Cell Signalling in Prokaryotes and Lower Metazoa / Edition 1

by I. Fairweather

Overview

Cell signalling lies at the heart of many biological processes and currently is the focus of intense research interest. In multicellular organisms, it is central to how different types of cell communicate with each other and how they detect and respond to extracellular signals. Intercellular communication is vital to single-celled organisms as well, allowing them to respond to environmental cues and signals.

To date, much of the understanding of signalling mechanisms has come from research on specific cell types (eg mouse lymphocyte and cardiomyocyte) or on organisms in which communication systems such as nervous and endocrine systems are well established. This volume therefore aims to 'fill the gap' by concentrating on 'simple organisms' where the elements of those signalling systems first evolved. Many of the groups covered contain important pathogens or parasites, and the potential for manipulating signalling pathways for therapeutic intervention will be highlighted.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789048164837
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	09/22/2011
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2004
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.03(d)

Table of Contents

Preface.- 1 G proteins and MAP kinase cascades in the pheromone response of fungi.- 2 Prokaryotic intercellular signalling — Mechanistic diversity and unified themes.- 3 Signal transduction mechanisms in protozoa.- 4 Signalling systems in cnidaria.- 5 Neuropeptides in cnidarians.- 6 Signalling mechanisms in platyhelminths.- 7 Control of Caenorhabditis elegans behaviour and development by G proteins big and small.- 8 Electrophysiological and pharmacological studies on excitable tissues in nematides.- 9 Evidence for an annelid neuroendocrine system.- 10 Ion channels of microbes.- 11 Bacterial signal transduction: Two-component signal transduction as a model for therapeutic intervention.- Index.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: This book provides an up-to-date review of research on signaling mechanisms in prokaryotes and lower metazoa. The focus is on early stages in the evolution of biochemical signaling pathways. The book provides an important context for our understanding of signaling pathways in higher organisms. Its 11 chapters cover topics ranging from pheromone response in fungi, to excitable tissues in nematodes, to ion channels in microbes. The authors discuss receptor interactions, morphogens, mating behavior, growth, adhesion, differentiation, and host-parasite interactions. The focus of each chapter is on cell biology and biochemistry.
Purpose: The overall goal is to provide experienced investigators background information and key references necessary to conduct research in this field. The contributions are well written and up-to-date. The book fills an important gap in the literature, because it addresses signaling from an evolutionary point of view: How did signaling evolve?
Audience: This book is written for basic science and clinical researchers in biochemistry, as well as cell and developmental biology. Graduate students and established investigators will enjoy reading this book to broaden their perspective on this field. The authors are experts in their field of study.
Features: This beautiful, hard cover book features glossy pages, color plates, and expert technical writing. Chapters include line drawings, photomicrographs, and an extensive bibliography. The diversity of topics will capture the attention of a wide audience of readers — from biologists to biochemists. The book is compact and readable.
Assessment: This book is detailed and assumes a high level of understanding by the reader. Although I enjoyed it, I would have like to have seen more biology and less biochemistry. For example, in order to appreciate a signaling pathway, it is important to understand something about the life-cycle of the organism. The authors present mechanisms and pathways, but the novice reader is not always aware of the biological significance. In addition, it would have been helpful to have an overview chapter on the evolutionary biology of signaling mechanisms. What were the problems that early life forms encountered that led to the evolution of higher-order integration? Which signaling pathways developed first and how were these pathways linked to changes in gene expression? The wide range of topics make this book an important contribution to the literature.

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