This book serves as a practical guide and a manual on the application of isotopic tracers in understanding the cellular processes (e.g. molecular interactions, protein synthesis) in growth, development, and disease conditions. The techniques described in the book have been carefully chosen to underscore the role and relevance of isotopic tracers in the identification of molecular targets and mechanisms, and preclinical validation of potential therapeutics. This book is intended to be a valuable resource to non-experts that may include students, researchers, educators/teachers, and others who have an interest to understand the application of isotopic tracers in research. Each chapter includes a background, an outline of the method and underlying principles, and a detailed step-wise protocol. To augment the clarity and intellectual grasp, the chapters also include relevant illustrations and study questions. More importantly, the book covers techniques involving radioactive as well as non-radioactive tracers to expand the scope of isotopes in preclinical research including basic and applied science.

Dr. Shanmugasundaram Ganapathy-Kanniappan holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Madras, India. In 2006, he joined the Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine where he is now an assistant professor. Before joining Johns Hopkins,  he underwent postdoctoral training in premier institutes such as the National Institute of Immunology (NII, New Delhi, India) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). His current research interests include metabolic alteration in human pathophysiology, the identification of molecular targets, and preclinical validation of potential therapeutics for translation. He has published over 50 articles including original reports, invited reviews, editorials, chapters, and books (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/1xKsymd-il85x/bibliography/public/). Dr. Ganapathy-Kanniappan is an inventor and co-inventor of several patents, a recipient of prestigious fellowships and research awards. Dr. Ganapathy-Kanniappan is a member of editorial boards in multiple peer-reviewed journals and is an associate editor of the journal, Frontiers in Oncology, the section on Cancer Molecular Targets and Therapeutics.