Protein Modules in Signal Transduction

The external signals that control cellular behavior are chanelled through cell surface receptors, that in turn regulate cytoplasmic signaling pathways. Work over the last ten years has indicated that the activation of these intra- cellular signaling pathways depends on a series of protein-protein and protein-phospholipid interactions mediated by modular polypeptide domains. Through their association with specific peptide motifs, these protein modules define a recognition code through which many aspects of cellular function are controlled. The articles in this book describe the varied features of these domains, and outline the structural, biochemical and genetic evidence that demonstrates their importance in co-ordinating cellular responses to external cues.
TOC: Functions of SH2 and SH3 domains.-Structure and function of LIM domains.-Modular domains of focal adhesion-associated proteins.-Physiological function of receptor-SH2 interactions.-The IRS-signaling system.-PDZ domains and the formation of protein networks at the plasma membrane.-The mechanisms and function of signaling by the TGFß Superfamily.-Notch receptors, partners and regulators.- Signaling through Grb2/Ash-Control of the Ras pathway and cytoskeleton.-Genetic analysis of sevenless tyrosine kinase signaling in Drosophila.