Smad Signal Transduction

This is the first comprehensive book on Smad signal transduction. Forward looking reviews of Smads are provided in a series of 22 cutting-edge chapters. The book is written for an audience with basic understanding of molecular and cell biology. This volume provides an in-depth review of a rapidly developing field and extensive cross-references between chapters are provided.

Transforming growth factor-[beta] (TGF-[beta]), identified nearly three decades ago, is a secreted polypeptide that functions in critical cell cycle processes, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and development: It belongs to a large protein family that, in humans, contains 33 members, including activins, inhibins, bone morphogenetic proteins, growth and differentiation factors, and Mullerian inhibiting substance. This volume draws on the world's leading laboratories to comprehensively cover all aspects of the biology of TGF-[beta] and related factors. In addition to providing historical and background information, it describes the cell biology and signaling pathways of TGF-[beta] members in detail, including the roles of TGF-[beta] factors in the development and physiology of humans and model organisms. The last few chapters are devoted to the role of TGF-[beta] members in cancer and other diseases, as well as the possibilities for therapeutics based on knowledge of signaling pathways and macromolecular structures. It serves as a comprehensive reference work for both specialists and researchers less familiar with the field.

Signal Transduction is a text reference on cellular signalling processes. Starting with the basics, it explains how cells respond to external cues (hormones, cytokines, neurotransmitters, adhesion molecules, extracellular matrix etc), and shows how these inputs are integrated and co-ordinated. The first half of the book provides the conceptual framework, explaining the formation and action of second messengers, particularly cyclic nucleotides and calcium, and the mediation of signal pathways by GTP-binding proteins. The remaining chapters deal with the formation of complex signalling cascades employed by cytokines and adhesion molecules, starting at the membrane and ending in the nucleus, there to regulate gene transcription. In this context, growth is an important potential outcome and this has relevance to the cellular transformations that underlie cancer. The book ends with a description at the molecular level of how signalling proteins interact with their environment and with each other through their structural domains. Each main topic is introduced with a historical essay, detailing the sources, key observations and experiments that set the scene for recent and current work.

A reference on cellular signaling processes, the third edition of Signal Transduction continues in the tradition of previous editions, in providing a historical overview of how the concept of stimulus-response coupling arose in the early twentieth century and shaped our current understanding of the action of hormones, cytokines, neurotransmitters, growth factors and adhesion molecules. In a new chapter, an introduction to signal transduction, the book provides a concise overview of receptor mechanisms, from receptor – ligand interactions to post-translational modifications operational in the process of bringing about cellular changes. The phosphorylation process, from bacteria to men, is discussed in detail. Signal transduction third edition further elaborates on diverse signaling cascades within particular contexts such as muscle contraction, innate and adaptive immunity, glucose metabolism, regulation of appetite, oncogenic transformation and cell fate decision during development or in stem cell niches. The subjects have been enriched with descriptions of the relevant anatomical, histological, physiological or pathological condition. In-depth insight into a subject central to cell biology and fundamental to biomedicine, including the search for novel therapeutic interventions Essential signaling events embedded in rich physiological and pathological contexts Extensive conceptual colour artwork to assist with comprehension of key topics Special emphasis on how molecular structure determines protein function and subcellular localization Employment of unambiguous protein names (symbols) in agreement with leading protein- and gene databases, allowing the learner to extend his/her exploration on the web

Transforming Growth Factor- ß in Cancer Therapy, Vols. 1 and 2, provides a compendium of findings about the role of transforming growth factor- ß (TGF- ß) in cancer treatment and therapy. The first volume, Basic and Clinical Biology, is divided into three parts. This volume’s companion, Cancer Treatment in Therapy, examines transforming growth factor- ß in other developing and advanced cancers and methods of treatment and therapy.

This new volume of the renowned serial Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers the important features of growth factors in development. With an international board of authors, this volume will be invaluable for researchers in cell, developmental and molecular biology. Provides researchers an overview and synthesis of the latest research findings and contemporary thought in the area This volume provides an up-to-date and timely perspective

Signal Transduction was published in association with The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In a series of twenty-three short chapters, leading researchers provide cutting-edge reviews of signal transduction, and form cell membrane receptors through to gene regulation. Written for those with a basic understanding of molecular and cell biology, the book will be of particular interest to graduate students and researchers who need to grasp the principles of signal transduction.

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