Trends in Cellular Signaling


Book Description

Cell signalling is the communication inside a cell or with its environment. It plays an important role in cellular growth, survival and apoptosis. For instance, the growth of a cell requires production of certain proteins. The genes that encode these proteins are located in DNA inside the nucleus while the initial signal for cellular growth may come from outside the cell. To induce the expression of these genes, the external signal must pass through specific pathways to reach these genes in DNA. The signalling pathway involves several proteins. If any one of them becomes abnormal or non-functional, the cellular process would be altered, which may cause disease. Therefore, knowing the detailed pathway is very important in understanding the pathogenesis of diseases.




GTPases


Book Description

GTPases are molecular switches that are used to control biochemical pathways. This book describes the properties and cellular roles of all the major families of GTPases. All cells use GTPases to regulate the delivery of amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, but eukaryotes, with their complex and compartmentalized environment, have exploited the versatility of GTPases to a much greater extent. In particular, GTPases play a central role in regulating signal transduction pathways activated by extracellular signals and in regulating the trafficking of proteins beetween different organelles. It is not surprising, therefore, that GTPases have become a center of attention for those studying the control of proliferation, differentiation, cell polarity, cell movement, and vesicle and protein trafficking. This book provides a complete guide to this area and should be essential reading for cell and molecular biologists, biochemists and geneticists interested in these contemporary problems.




Trends in Cell Signaling Pathways in Neuronal Fate Decision


Book Description

During the last decades, numerous studies about stem cells and regenerative medicine highlighted new therapeutic approaches to treat several neurological disorders. It is noteworthy that the current optimism over potential stem cell therapies is driven by new understandings of stem cell biology leading to specific cell fate decision. The objectives of this book were: 1) to offer a general understanding of signaling pathways underlying the capacity of differentiation of several types of stem cells into neurons, during the development; 2) to understand how those pathways are altered in pathological conditions; 3) to describe advances in cellular therapy that could be use to restore central nervous system dysfunction in pathological conditions.




A Practical Guide to the Study of Calcium in Living Cells


Book Description

A Practical Guide to the Study of Calcium in Living Cells describes popular techniques along with helpful do's and don't's and computer programs. The volume enables investigators to evaluate confocal images, use the latest dyes, and design Calcium buffers appropriate to their research needs. This book is designed for laboratory use by graduate students, technicians, and researchers in many disciplines, ranging from molecular to cellular levels of investigation. Describes techniques for detection of [Ca2+]I: Ca2+ - sensitive microelectrodes Fluorescent dyes Luminescent proteins Includes techniques for perturbing intracellular Ca2+ Covers detailed methodology plus problems and pitfalls of each technique Contains a practical guide to preparing Ca2+ buffers with an easy-to-use computer program Color plates illustrate techniques such as Confocal ratio-imaging Use of aequorin







Signaling by Receptor Tyrosine Kinases


Book Description

Receptor tyrosine kinases are cell-surface receptors that respond to numerous hormones and growth factors, including insulin, insulin-like growth factors, epidermal growth factor, and nerve growth factor. They activate highly conserved intracellular signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism, playing essential roles in developing and adult animals. This book examines the nature of these receptors and their ligands, the molecular mechanisms that they regulate within cells, and the roles of the receptors in normal physiology and control of embryogenesis. It also discusses how dysfunction of these mechanisms can contribute to cancer and other diseases.




Cellular Signal Transduction in Toxicology and Pharmacology


Book Description

Covering a key topic due to growing research into the role of signaling mechanisms in toxicology, this book focuses on practical approaches for informatics, big data, and complex data sets. Combines fundamentals / basics with experimental applications that can help those involved in preclinical drug studies and translational research Includes detailed presentations of study methodology and data collection, analysis, and interpretation Discusses tools like experimental design, sample handling, analytical measurement techniques




TRP Ion Channel Function in Sensory Transduction and Cellular Signaling Cascades


Book Description

Since the first TRP ion channel was discovered in Drosophila melanogaster in 1989, the progress made in this area of signaling research has yielded findings that offer the potential to dramatically impact human health and wellness. Involved in gateway activity for all five of our senses, TRP channels have been shown to respond to a wide range of st




Focus on Bio-Image Informatics


Book Description

This volume of Advances Anatomy Embryology and Cell Biology focuses on the emerging field of bio-image informatics, presenting novel and exciting ways of handling and interpreting large image data sets. A collection of focused reviews written by key players in the field highlights the major directions and provides an excellent reference work for both young and experienced researchers.




Signaling Networks and Cell Cycle Control


Book Description

The recent dramatic expansion of our knowledge about how cell surface receptors transmit signals to the nucleus, together with the identification of key signaling and cell-cycle-regulating molecules, has provided a major opportunity to search for novel targets for therapeutic intervention in many diseases. In Signaling Networks and Cell Cycle Control: The Molecular Basis of Cancer and Other Diseases, leading scientists summarize this knowledge and describe the effort to design and synthesize inhibiting molecules, as well as to evaluate their biochemical and biological activities. They review the relevant cell surface receptors, their ligands, and their downstream pathways. Also examined are the latest findings on the components of novel signaling networks controlling the activity of nuclear transcription factors and cell cycle regulatory molecules. Rich in cutting-edge insights and authoritative critical analysis, Signaling Networks and Cell Cycle Control: The Molecular Basis of Cancer and Other Diseases presents a wealth of information on the emerging principles of the field, as well as an invaluable guide for all experimental and clinical investigators of cell regulation and its rapidly emerging pharmacological opportunities today.