Featured Pathways
The (Phosphatidylinositde-3-Kinase) family of enzymes regulate diverse biological functions in every cell type by generating lipid second messengers that ultimately results in the mediation of cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, chemotaxis, survival, trafficking and Glucose homeostasis. On the basis of structural similarities, the members are sub-divided into three[..]
The PI3K (Phosphatidylinositde-3 Kinase) family of enzymes is recruited upon growth factor receptor activation and produces 3' phosphoinositide lipids. The lipid products of PI3K act as second messengers by binding to and activating diverse cellular target proteins. Therefore, PI3Ks play a central role in many cellular functions. In mammals, the PI3Ks have a p110 catalytic subunit[..]
One of the key functions of catabolic metabolism is to maintain high levels of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and cells rapidly respond to any stress that threatens to lower ATP levels by arresting non-essential ATP-utilizing functions and stimulating available ATP-generating pathways. A central player in this system is the AMPK (AMP (Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate)-Activated Protein Kinase). AMPK is a[..]
Cardiac hypertrophy describes an abnormal condition where the heart becomes enlarged. Several factors, such as increased mechanical loading and neuro-hormonal chemicals can induce hypertrophy. ET1 (Endothelin-1) is a 21-amino acid vasoconstrictor peptide, which is able to induce cardiac hypertrophy. In mammals this peptide family also includes ET2 and ET3. ET1 is the principal isoform in the[..]
FLT3 (Fms-like Tyrosine Kinase-3), also known as FLK2 (Fetal Liver Kinase-2) and STK1 (human Stem Cell Kinase-1) was originally isolated as a hematopoietic progenitor cell-specific kinase, and belongs to the Class-III RTK (Receptor Tyrosine Kinase) family to which c-Fms, c-Kit, and the PDGFR (Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor) also belong (Ref.1). Normal expression of FLT3 is restricted to[..]
Many proto-oncogenes participate in the regulation of apoptosis and closely intertwined with their actions are various growth factors and other genes that participate in the control of cellular growth. The proto-oncogene c-Myc encodes a transcription factor c-Myc that plays a critical role in multiple cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and[..]
More than 200 different types of viruses, such as human Rhinovirus (HRV), human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV), are known to cause acute respiratory illness. Virus-induced cytokine production and inflammatory cell activation are instrumental in the development of neurogenic inflammatory responses, and[..]
MAPK (Mitogen-activated protein kinases) are serine-threonine protein kinases that are activated by diverse stimuli ranging from cytokines, growth factors, neurotransmitters, hormones, cellular stress, and cell adherence. MAPKs are expressed in all eukaryotic cells. The basic assembly of MAPK pathways is a three-component module conserved from yeast to humans. The MAPK module includes three[..]
Parkinson's disease is a Neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and the appearance of intracellular inclusions, named Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in the remaining nigral neurons. The Substantia nigra is located in the midbrain region of the brain. It consists of two parts: the SNc (pars compacta), and the SNr (pars[..]
