Cellular Signaling
sending and receiving molecular messages
Cells are in constant communication, deciding when to grow, whether dangers are present, and whether they should move to new environments. They talk to one another by sending small messenger molecules, which are received by receptor molecules on their cell surfaces. Atomic structures have revealed both these signaling molecules and their receptors.
Molecule of the Month Articles (39)
 | Acetylcholine Receptor The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction |
 | Acetylcholinesterase Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell |
 | Adrenergic Receptors Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action |
 | Anabolic Steroids Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs |
 | Auxin and TIR1 Ubiquitin Ligase The plant hormone auxin controls growth and response to light and gravity |
 | Calcium Pump Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action |
 | Calmodulin Calcium ions rapidly deliver signals to control processes such as muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and fertilization |
 | cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA) PKA delivers cellular signals by adding phosphates to proteins |
 | Cyclooxygenase Aspirin attacks an important enzyme in pain signaling and blood clotting |
 | Designer Insulins Engineered insulins have been developed to improve treatment of diabetes |
 | Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 are used to treat type-2 diabetes |
 | Epidermal Growth Factor EGF is part of a family of proteins that controls aspects of cell growth and development |
 | Estrogen Receptor Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development |
 | G Proteins Trimeric G-proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell |
 | Glucagon Glucagon triggers the release of glucose into the blood, to power cells throughout the body |
 | Glutamate-gated Chloride Receptors The antibiotic ivermectin attacks glutamate-gated chloride channels, paralyzing parasitic worms. |
 | Growth Hormone Growth hormone brings together two copies of its cellular receptor |
 | Insulin The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood |
 | Insulin Receptor The cellular receptor for insulin helps control the utilization of glucose by cells |
 | Interferons Interferons mobilize defenses against viral infection |
 | Leptin Problems with the appetite-controlling hormone leptin can lead to obesity |
 | Mechanosensitive Channels Pressure-sensitive channels open when the internal pressure of a cell gets too high |
 | Neurotransmitter Transporters Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission |
 | Neurotrophins Neurotrophins guide the development of the nervous system |
 | Nitric Oxide Synthase Nitric oxide gas is used as a rapid-acting hormone and as a powerful defense |
 | PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1) PD-1 and its ligands are a new target for cancer therapy |
 | Photoactive Yellow Protein Researchers use synchrotrons and X-ray lasers to reveal the rapid processes of light sensing. |
 | Phototropin Phototrophins sense the level of blue light, allowing plants to respond to changing environmental conditions |
 | Potassium Channels Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions |
 | RAF Protein Kinases A single mutation in a RAF protein kinase can help transform a normal cell into a cancer cell. |
 | Ras Protein Mutation of the growth-contolling ras protein can lead to cancer |
 | Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products RAGE recognizes sugar-modified proteins, contributing to an inflammatory response that plays a role in diabetes |
 | Rhodopsin In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light |
 | Serotonin Receptor Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs |
 | SNARE Proteins SNARE proteins power the fusion of vesicles with membranes by forming a bundle of alpha helices |
 | Src Tyrosine Kinase Growth signaling proteins play an important role in the development of cancer |
 | Tissue Factor Tissue factor senses damage to the body and triggers formation of a blood clot |
 | Two-component Systems Bacteria respond to their environment with two-component sensing systems. |
 | Vitamin D Receptor Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body |
Learning Resources (5)
 | Insulin Activity Page Learn about insulin, a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in our ability to use glucose from the food that we eat |
| Insulin (PDF) PDF Learn about insulin, a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in our ability to use glucose from the food that we eat |
| Insulin (Spanish) PDF Learn about insulin, a peptide hormone that plays a critical role in our ability to use glucose from the food that we eat |
 | Insulin and Diabetes Poster Structural biology has revealed the details of insulin signaling and how this knowledge is being used to create new and better treatments for diabetes. |
 | G-Protein Coupled Receptors Flyer In honor of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. |
