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[Intracellular signaling system as a network of signaling circuits]
1Dept. of Molecular Biology, Yokohama City University, School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Elucidation of the function of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes as well as of receptors and their signal transduction mechanisms revealed a complex intracellular signaling network, which consists of a variety of signaling cascades as well as feedback circuits. One of the major characteristics of the signaling network is that the system contains a mechanism controlling the amounts and nature of the components. The mechanism controlling the amount of the components involves regulation of transcription factors which are activated upon extracellular stimuli and regulate expression of a variety of genes such as the gene for the factor itself as well as other transcription factors, making cascades and feedback circuits of gene regulation. This seems to act as a cellular machinery determining the timing of cell responses, which governs the whole signaling network.
Insights
Cellular signaling networks involve complex cascades and feedback circuits. Transcription factors regulate gene expression, controlling cellular responses and timing.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Intracellular signaling networks are crucial for cellular function.
- Oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and receptors play key roles in these networks.
- Understanding these networks involves analyzing signaling cascades and feedback mechanisms.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the complex intracellular signaling network.
- To understand the mechanisms controlling component amounts and gene expression.
- To identify the role of transcription factors in cellular responses.
Summary:
- Complex intracellular signaling networks comprise cascades and feedback circuits involving oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and receptors.
- A key characteristic is the regulation of component amounts via transcription factors.
- Transcription factors, activated by extracellular stimuli, control gene expression, forming regulatory circuits that govern cellular timing and responses.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the intricate regulation of cellular signaling.
- Highlights the importance of transcription factor networks in determining cell fate.
- Contributes to understanding the molecular basis of cellular responses and timing mechanisms.