The Mechanisms of Cell Signalling theme seeks to explain the molecular behaviour of the different components found in living systems across the various scales of life as organisms adapt and evolve to their environment.
Scientists associated with the theme are employing state-of-the art technology to unlock the signalling codes of life, which are rapidly extending the frontiers of cell signalling research.
Areas of research
Many diseases arise from problems in how cells communicate:
Between the cells themselves (central to many neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and depression)
In the way that they respond to different external conditions (stimuli)
In the interactions of the biological molecules (mainly proteins) within cells at local or distal (eg metastatic) sites
The broad expertise of the researchers working on this theme helps extract basic knowledge and its therapeutic use in collaboration with clinicians, chemists, and industrial partners
At its heart this theme explores the fundamental mechanisms by which cell-based systems communicate and respond to change, and how these responses can be dissected to explain the molecular basis for normal physiology, and the measurable changes associated with diseases.
