Cytoplasmic adaptor proteins are key regulatory components of intracellular signalling networks, acting as molecular bridges between various cell surface receptors and downstream signalling molecules. They play critical roles in facilitating the relaying of extracellular signals into intracellular responses, thereby regulating essential cellular processes such as proliferation, cell fate determination, survival, and immune responses. The primary function of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins is to facilitate signal transduction from activated cell surface receptors to cytoplasmic downstream signalling components. For example, adaptor proteins such as Grb2 and Shc are involved in receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling. They bind to phosphorylated tyrosine residues on activated receptors and act to then recruit downstream effectors, thereby propagating signalling cascades. Cytoplasmic adaptor proteins often function as scaffold proteins, bringing together several signalling molecules simultaneously into protein complexes. Crk and Nck for example, are adaptor proteins that play roles in organizing signalling networks involved in cell migration, adhesion, and cytoskeletal dynamics. By forming protein complexes, these adaptors facilitate efficient signal propagation, coordinating the activities of various downstream effectors. They exert regulatory control over intracellular signalling pathways by modulating the activity or localization of downstream effectors, serving as molecular switches that fine-tune signalling responses. Gab1, for example, acts as an adaptor protein in RTK signalling regulating the activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways and thereby influencing downstream responses. In immune cells, cytoplasmic adaptor proteins also play critical roles in integrating and amplifying signals from immune receptors. Adaptors such as Grap, SLP-76, and BCAP are involved in immune receptor signalling pathways, including T-cell receptor and B-cell receptor signalling. They facilitate immune cell activation, cytokine production, and antibody generation, thereby contributing to effective immune responses against pathogens. Other cytoplasmic adaptor proteins play essential roles in inflammatory signalling cascades. For example, adaptors such as MyD88 and TRIF are key mediators in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling pathways, which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). They activate MAPK and downstream transcription factors, such as NF-κB and IRFs, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons in responses that are crucial for mounting effective responses to infections. Cytoplasmic adaptor proteins are also involved in apoptotic signalling pathways. FADD, for example, acts as an adaptor in death receptor signalling, facilitating the activation of caspases and the initiation of apoptosis upon binding to death domain-containing receptors. Similarly, TRADD links TNF receptor family members to downstream effectors, promoting apoptosis, NF-κB activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. We provide a large product range of research tools for studying cytoplasmic adapters, including IRS1 antibodies, Paxillin antibodies, Ezrin antibodies, MyD88 antibodies, and IRS1 ELISA Kits. Explore our full cytoplasmic adapters product range below and discover more, for less.