Molecular structures signal transduction mechanisms

While the current structural and functional studies have shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of post-receptor signal transduction by the TNFR superfamUy, many important questions remain. One such question is the structural basis for the formation of death receptor signaling complexes, involving DD-DD and DED-DED interactions. Another question is the molecular basis of TRAP downstream signaling. Does it involve oligomerization and proximity induced activation of down-stream effectors, or conformational modulations Because of the importance of the TNFR superfamily in human disease, an ultimate question lies on the translation of structural and functional studies into therapeutic applications. 

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