Activation and Desensitization of Transducing Pathways

Activation by and desensitization to signals originating from the environment is common in all organisms, ranging from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes. This text explores the common signal transfer elements responsible for activation and desensitization in animals, plants and microorganisms.

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Activation by and desensitization to signals originating from the environment is common in all organisms, ranging from prokaryotes to higher eukaryotes. Recently, a number of novel mechanisms involved in activation and desensitization have been elucidated. The similarities of the molecular mechanisms of activation and desensitization in the various systems are striking. More components involved in signal transfer have been discovered and also several more G-proteins appear to play a role during this process. The interest in signal attenuation concurs with these developments. The emphasis in this book is on the common signal transfer elements responsible for activation and desensitization in animals, plants and microorganisms.