TAP Worms? Defining the components of multiprotein complexes, their association, and their intrinsic biochemical activities provide a wealth of information about the context in which proteins operate and how they affect cellular function. The combination of protein analysis and genetic approaches will accelerate the understanding of these cellular processes. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a powerful organism for genetically defining cellular pathways, but how proteins operate within such pathways has not been thoroughly investigated because of the absence of robust systems for biochemical studies. Polanowska et al. (p. 778) describe the first method for tandem immunoaffinity purification (TAP) of native protein complexes from C. elegans. They show that by utilizing the Gateway technology to generate tagged proteins in a transgenic worm line, coupled with a culture system that is capable of producing nearly a kilogram of worms, the authors successfully identified five novel multiprotein complexes in C. elegans. The analysis of such complexes, when combined with genetic approaches, is likely to accelerate our understanding of many cellular pathways in C. elegans.

Cell culture techniques are invaluable to the modern researcher but difficult to carry out successfully. As part of the series of Handbooks in Practical Animal Cell Biology, this volume offers a concise practical guide to the basic essentials of the technique. Researchers new to cell culture will find a clear explanation of the essential equipment of a tissue culture facility, including tissue culture media and sera. It describes methods for growing suspension and adhesion cultures, including how to store cells and prepare primary cultures from cells. For those already culturing cells, the handbook will act as a handy reference to the basic techniques. The essence of the book is to deal with the generalities of cell culture to give a grasp of the basic concepts before involvement in more specialized work in the field. Ideal for anyone moving into tissue cell culture techniques or looking for a concise reference book.

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