The protein protocols handbook (2nd ed.): Walker, J. (ed.)

Abstract

The Protein Protocols Handbook (2nd Ed.) Walker, J. (ed.); Humana Press, 2002, 1146 pp., ISBN 0-89603-941-2, $157.50. Just about the time molecular life scientists thought it was safe to shelf their protein chemistry techniques books and open their practical manuals on nucleic acid chemistry, the human genome was sequenced, and the field of proteomics was born. Current estimates are that the human genome has about 50,000 genes that may produce at least one million functionally distinct protein components. Protein biochemists will be busy for decades analyzing and characterizing these proteins plus the thousands and thousands from other organisms. The Protein Protocols Handbook, now available in a second edition, will be of great assistance to these workers and others who deal with proteins in the laboratory. As stated in the Preface, the aim of this book is “to provide a cross-section of analytical techniques commonly used for proteins and peptides, thus providing a benchtop manual and guide for those who are new to the protein chemistry laboratory and for those more established workers who wish to use a technique for the first time.” %The text is comprised of 164 chapters or modules, each describing a specific method for characterizing proteins. All chapters are organized as follows: 1) Introduction, 2) Materials, 3) Methods, 4) Notes, and References. With an average length of seven pages (range, ∼2–15 pages), each chapter is concise, but all contain enough information to make a determination whether the method is applicable to the problem at hand and how to get started. The editor organized the work of over 150 contributing authors representing an appropriate balance of scientists from academics, the industry, and government agencies in numerous countries. The book is divided logically into eight parts or sections, and the number of chapters in each represents well the importance and diversity of the topic. The sections are as follows: Part I, Quantitation of Proteins (nine chapters); Part II, Electrophoresis of Proteins and Peptides and Detection in Gels (29 chapters); Part III, Blotting and Detection Methods (20 chapters); Part IV, Chemical Modification of Proteins and Peptide Production and Purification (20 chapters); Part V, Protein/Peptide Characterization (25 chapters); Part VI, Glycoproteins (24 chapters); Part VII, Antibody Techniques (30 chapters); and Part VIII, Monoclonal Antibodies (seven chapters). Each part appears to be thorough, complete, and timely as there is historical coverage of early methods, as well as updates on currently developing topics. As an example, the important topic of techniques for staining proteins on gels ranges from the classic, Coomassie Brilliant Blue, to the newer transition metal chelates SYPRO rose and SYPRO ruby. Those who are familiar with the first edition of Protein Protocols will note the addition of 60 chapters in the second edition. The new chapters emphasize the extensive and recent applications of mass spectrometry and the expanded use of two-dimensional PAGE in protein analysis. In general, the editor chose carefully the most important techniques. A similar book under my editorship would probably have deleted some chapters on chemical modification of proteins in Part IV. However, these chapters take up little room, and they are present for those who need them. The practical chapters on antibodies will be well received by protein chemists. The increasing importance of glycoproteins is reflected in 24 chapters ranging in techniques from the detection of these molecules in gels and blots to the analysis of the carbohydrate-containing proteins by capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. I recommend this book for your book shelf whether you are a novice or experienced in protein chemistry. Actually, the book won't spend much time on the shelf as it will be most often lying open on your desk or lab bench.