Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction [Paperback]

Friedrich Marks (Author), Ursula Klingmüller (Author), Karin Müller-Decker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0815342152 | ISBN-13: 978-0815342151 | Publication Date: November 14, 2008 | Edition: 1

Cellular Signal Processing is intended for use in signal transduction courses for undergraduate and graduate students. It offers a unifying view of cell signaling that is based on the concept of protein interactions acting as sophisticated data processing networks that govern intracellular and extracellular communication. The content is guided by three major principles that are central to signal transduction: the protein network, its energy supply, and its evolution. It includes coverage of all important aspects of cell signaling, ranging from prokaryotic signal transduction to neuronal signaling. It also highlights the clinical aspects of cell signaling in health and disease.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book would be highly useful to undergraduate students in medical, bioinformatics or biological science that are studying or pursuing research into signal transduction, network or systems biology.  This book would also appeal to graduate students or professionals moving into this field of research, without prior knowledge or experience....each chapter engages the reader and conveys the importance of biological systems and networks adequately, thus challenging the reader to continue viewing their specific focus or field of research in complete isolation."

Immunology News, November 2010

 

"This book provides comprehensive coverage of signal transduction.  Unlike other texts currently available, a common theme of data processing by cellular machinery runs through this book which makes it stand out favorably against the competition.  Material is up-to-date and covers the areas that are at the forefront of cell signaling research today."
Alexey Veraksa, University of Massachusetts, Boston

"The diversity of appropriate cell cycle topics covered is impressive.  Impressive amount of important information.  Best summary of cell cycle biochemistry in a text."
Bradley J Stith, University of Colorado

"The organization of the proposed book is excellent.  The fundamentals of data processing by protein networks and evolution of this data processing in the first two chapters is the unique feature of the book and sets up the framework of cell signal transduction.  This should allow students to get a firm grip of the overall pictures of cell signalling networks before zooming into the specific topics.  Such chapters are largely missing from other textbooks.  Figures are well executed and informative."
Wei-Jen Tang, Univesrity of Chicago

About the Author

Friedrich Marks, PhD, is Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Heidelberg and Emeritus Department head, German Cancer Research Center. Dr. Marks has been teaching biochemistry, in particular signal transduction, for more than 30 years. His research has focused on the role of signaling reactions in tumor development.

Ursula Klingmüller, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of Heidelberg and Head of the Systems Biology of Signal Transduction Division, German Cancer Research Center. Dr. Klingmüller's research focuses on systems biology of signal transduction and dynamic pathway modeling.

Karin Müller-Decker, PhD, is a lecturer at the University of Heidelberg and Head of the Tumor Models Units, German Cancer Research Center. Dr. Müller-Decker is conducting pioneering work on eicosanoid signaling in tumor development.

Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Garland Science; 1 edition (November 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815342152
• ISBN-13: 978-0815342151
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #36 in Books > Medical Books > Basic Sciences > Cell Biology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Well Done in Scope and Detail, February 24, 2011

By 

Dr. Terrence McGarty (Florham Park, NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction (Paperback)

Cellular Signal Processing presents a well-structured and comprehensive discussion of all of the elements in cell signalling. The book provides a superb source of information as well as structure to understand the nuances of many of the cellular signalling mechanisms. It is an excellent desk reference which one can come back to time and again to be used in systems modeling as well as other applications.

It begins with a simple overview of the elements of cell signalling and discusses the reaction dynamics leading to the temporal characteristics of signalling, specifically the simple biochemical switch. Unlike Klipp et al Systems Biology: A Textbook , this book presents a high level description of the signalling rather than developing and demonstrating the specifics of the mathematical model and its actual dynamics. Again using Klipp as a backup would be perfect.

Chapter 2 discusses some of the cell energy considerations and the discussion on protein phosphorylation is exceptionally good. The introduction of protein kinases and their importance in transduction is well placed and sets the stage for later development. Chapter 3 discusses the evolutionary development of cell signalling and this is a good vehicle to demonstrate the development of various specific signalling elements.

Chapter 4 discusses the protein kinases in more detail and the inclusion of many medical applications is exceptionally good. For example the discussion on p 163 regarding the use of aspirin is a nice blend of the practical and the scientific. This type of discussion is diffused throughout the text and makes for enlightening elements.

Chapter 6 is a good presentation of signal transduction and it provides a full description of how the signal paths are activated.

Chapter 9 is a very well done presentation on signals controlling mRNA translation, key to many cancer pathways. For example the discussion on the mTOR pathway, p 337, is quite enlightening as the clinical discussion of diabetes on p 343. Chapter 11 discusses mitogen activation which is essential for understanding the dynamics of cancer pathways. The discussion of NFkB is well done on p 409. This is extended to the application to cancer on p 415. This again is an excellent blending of the science and the application to specific medical uses.

Chapter 12 is on cancer and cell signalling. It focuses on cell cycles and signalling and is an superb complement to Morgan's The Cell Cycle: Principles of Control (Primers in Biology) (Primers in Biology) book. Chapter 13 discusses apoptosis. This is a good complement to the cancer discussion and the cell cycle. Chapter 17 is a short discussion of systems biology. It could have been expanded yet it may have gone beyond the scope of the book.

Overall the book covers all of the signalling pathways and demonstrates with adequate detail the pathways dependencies and allows for an understanding of their dynamics. The book is comprehensive and provides more than adequate reference materials. I have used this book to gain specific details and refresh an understanding or to see an different approach. It is an invaluable addition to any bookshelf.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good source for all biosignalling, November 27, 2010

By 

Ana - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cellular Signal Processing: An Introduction to the Molecular Mechanisms of Signal Transduction (Paperback)

This was recommended to me by a Prof. in Biochemistry and he suggested that it is the only source that includes all principles of cell signaling as it does not appear in any other book available.