilm applications linked to water pollution problems. The book is divided into three sections: "Biofilms Mode of Life," "Biofilms and Pollution," and "New Technologies Using Biofilms." In the first section, the aquatic biofilm mode of life is described and reviewed. Key aspects covered include the three-dimensional structure and cell-to-cell communication of biofilms, their dynamic prokaryotic diversity, and their vital role in biogeochemical cycles. This is followed by a comprehensive look at the use of biofilms in water quality. Additional chapters discuss environmental risk assessment, monitoring, and ecotoxicological approaches. Further topics include biofilm development in sewage pipes and the potential for microbial transformations in these systems. The final section focuses on important examples of novel technologies based on biofilms for water treatment, including the biodegradation of pollutants, the application of bioelectrogenic biofilms, and the biofilm capacity for nitrogen removal. [Subject: Molecular Biology, Life Science]

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of small RNA enveloped viruses, many of which are important human and animal pathogens. The best known include dengue virus, yellow fever virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus. These viruses are endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Dengue virus alone infects over 100 million people annually. In recent years, research on flaviviruses has progressed at a remarkable rate, leading to significant advances in our understanding of virus biology. This should ultimately lead to the development of better vaccine and antiviral strategies. This up-to-date and cutting-edge anthology contains contributions from the leading experts in the flavivirus field. Chapters are balanced by contributions from established investigators who have dedicated their careers to flavivirus research with those from newcomers who have recently made significant contributions to the flavivirus field. The book is divided into two sections: Molecular Virology and Virus Prevention. The first section on Molecular Virology covers: virion structure * virus replication * the NS1 glycoprotein * the NS3 protein * the NS5 protein * innate immunity and flavivirus infection * host responses to flavivirus infection * flavivirus fitness and transmission. The Virus Prevention section includes: vaccines * antibody therapy * small molecule antiviral development * flavivirus diagnostics * vector-virus interactions * vector control. The book represents an important update of flavivirus research and will serve as a reference to flavivirus researchers at the graduate level and beyond. It is a recommended text for all virology libraries.

Epigenetics can have a significant impact on human health and disease susceptibility. Over the past few years, significant progress has occurred in this rapidly advancing field, and much key research has been published. This book has gathered together pioneers in the field of epigenetics to produce thought-provoking discussions on classic aspects of epigenetics and on the newer emerging areas. It includes topics on the impact of metabolism on the epigenome, how our actions may impact the health of our offspring several generations removed, and how exposure to environmental toxicants can have long-lasting effects on our epigenome with devastating consequences. This up-to-date volume is a major resource essential for those working in the field and is recommended reading for anyone new to this fascinating and fast-moving area of research. *** Librarians: ebook available on ProQuest and EBSCO [Subject: Microbiology, Epigenetics, Life Science