The precise shape of a protein is a crucial factor in its function. How do proteins become folded into the right conformation? Molecular chaperones and protein folding catalysts bind to developing polypeptides in the cytoplasm and ensure correct folding and transport. This Guidebook catalogues the latest information on nearly 200 of these molecules, including the important class of heat shock proteins; each entry is written by leading researchers in the field.
"The book is divided into 17 parts, with the first 15 cataloguing the different classes of molecular chaperones. Information on nearly 200 chaperones have been included. Each part contains a brief entry, typically between one to three pages in length, of each family member. In the literature, many chaperones are referred to by more than one name, and a particularly useful feature in the book is the listing of these alternative names. Other information includes isolation, gene sequence, biological activities, regulation, biolo