Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction

by Friedrich Marks, Ursula Klingmüller, Karin Müller-Decker

Overview

Cellular Signal Processing offers a unifying view of cell signaling based on the concept that protein interactions act as sophisticated data processing networks that govern intracellular and extracellular communication. It is intended for use in signal transduction courses for undergraduate and graduate students working in biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, and pharmacology, as well as medical students. The text is organized by three key topics central to signal transduction: the protein network, its energy supply, and its evolution. It covers all important aspects of cell signaling, ranging from prokaryotic signal transduction to neuronal signaling, and also highlights the clinical aspects of cell signaling in health and disease. This new edition includes expanded coverage of prokaryotes, as well as content on new developments in systems biology, epigenetics, redox signaling, and small, non-coding RNA signaling.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815345343
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/17/2017
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	656
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.80(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Friedrich Marks, Ursula Klingmüller, Karin Müller-Decker

Table of Contents

1. The "Brain of the Cell": Data Processing by Protein Networks 

2. Supplying the Network with Energy: Basic Biochemistry of Signal Transduction 

3. Evolution of Cellular Data Processing 

4. Basic Equipment: G-Proteins, Second Messengers, and Protein Kinases 

5. Signal Transduction by Receptors with Seven Transmembrane Domains  

6. Signal Transduction by Serine/Threonine Kinase-Coupled Receptors  

7. Signal Transduction by Tyrosine Kinase- and Protein Phosphatase Coupled Receptors 

8. Eukaryotic Gene Transcription: The Ultimate Target of Signal Transduction 

9. Signals Controlling mRNA Translation 

10. Signal Transduction by Small G-Proteins: The Art of Molecular Targeting 

11. Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase and Nuclear Factor κB Modules 

12. Regulation of Cell Division 

13. Signal Transduction by Proteolysis, and Programmed Cell Death 

14. Signal Transduction by Ions 

15. Sensory Signal Processing  

16. Signaling at Synapses: Neurotransmitters and their Receptors 

17. Putting Together the Pieces: The Approach of Systems Biology

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description: The 17 chapters in this comprehensive introduction to the molecular mechanisms of signal transduction cover topics ranging from the evolution of cellular data processing to cancer and the regulation of cell division. This is an exciting and clinically relevant field. The focus of the book is on cell biology and biochemistry.
Purpose: According to the authors, the goal is to provide a unifying view of cell signaling based on protein interactions. They view living cells as complex data processing machines, and they organize current research findings according to three major principles: the protein network, its energy supply, and its evolution. The authors are outstanding scientists and educators.
Audience: The book is written for undergraduate and graduate students across a wide range of life science disciplines, including cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, biophysics, and bioinformatics. This will be a great text to accompany an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course in biochemistry or cell signaling. Experts will also appreciate this comprehensive review.
Features: The authors begin with metaphors to illustrate the complexity of signal processing. They view proteins as the equivalent of neurons in the central nervous system. From this perspective, proteins and their modifiers form a "cellular brain" that serves to transform input signals into output signals that regulate everything from metabolism to gene expression. Each chapter has an introduction and ends with a list of references for further reading. Short summaries are appended to each section to keep readers engaged and moving forward. The text is richly colored with red and pink highlights to focus the reader's attention on key sections. Diagrams and figures are well done. Numerous sidebars emphasize complementary perspectives and address clinical correlations. The book comes with useful ancillaries for educators, including a complete set of figures and electronic presentation files.
Assessment: Although most of these topics are covered in standard cell biology textbooks, the mechanisms of cell signaling "are so complex and interwoven, that they demand a comprehensive and focused discussion." The authors identify and carefully explain the delicate processing networks that govern intracellular and extracellular communication. These protein networks are essential for the development of life on earth. The authors succeed in organizing a rapidly growing literature on signal transduction. This book will be welcomed by students and experts alike.

Doody's Review Service