Contractions of vertebrate skeletal and cardiac muscles are controlled by Ca2+ signalling through the troponin complex in the sarcomeres, which are the contractile machinery consisting of interactive myofilaments. Since the abundance of troponin sub-unit proteins in myocytes and their muscle-specific expression, troponin I (TnI) and troponin T (TnT) have been broadly applied as serum biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and other heart and muscle injuries. Intensive research from protein structure to genetic diversity to post-translational modification and pathological mutations has comprehensively established the molecular structure of troponin. The advanced knowledge gained from basic research of troponin allows for a better understanding of the current methodology for troponin-based diagnostic applications. To help clinicians, diagnostic laboratory staff and methodology developers, this book provides comprehensive yet concise summaries of the current knowledge cover a broad range of topics including a detailed review of the structural features and adaptive modifications of troponin subunits and impacts on immunological detections; a comprehensive summary of the evolution of troponin assays; an evaluation of current assay platforms, quality specifications for cardiac troponin assays; the use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays; electrochemical strategies for the detection of cardiac troponins; cardiac troponins in the evaluation of myocardial damage during and post percutaneous coronary interventions; troponin as markers of myocardial injury in trauma; and the significance of increased serum troponin in an acute stroke and other non-cardiac diseases. Contributed by experts in the field, this broad collection provides a unique reference for healthcare workers, medical students and research investigators who have an interest in troponin-based laboratory tests. Readers will not only acquire and in depth state-of-the-science understanding of troponin structure and diagnostic applications, but they will also be exposed to visions leading into future developments toward advancing troponin detection and improving clinical applications.
