(584r) Analysis of Complexities in Signal Transduction Though a Study of Signalling Modules

Cellular processes are organized and controlled by signalling networks of considerable complexity. The complexity arises not only from the number of interacting components, but also from the fact that relative small combinations of factors can give rise to subtle and unexpected behaviour. Analyzing these different aspects provides different insights into the behaviour of signalling networks.

In this presentation, I will present multiple examples of analysis of different aspects of signalling through a detailed study of signalling modules.Each of these examples provides insights into how complexity in signal transduction can arise from the combination of relatively simple factors, and is relevant in a broad range of signalling contexts.

In the first case, I discuss multiple scenarios of interacting modules via detailed dynamic analysis, and interaction of pathways and processes via shared components (a ubiquitous feature in signalling, observed in many contexts). In the second case I present and discuss spatial aspects of signal transduction (often ignored in signalling) via the analysis of covalent modification cycles, and representative motifs. These studies show how new complexities in signalling can arise from a relatively small number of factors. This work is done with Daniel Seaton and Aiman Alam-Nazki.