Complex signaling networks

It is well established that NF-kB signaling plays a critical role in inflammation and immunity. Understanding the mechanism of NF-kB involvement in opioid receptor activation and chemokine expression may provide a vital key to understanding this complex signaling network. However, the elucidation of molecular mechanisms following activation of the opioid receptor family could aid in the development of future therapeutics for immune system-related and inflammatory diseases, drug addiction and HIV infection. 

As a result of the complex signaling network associated with kinases, it is speculated that multitargeted kinase inhibitors may offer advantages over selective inhibitors in the treatment of MPNs. Hence, in addition to the selective JAK2 inhibitors, candidates with "opportunistic" JAK2 activity have been examined in the clinic. 

Complex signaling networks may be especially important in the CNS, where they weigh and integrate diverse neuronal signals and then transmit them to effectors, thereby forming the basis of a complex information processing network. See Figure 55-1 for details of these... 

The benefits of these advanced techniques will be an improved knowledge of protein-binding interactions and trafficking in Dictyostelium. This knowledge combined with that gathered in other cell systems will further our understanding of complex signaling networks and their relation to cell behavior. 

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