Structure and Function in Cell Signalling by John Nelson

From the Publisher

"This book contains extremely detailed and informative content on structure and function of ligands, receptors, and signalling intermediates plus interactions … the extent of detail and appropriate referencing is impressive." –Microbiology Today, July 2009

"A very well-written book suitable for use as a reference or textbook for an undergraduate subject in cell signalling. For researchers interested in the molecular basis of cell signalling and how aberrant regulation of cell signalling proteins causes diseases, this is an excellent resource of biochemical and structural information." –Australian Biochemist, August 2009

"From basics to details, this is an elegantly written and carefully edited book. The chapters on cell cycle control and oncogenesis are particularly fascinating and valuable to biomedical research. This is the book to have if you are interested in molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. It is a great introduction to the literature that will be welcomed by students and experts alike." –Doody's, January 2009

This text is a concise and accessible introduction to the dynamic but complex field of signal transduction. Rather than simply cataloguing all signalling molecules and delineating every known pathway, this book aims to break signalling down into common elements and activities – the ‘nuts and bolts’ of cellular information exchange.

With an emphasis on clarity of presentation throughout, the book teaches the basic principles focusing on a mature core of knowledge, providing students with a foundation of learning in this complex and potentially confusing subject. Italso addresses the issue of variation in the numbering of key amino acids as well as featuring interaction with RasMol software, and exercises to aid understanding.

An accessible introduction to the complex field of cell signalling
Interacts with RasMol software – freely downloadable for viewing structures in 3D
Includes exercises and clear instructions in the use of RasMol
Well illustrated in full colour throughout

Structure and Function in Cell Signalling is an invaluable resource to students across a range of life science degree programmes including biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, biomedicine and oncology. This book provides a clear, accessible introduction to this rapidly expanding field.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Bruce A. Fenderson, PhD (Thomas Jefferson University)
Description:Complex signaling networks regulate key biological processes including metabolism, differentiation, cell division, and cell motility. This book provides an exciting, up-to-date introduction to the world of structure and function in signal transduction. To give the book a narrative, the author has focused on 7-pass and single-pass receptor signaling systems that regulate metabolism and cell cycle progression. Many cellular proteins are linked functionally as environmental discriminators (receptors) and signal transducers (e.g., G proteins) that convey information to downstream effectors (enzymes and mechanical devices) . The author breaks down volumes of detailed information into basic mechanisms. The book includes 10 major sections ranging from protein modules and motifs to single-pass growth factor receptors to cell cycle control. The focus of the book is structural biology, protein biochemistry and biophysics.
Purpose:The author's stated goal is to "break signaling down into common elements and activities...the nuts and bolts of cellular information exchange." The author is clearly an expert who has thought deeply about signaling pathways and the molecular mechanisms that are involved. The emphasis on molecular models encourages readers to use protein sequence data to generate structural information, and inculcate lifelong learning skills.
Audience:The book is written for students across a wide range of life science disciplines including cell/developmental biology, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, x-ray crystallography (structuralbiology) , molecular biology, and biophysics. It would be a great textbook to accompany an advanced undergraduate or graduate-level course in protein biochemistry, cell signaling, or protein structure and function. Experts will also appreciate this review of the field.
Features:The author explains and teaches — from historical accounts to cutting-edge research. Each section includes a summary and concludes with an extensive list of references. His focus is on G proteins, second messengers, kinases, and phosphatases. The author employs molecular models that are generated using the freeware program, RasMol. Brilliant, full-color images identify molecular details relating to polypeptide chain folding, phosphylation, and catalysis. The first chapter lays out a foundation for signaling systems. An appendix includes problem sets with answers, as well as step-by-step instructions for installation and use of RasMol molecularly rendering software (freely available online) . Using RasMol, it is possible to examine how proteins interact, bind ligands, and change shape.
Assessment:The author focuses on individual proteins, as if he knows them by name and understands the inner mechanics of their behavior. From basics to details, this is an elegantly written and carefully edited book. The chapters on cell cycle control and oncogenesis are particularly fascinating and valuable to biomedical research. This is the book to have if you are interested in molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. It is a great introduction to the literature that will be welcomed by students and experts alike. The author helps organize molecular details to illustrate basic mechanisms of cellular information exchange and processing — mechanisms that are critical for life.

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents