Glycoproteins by R. C. Hughes (review)

vides the background needed for an understanding of transplantation immunology and the genetic regulation of immune responsiveness. The volume ends with a glossary of immunological terms, which is especially useful for neophytes. Perhaps a concluding chapter or summary remarks in each chapter would have helped the uninitiated reader retain the more important concepts. However, given the unfinished state of immunology, concluding remarks really seem inappropriate. Frank W. Fitch Department ofPathology University ofChicago Glycoproteins. By R. C. Hughes. New York: Chapman & Hall, 1983. Pp. 95. $6.50. Glycoproteins by R. C. Hughes represents a welcome addition to the Outline Studies in Biology series, and anyonemot familiar with the format ofthis series will be surprised at the amount of information packed into its 95 pages. The format gives roughly equal treatment to structure, biosynthesis, and "function," this last section reflecting the author's personal interest in lectins, cognins, and adhesion. The only major omissions from this treatise are a more detailed discussion of glycoprotein lysosomal catabolism (and related inborn errors ofmetabolism), the fact that most cell surface receptors, ion channels, etc., are glycoproteins (and that the carbohydrate is important for function), and the absence of a "methodology" bibliography. One hopes that future editions would at least include a section on genetic hydrolase deficiencies (although I-cell disease is discussed ), since these have contributed considerably to our understanding of glycoprotein structure and enzymology. However, one must also say that the author has already done a magnificent job of packing information into so small a volume. The information contained in sections 1 and 2 will no doubt stand us in good stead for the next decade at least, while section 3 concerns the growdi area in which most research is being done at the present time. The book will therefore be a valuable reference source for bodi graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, as well as for medical students and undergraduates, for whom this might be the first and only introduction into the hitherto esoteric world of glycoproteins . It should also be mandatory reading for any professor teaching or working in die protein or cell biology field. Glyn Dawson Department ofPediatrics University of Chicago Perspectives in Biology andMedicine, 28, 2 · Winter 1985 \ 327 ...