Molecular Endocrinology: Basic Concepts and Clinical Correlations

Written by more than 70 leading investigators, this volume integrates the basic and clinical aspects of molecular endocrinology. The first section reviews basic concepts and techniques in molecular biology. The second section describes the elucidation of various genes encoding hormones and their receptors, including polypeptide and catecholamine receptors; growth-factor receptors and growth-factor binding proteins; and the steroid-thyroid-vitamin superfamily of receptors. Close attention is also given to the mechanisms of action of steroid and thyroid hormone receptors. The third section focuses on molecular aspects of various endocrine diseases, including autoimmune diseases; hormone resistance; diseases caused by G protein and signal transduction abnormalities; and genetic diseases resulting in deficiencies of hormones, binding proteins, or steroid biosynthetic enzymes. This section also includes a review of the emerging field of endocrine therapy with recombinant hormones and growth factors.