Cellular Signaling

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine opens a protein channel, stimulating muscle contraction

Acetylcholinesterase stops the signal between a nerve cell and a muscle cell

Adenylyl cyclase creates second messengers to amplify signals from G-protein coupled receptors

Adrenaline stimulates a G-protein-coupled receptor, priming us for action

Receptors for the neurotransmitter glutamate in our brain come in several shapes and sizes.

Anabolic steroids like testosterone are among the most common performance enhancing drugs

The plant hormone auxin controls growth and response to light and gravity

Atomic structures have captured the calcium pump in action

Calcium ions rapidly deliver signals to control processes such as muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and fertilization

PKA delivers cellular signals by adding phosphates to proteins

TRPV1 is an ion channel that senses heat and contributes to pain sensation.

Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases control when cells divide, making them important targets for cancer therapy.

Aspirin attacks an important enzyme in pain signaling and blood clotting

Engineered insulins have been developed to improve treatment of diabetes

Inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 are used to treat type-2 diabetes

EGF is part of a family of proteins that controls aspects of cell growth and development

Estrogen binds to receptors in the nucleus and affects key genes in development

G proteins receive signals from cellular receptors and deliver them inside the cell

Glucagon triggers the release of glucose into the blood, to power cells throughout the body

An anti-inflammatory drug has given us a new way to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The antibiotic ivermectin attacks glutamate-gated chloride channels, paralyzing parasitic worms.

Growth hormone brings together two copies of its cellular receptor

Trastuzumab monoclonal antibodies targeting HER2 receptors are at the forefront of breast cancer treatment

The hormone insulin helps control the level of glucose in the blood

The cellular receptor for insulin helps control the utilization of glucose by cells

Interferons mobilize defenses against viral infection

Problems with the appetite-controlling hormone leptin can lead to obesity

Pressure-sensitive channels open when the internal pressure of a cell gets too high

Neurotransmitters are transported out of nerve synapses to end a signal transmission

Neurotrophins guide the development of the nervous system

Nicotine causes addiction by interacting with receptors in the brain

Nitric oxide gas is used as a rapid-acting hormone and as a powerful defense

Morphine and other opioid drugs bind to receptors in the nervous system, controlling pain

PD-1 and its ligands are a new target for cancer therapy

Researchers use synchrotrons and X-ray lasers to reveal the rapid processes of light sensing.

Phototrophins sense the level of blue light, allowing plants to respond to changing environmental conditions

Some phytohormones mobilize the cell’s protein degradation machinery to regulate plant growth and development.

Phytosulfokine and other small peptides deliver signals about growth and development in plants.

Mechanosensitive ion channels give our cells a sense of touch.

Potassium channels allow potassium ions to pass, but block smaller sodium ions

A single mutation in a RAF protein kinase can help transform a normal cell into a cancer cell.

Mutation of the growth-controlling ras protein can lead to cancer

RAGE recognizes sugar-modified proteins, contributing to an inflammatory response that plays a role in diabetes

In our eyes, rhodopsin uses the molecule retinal to see light

Serotonin receptors control mood, emotion, and many other behaviors, and are targets for many important drugs

SNARE proteins power the fusion of vesicles with membranes by forming a bundle of alpha helices

Growth signaling proteins play an important role in the development of cancer

Tissue factor senses damage to the body and triggers formation of a blood clot

Bacteria respond to their environment with two-component sensing systems.

VegF promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), affecting cancer proliferation, wound healing, and other bodily processes.

Vitamin D helps regulate the use of calcium throughout the body

Voltage-gated sodium channels transmit signals in a wave through the nervous system.