Featured Pathways
HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor)/SF (Scatter Factor) is a mesenchymal- or stromal-derived multipotent heparan sulfate-binding and dermatan sulfate-binding pleiotropic polypeptide that mediates epithelial-mesenchymal interactions with mitogenic, motogenic and morphogenic activities towards many normal and neoplastic epithelial cells. Initially identified as a potent hepatotrophic factor[..]
CD28 (Antigen CD28) is characterized as a co-receptor for the TCR (T-Cell Receptor)/CD3 (CD3 Antigen) complex and is responsible for providing the co-stimulatory signal required for T-cell activation. CD28 also act as a receptor independent of the TCR and can initiate signaling events without concomitant TCR ligation. Priming of naive T-cells in lymphoid organs depends on the interaction between[..]
Cell differentiation begins only when the cell proliferation mechanism is seized, and the macrophage differentiation system is a good example, as the macrophages start to differentiate only when they stop proliferating. Molecular mechanisms which act coordinately in order to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation are vital in development. Induction of Ets (v-Ets Avian[..]
During immune response, T-cells are optimally activated in secondary lymphoid tissues in order to properly migrate into areas of inflamed tissue. Upon antigen recognition via the TCR (T-Cell Receptor)/CD3 (CD3 Antigen) complex, a second co-stimulatory signal from APCs or Antigen-Presenting Cells is necessary for activation of naive T-cells. According to the “Two-Signal Model” for T-cell[..]
PRL (Prolactin), a multifunctional hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and to a lesser extent by numerous extrapituitary tissues, affects more physiological processes than all other pituitary hormones combined. It was originally identified by its ability to stimulate the development of the mammary gland and lactation. However, this hormone has been established to be present in[..]
VAV(Oncogene Vav) family of proteins act as GEFs (Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors) and activators of Rho family GTPases, and are known to orchestrate cytoskeletal changes and cell migration in response to extracellular stimuli by catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP. Of the three mammalian isoforms, Vav1 is[..]
Co-ordinated progression through the cell cycle is essential for the maintenance of genomic integrity. 14-3-3 proteins play particularly important roles in coordinating progression of cells through the cell cycle, regulating their response to DNA damage, and influencing life-death decisions following internal injury or external cytokine-mediated cues. 14-3-3 proteins function at several key[..]
14-3-3 is a phosphoserine/phosphothreonine-binding protein that is being implicated in a wide range of cellular phenomena. 14-3-3 family members are found in all eukaryotes – from plants to mammals – and more than 100 binding partners have been identified to date. They regulate their activities by a number of different mechanisms, which include inter- and intracompartmental[..]
The 14-3-3 family of proteins consists of molecular adaptors that recognize phosphorylated proteins (e.g. kinases, transcription factors and receptors). They are able to coordinate almost limitless combinations of protein complexes, which accounts for their functional diversity (Ref.1). This plethora of interacting proteins allows 14-3-3 to play important roles in a wide range of vital[..]
14-3-3 proteins are abundantly expressed adaptor proteins that interact with a vast number of binding partners to regulate their cellular localization and function. They regulate substrate function in a number of ways including protection from dephosphorylation, regulation of enzyme activity, formation of ternary complexes and sequestration. They are key regulators of major cellular processes[..]
