Cell signaling is a complicated process, that regulates biological functions to maintain normal physiology, and which incorporates communication between cells and the transmission of a signal from the cell surface to the nucleus. Signals are communicated via changes in levels of biochemical molecules (i.e. nitric oxide or cyclic GMP) or modifications (such as: methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation).
Signals are detected on the cell surface by receptors that bind the signaling molecule (i.e. growth factors, chemokines, survival factors, etc.) and initiate a biochemical cascade which culminates as a cellular response. The classification of each aspect of the signaling pathway is based on its relation to the initial stimulus. For example, ligands are first messengers and receptors are signal transducers; following activation, signal transducers activate primary effectors, which can be linked to second messengers, which in turn activate secondary effectors, and so on.
Signaling pathways can interact with each other, forming networks and allowing for the coordination of responses. Cell signaling controls a multitude of events, including cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism, and its malfunction has been implicated in several diseases, including type II diabetes, cancer, and Parkinson's disease.
We offer a comprehensive portfolio of antibodies, proteins, and assays for signal transduction research that exhibit high specificity, activity, performance, and reproducibility in a range of techniques, including: Western Blot (WB), Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Immunofluorescence (IF), Immunocytochemistry (ICC), and ELISA.