Signal Transduction 

About: Signal Transduction is an academic journal. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Receptor & Signal transduction. It has an ISSN identifier of 1615-4053. Over the lifetime, 146 publications have been published receiving 1170 citations.

Polyethylenimine, a cost-effective transfection reagent

Abstract: In search for a cheap and effective transfection reagent we used the positively charged polyplex-forming compound polyethylenimine (PEI). This compound is commercially available from different companies either as a non-modified chemical reagent or with additives as a more cost intensive transfection reagent. Here we used the non-modified PEI reagent to optimize transfection protocols for different cell-lines. With these optimized conditions we were able to transiently transfect a number of cell-lines up to 40–90%.

Updating interleukin-6 classic- and trans-signaling

Abstract: The cytokine interleukin-6 has been identified and cloned among others as B-cell stimulatory factor, hepatocyte stimulating factor, plasmacytoma growth factor, and interferon beta-2 Consequently, it emerged, that IL-6 controls a huge variety of cellular functions, among them induction of the acute phase response in the liver, mediation of inflammation and malignant transformation In this review, we summarize the so called classical IL-6 signaling, which is mediated by the complex of IL-6, the membrane bound IL-6R and two gp130 molecules, and an alternative pathway called trans-signaling, which apparently contributes to the development of chronic inflammation and cancer During trans-signaling an agonistic soluble IL-6R is generated, which sensitizes cells lacking the membrane bound IL-6R Finally, we discuss specific inhibition of IL-6-trans-signaling processes by a naturally occurring soluble form of gp130, demonstrating that this protein may emerge as an important future therapeutic in clinical applications for chronic inflammation

Calcium and signal transduction

Abstract: Calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) is a ubiquitous second messenger, regulating a very diverse range of activities, including secretion, muscle contraction, fertilization, gene transcription, and cell proliferation This chapter discusses the roles of Ca 2+ in the signaling mechanisms that regulate the activities of eukaryotic cells and some proteins that regulate the changes in Ca 2+ concentration Calcium is well suited for the role of an intracellular messenger mainly because of two reasons: (1) its immediate proximity provides the opportunity for it to enter the cytosol directly, through membrane channels; and (2) calcium's distinctive coordination chemistry In the biological world, Ca 2+ may be considered to exist in three main forms: free, bound, and trapped Ca 2+ -binding proteins within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells fulfill a wide range of functions in maintaining Ca 2+ concentrations Some Ca 2+ -binding membrane pumps and ion exchangers are employed to keep cell Ca 2+ low Others act as intracellular Ca2+ buffers In eukaryotic cells, low Ca 2+ levels are maintained in the cytosolic compartment by ejecting Ca 2+ from the cell and also by pumping it into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by Ca 2+ -ATPases The mechanisms that elevate cytosol Ca 2+ most commonly follow a ligand–receptor interaction at the cell surface that leads to the activation of phospholipase C In electrically excitable cells, Ca 2+ elevation following a depolarizing stimulus is generally more rapid, and is initiated by the opening of voltage-dependent Ca 2+ -channels in the plasma membrane

Physical coupling between lipids and proteins: a paradigm for cellular control

Abstract: The long held view of biological lipids acting as passive building blocks in biological membranes has now been superseded by the notion that the structure and composition of the membrane plays a crucial role in the regulation of protein function and numerous other biological processes. This may be the result of specific protein-lipid recognition phenomena or alternatively regulation by sensing properties of the membrane such as the stored curvature elastic stress with the latter being the focus of the review.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aging: Do we need them — can we measure them — should we block them?

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are derivatives of oxygen which arise during life in an oxygenated environment. Whereas there is a long discussion within the scientific community about the causes of aging, there is an impressive amount of data indicating that ROS are indeed a major cause for aging. An increase in radical production or a decrease in the defense against ROS appears to be associated with the decrease of the life span of an organism. On the other hand, in the last 15 years, it was shown that radicals are needed for cellular function. Therefore this review concentrates on the arguments for the link between ROS and aging, the hazardous nature of individual radicals, the possibility to analyze ROS and a short view on the impact of ROS on cellular functions.