Reconstructing signal transduction pathways: challenges and opportunities.

LEVINE AJ, HU W, FENG Z, GIL G.

BLACKWELL PUBLISHING

Año: 2007 p. 1115 - 1115

n this chapter, we will review how signal transduction pathways have been assembled in the past, bringing us to our present understanding of this area of research. The methods employed have relied heavily upon the genetics of yeast, worms, flies, mice, and humans. The use of second site suppressors and epistasis has permitted the detection of interacting elements and the sequence of genetic activities. Biochemistry has been employed to elucidate metabolic pathways, demonstrate protein complexes, and identify functions of gene products. The tools of molecular biology-knocking concentration of protein products down or up-have been helpful to trace the function of pathways in vivo. The study of disease states has led to the identification of a set of altered genes and helped define a network that is altered and gives rise to the disease. We will also discuss some serious limitations in these approaches. After reviewing how signal transduction pathways are constructed and investigated, we