Signalling Biology

Signaling Biology

Cell signaling is part of any communication process that governs key activities of cells and coordinates all cell actions. The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity, as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in signaling interactions and cellular information processing are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes. By understanding cell signaling, diseases may be treated more effectively and, theoretically, artificial tissues may be created the process by which a gene's information is converted into the structures and functions of a cell by a process of producing a biologically functional molecule of either protein or RNA is made.

Sophisticated programs of gene expression are extensively observed in biology, for example, to trigger developmental pathways, adapt to new food sources, or respond to environmental stimuli. Gene expression can be modulated, from transcription initiation to post-translation modification of a protein.