Cell Signalling

Starting with an overview of cell signalling and highlighting its importance in many biological systems, the book goes on to explore the key components of extracellular and intracellular signalling mechanisms, before examining how these components come together to create signalling pathways, which are so crucial to the survival of many living organisms. Cell Signalling presents a carefully structured introduction to this intricate subject, introducing those conserved features that underlie many different extra- and intracellular signalling systems. • A focus on generic components of extra- and intracellular signalling pathways allows the student to gain a thorough understanding of the underlying principles of cell signalling before exploring how the individual components interact to form complex signalling pathways • The ubiquity of key signalling mechanisms is highlighted, enabling students to see how similar mechanisms are conserved and harnessed in many different biological systems • The student is directed to carefully chosen further reading articles, allowing them to readily explore key topics in more detail New to this edition Expanded coverage of the role of cell signalling during development, experimental techniques, and the control of gene expression New Literature Link feature encourages students to engage with primary literature and develop critical thinking and reading skills New four-part structure organizes the subject according to its conceptual basis, the mechanisms of signalling, and their role in natural phenomena Signalling within and between cells is an essential part of many biological processes, from the development of the body, to the activity of our immune system. Recent advances in molecular cell biology have allowed us to identify the components of signalling pathways, and examine how they interact to form the carefully orchestrated and controlled networks upon which the complexity of a living organism is built. CONTENTS Abbreviations Part I: An overview of cell signalling 1: Aspects of cellular signalling 2: Pathways are the key to signalling 3: A look at some of the history and techniques of cell signalling Part II: The Components that compromise signalling pathways 4: Extracellular signals: hormones, cytokines and growth factors 5: Detection of extracellular signals: the role of receptors 6: Protein phosphorylation, kinases and phosphatases 7: Cyclic nucleotides, cyclases and G proteins 8: Inositol phosphate metabolism and roles of membrane lipids 9: Intracellular calcium: Its control and role as an intracellular signal 10: Reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and redox signalling Part III: Selected examples of signalling pathways and events 11: Insulin and the signal transduction cascades it invokes 12: Perception of the environment 13: Signalling in development and for the regulation of gene expression 14: Life, death and apoptosis Part IV: Final thoughts 15: Cell Signalling: importance, complexity, and future Index