Integrating advances in molecular biology into bioprocesses presents a continuous challenge to scientists and bioengineers. This series is conceived to help meet this challenge. It examines and assesses the feasibility of new approaches for the modification of cellular function such as gene expression, protein processing, secretion, glycosylation, immortalisation, proliferation, and apoptosis as well as the systematic study of the metabolic genotype-phenotype relationship. The series provides detailed coverage of the methodology for improving cellular properties of cells used in the production of biopharmaceuticals, gene and cell therapies and tissue engineering. It also seeks to explain the cellular mechanisms underlying in vitro physiological activity and productivity. This volume, which is based on presentations at the 'European Workshop on Animal Cell Engineering' held in Costa Brava, Spain, contains a collection of chapters relating to cellular function and modification by leading authorities in several different areas of basic research and the biopharmaceutical industry.