A Short Overview of the Role in Health and Disease – Signal Transduction

Cells respond to extracellualr and intracellular signals by using a complex network of communication pathways, collectively known as Signal Transduction.

Merck Bioscience developed contents according to  "Signal Transduction" Book that is published by headquoter.

We hope that this article will be helpful for understanding of Signal Transduction.

• Story 1: Signal Transduction – Cell Cycle
• Story 2  Apoptosis
• Story 3: Stem Cells
• Story 4: Diabetes & Obesity

Story 1. Cell Cycle

In all multi-cellular organisms proliferating cells must make a decision either to enter the cycle of cell division or reach a quiescent state.

You can look at cell cycle overview and technical tip about inhibitors

• Cell Cycle overview
• Technical Tip

- How much inhibitor should I use?
- What is the difference between EC50, ED50, Ki, IC50 and Kd?

Story 2. Apoptosis

Apoptotic cell death has been characterized by a progressive series of morphological and biochemical changes ranging from the appearance on cell surfaces of phosphatidylserine, to proteolytic cleavage of numerous intracellular proteins, to nuclear condensation and fragmentation and the cleavage of DNA into nucleosomal fragments. You can see the Apoptosis overview and Technical tips.

• Apoptosis overview
• Technical Tip

- Are all apoptotic signaling pathways responsible for PS exposure activated by active caspases?
- Cells stain positive for Annexin V, but do not stain positive with trypan blue or another vital dye.
- I had EDTA in my sample buffer and I did not get any positive staining. Why?

Story 3. Stem Cells

Stem cells, unspecified precursor cells, have the unique ability to self-renew and generate additional stem cells as well as to differentiate into various progenitor cells in response to appropriate signals. These functional properties have led researchers to explore opportunities for developing new strategies for tissue repair, replacement, and regeneration. You can see the Stem cells overview and technical tip.

• Pluripotent Stem Cells Overview
• Technical Tip

   - How do I choose a protein kinase inhibitor for my assay?

Story 4. Diabetes & Obesity

Diabetes is a condition in which a person has a high blood sugar (glucose) level, either because the body doesn't produce enough insulin, or because body cells don't properly respond to the insulin that is produced. You can see the diabetes & obesity overview and technical tips.

• Diabetes & Obesity Overview
• Technical Tip

- What precautions should one take when using caged compounds?
- What is the best way to eliminate precipitation of my fibrinogen sample?
- How do I determine if a compound is cell-permeable?