Rna Processing: A Practical Approach, Volume 1 (paper)

As post-transcriptional events become increasingly recognized as critical regulation sites of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, intense research interest in RNA processing has rapidly grown. _RNA Processing: A Practical Approach_, available in two volumes, offers detailed guidance on all major aspects of the subject. Step-by-step protocols from leading laboratories are presented for studying the termination, end-processing, capping, methylation, splicing, and editing of mRNA. Protocols designed for the study of mRNA stability and processing of rRNA and tRNA are included as well, with full descriptions of the synthesis and purification of RNA substrate for in vitro work, the characterization of specific RNAs, and the isolation and analysis of ribonucleoprotein complexes. Taken together, the two volumes are invaluable laboratory companions to researchers working in mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA expression. The contributors' lucid explanatory style and comprehensive coverage will be welcomed by both experienced researchers and by students embarking on such studies for the first time.

Mark A. Jandreski

This book is part of a two-volume set that is a subsequent edition to a 1984 publication entitled Transcription and Translation: A Practical Approach. It focuses mainly on biochemical techniques for the processing and analysis of RNA. According to the authors, ""The aim of both books remains the aim of this popular series; to present in a clear readable manner, the background to the range of techniques and experimental approaches available, to describe in precise detail a key selection of tried and tested protocols, and to discuss potential pitfalls."" These are very worthy objectives for the field of RNA biochemistry and biology because this area has come to the forefront of the molecular biology arena during the past decade. The author's objectives have been well met in these books, which contain very concise and detailed descriptions of current and pertinent protocols for RNA processing. The authors intend the books to serve more experienced researchers as well as students or postdoctoral fellows who have recently become familiar with this field. These technical guidebooks would be of benefit for anyone in research who deals with the molecular biology of RNA. The authors have brought together a fine group of contributors for this book who are highly qualified and authoritative. The books contain an adequate number of simple illustrations. The authors of each chapter provide an excellent list of current and pertinent references. The table of contents is laid out well, but the index is inadequate. The editors should have made an effort to make one cross-referenced index for both volumes that could be included at the end of each book. The reader will have toconsult two different indexes when looking up a word or subject -- a very annoying defect. The book also contains a very helpful list of abbreviations and a list of suppliers for reagents used in the protocols. The book covers are very attractive and eye catching. This book is well written by a number of experienced authorities, with only the index taking away from this fine piece of work. This set should be in all university and community libraries, and the industrial research field should also find a great deal of use from this set as well. It should also be made available to individuals through university bookstores.