Protein-Based Hydrogels

Exploring the Roles of Protein Hydrogels in Membrane-Less Organelles, Disease Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications
Erscheinungsjahr 2027
ISBN: 978-0-443-45485-1
Verlag: Elsevier Science

Buch, Englisch, 325 Seiten, Format (B × H): 191 mm x 235 mm

Protein-Based Hydrogels: Exploring the Roles of Protein Hydrogels in Membrane-less Organelles, Disease Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Applications presents a comprehensive overview of natural and engineered protein hydrogels, examining their critical roles in cellular organization, disease pathology, and therapeutic innovation. This book contributes unique value by integrating fundamental biology, cutting-edge biotechnology, and translational biomedical science to address emerging questions about protein phase separation and gelation. Structured into three sections, the book begins by exploring the physiological functions of protein hydrogels in phase-separated organelles, cellular stress sensing, memory formation, and compartmentalization. It then investigates the pathological consequences of hydrogel dysregulation, including their roles in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and viral infections. Finally, it examines biomedical applications such as controlled drug delivery, regenerative medicine, biosensing, and the design of synthetic organelles. Each chapter is contributed by a leading expert, offering multidisciplinary perspectives from biochemistry, molecular biology, bioengineering, and medical research. This book is a valuable resource for academic researchers, graduate students, and professionals working in protein engineering, structural biology, molecular medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences. It supports readers in understanding the full spectrum of protein hydrogel biology—from cell physiology to disease mechanisms and therapeutic design—making it especially relevant for those interested in neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and translational bioengineering.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Uversky, Vladimir N.

Hromic-Jahjefendic, Altijana

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Molekularbiologie
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizinische Fachgebiete Pharmakologie, Toxikologie
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biochemie (nichtmedizinisch)

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Section I: Physiological Protein Hydrogels
1. Introduction to Protein Hydrogels
2. Hydrogels in Membraneless Organelles
3. Gelation as a Stress Sensor
4. Gelation and Cellular Memory
5. Functional and Structural Analysis of Physiological Hydrogels

Section II: Pathological Protein Hydrogels
6. Biocondensate Aging, Protein Aggregation, and Neurodegeneration
7. Protein Hydrogels-Based Traps
8. Hydrogels in Cancer and Aging
9. Hydrogels in Viral Infection
10. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targeting of Pathological Hydrogels

Section III: Protein Hydrogels in Biotechnology and Medicine
11. Engineered Hydrogels for Drug Delivery
12. Hydrogels in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
13. Hydrogels as Biosensors and Bioinks
14. Hydrogels as Means of MLO Analysis
15. Future Directions and Challenges

Über Autor(innen)

Uversky, Vladimir N.
Prof. Vladimir N. Uversky, PhD, DSc, FRSB, FRSC, F.A.I.M.B.E., Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida (USF), is a pioneer in the field of protein intrinsic disorder. He has made a number of groundbreaking contributions in the field of protein folding, misfolding, and intrinsic disorder. He obtained his PhD from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and D.Sc. from the Institute of Experimental and Theoretical Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences. Since 2010, Professor Uversky has worked at University of South Florida, where he works on various aspects of protein intrinsic disorder phenomenon and analysis of protein folding and misfolding processes. He has authored over 1250 scientific publications and edited several books and book series on protein structure, function, folding, misfolding, and intrinsic disorder. He also servs as an editor in a number of scientific journals.

Hromic-Jahjefendic, Altijana
Prof. Dr. Altijana Hromic-Jahjefendic, PhD, Professor at the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International University of Sarajevo. She obtained her academic degrees from University of Graz, Austria (PhD degree in 2017 in protein biochemistry) and from Graz University of Technology, Austria (MSc degree in 2013 in protein biochemistry). After obtaining her PhD degree, she returned to her home country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and started to work at International University of Sarajevo on lymphoma research. As a young researcher, she started collaboration with international colleagues authoring many scientific publications in cancer research and COVID-19.