Signal Transduction: Principles, Pathways, and Processes

    Signal Transduction is all about the role of communication within the body’s cellular structure, and how the cells respond collectively to nerve stimuli. These can be internal (such as with hormones or increased fat consumption) or external (such as inhaled gases) and the cells will all react differently. The book begins by listing and describing the roles of the different cell receptors, with their benefits and drawbacks clearly defined.  The Tyrosine-Kinase receptor, for instance,  stimulates cell proliferation, but if it becomes overactive, it can encourage uncontrolled cell division with is, to the layman, a tumor.

    The next, and probably the most important part of a textbook like this, is the illustration. Take the chapter titled “Signaling and Cell Polarity” as an example; it uses a diagram to show the Hippo Pathway, and the connection between the proteins and other factors. The chapter on Sensory Receptors discusses things like photoreceptors, which play a role in vision. As we can all guess, any interruption between those receptors would result in impaired vision, so the diagrams show the capacity to process, store, and if the signals are not needed, dispose and discard. Another diagram shows the difference in receptor response to plant colors in bees versus primates. It shows how the photoreceptors of these animals respond differently to colors with regard to feeding.

    Signal Transduction goes further into the subject of cellular communication, including reproduction. In this chapter, we learn how hormones can dictate sperm cell count, heart rate, and blood pressure. However, the authors don’t blame the problems entirely on the internal factors alone. They also discuss how external factors effect cell behavior, such as temperature, day and time, nutrition, etc. We know that gland such as the pituitary can be shut down by physical trauma, and if the pituitary gland doesn’t provide hormone, it can cause cells to become idle.

    I give this book an excellent review, with regard to its clear explanations and use of diagramming to illustrate cell communication. I would, however, welcome some case studies of the symptoms of negative effects. The chapter where the photoreceptors are discussed would have been well-served with some photographic examples.