GW bodies are novel cytoplasmic foci that were discovered and named by Dr. Chans group in 2002. These bodies are now known to be active cytoplasmic foci involved with the new gene regulation process mediated by microRNA that leads to translational repression and mRNA degradation. The detailed biological functions of these cytoplasmic structures are still being uncovered and the idea for this book is to provide the history of the discovery and the major work from different laboratories that has led to the characterization and elucidation of the structure and function of these new multiple subcellular structures.

Preface.- The GW body Story as an Example of Autoantibodies with Significant Impacts to Molecular Cell Biology.- The Discovery of GW Bodies.- The Discovery and Analysis of P Bodies.- Autoantibodies to Argonaute 2 (Su antigen).- GW/P Bodies and Autoimmune Disease.- Function of GW182 and GW Bodies in siRNA and miRNA Pathways.- Post-Transcriptional Stimulation of Gene Expression by MicroRNAs.- Gawky (Gw) is the Drosophila Melanogaster GW182 Homologue.- The Role of GW182 Proteins in miRNA-mediated Gene Silencing.- Quantifying Argonaute Proteins in and out of GW/P-bodies: Implications in microRNA Activities.- Deadenylation and P-bodies.- Relationship of GW/P-bodies with Stress Granules.- Relationship of other Cytoplasmic Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) Bodies to GW/P Bodies.- A SNP in the Trinucleotide Repeat Region of the TNRC6A Gene Maps to a Major TNGW1 Autoepitope in Patients with Autoantibodies to GW182.- Reflections on Ten Years of History of, and Future Prospects for, GW182 and GW/P Body Research.- Index.