Disentangling biological signaling networks by dynamic coupling of signaling lipids to modifying enzymes

摘要: An unresolved problem in biological signal transduction is how particular branches of highly interconnected signaling networks can be decoupled, allowing activation specific circuits within complex architectures. Although dynamics and spatiotemporal mechanisms serve critical roles, it remains unclear if these are the only ways cells achieve specificity networks. The transcription factor Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1) an excellent model to address this question, as forms dynamic complexes with several chemically distinct lipid species (phosphatidylinositols, phosphatidylcholines sphingolipids). This property important since lipids bound SF-1 modified by enzymes (IPMK & PTEN), regulating activity gene expression. Thus, a SF-1/lipid interface enzyme has been loaded compatible substrate. mechanism permits downstream responsiveness constant upstream input, disentangling pathways from full network. potential paradigm apply generally nuclear discussed, attention given receptor superfamily factors their phospholipid ligands.