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Signalling Networks in Focus
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 38 (2006) 1023
Editorial
Signalling Networks in Focus夽 In this issue, I am delighted to announce the introduction of a new series entitled “Signalling Networks in Focus”. This series contains short monthly articles, which are all invited contributions by recognized experts in the field. The articles focus on a distinct pathway within a cellular signalling network emphasizing new related developments and discoveries. To help those who are not experts in the pathway of focus, we ask our authors to communicate the known facts by integrating the pathways into their related cellular signalling networks. Articles are intended to be a reference and teaching aid, useful both to researchers and students. Articles for Signalling Networks in Focus follow a strict format detailing the pathway’s components and related signalling cascades (see instructions to authors). The articles describe the function of the pathway, its cell and tissue type specificity, any useful pharmacological tools (e.g. inhibitors), and finally any associated pathologies. As a distinguishing feature of the IJBCB’s Signalling Networks in Focus series, authors include a section explaining how the signalling network described might be of a potential therapeutic target. In this issue of the IJBCB, our first article in this series by Dr. Erwin Wagner and Dr. Rainer Zenz explores the Jun signalling pathway. This is an exciting pathway in which new facts are continuously emerging. Jun
夽 This article was originally published in issue 38/4, doi:10.1016/ j.biocel.2005.11.010.
1357-2725/$ – see front matter © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.03.001
proteins are core components of the activator protein 1 (AP-1), a transcription factor complex. Growth factors, hormones, and a variety of environmental stresses activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades that enhance Jun/AP-1 activity affecting developmental processes, immune responses, and oncogenic transformations. Dr. Zenz and Dr. Wagner provide us with a clear insight into these functions and a concise overview of the central role of Jun/AP-1-mediated signalling. I would like to thank Dr. Wagner and Dr. Zenz for providing such a splendid inauguration of this series. I would also wish to thank Dr. Irmgard Irminger-Finger who has initiated this new “In Focus” series and has shaped its structure. I am sure Dr. Irminger-Finger would welcome proposals from experts in this ever-expanding area of cell and molecular biology. Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey J. Laurent ∗ University College London, Centre for Respiratory Research, The Rayene Institute, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, UK ∗ Tel.:
+44 20 7679 6975; fax: +44 20 7679 6973. E-mail address: [email protected] Available online 15 March 2006
Editorial
Signalling Networks in Focus夽 In this issue, I am delighted to announce the introduction of a new series entitled “Signalling Networks in Focus”. This series contains short monthly articles, which are all invited contributions by recognized experts in the field. The articles focus on a distinct pathway within a cellular signalling network emphasizing new related developments and discoveries. To help those who are not experts in the pathway of focus, we ask our authors to communicate the known facts by integrating the pathways into their related cellular signalling networks. Articles are intended to be a reference and teaching aid, useful both to researchers and students. Articles for Signalling Networks in Focus follow a strict format detailing the pathway’s components and related signalling cascades (see instructions to authors). The articles describe the function of the pathway, its cell and tissue type specificity, any useful pharmacological tools (e.g. inhibitors), and finally any associated pathologies. As a distinguishing feature of the IJBCB’s Signalling Networks in Focus series, authors include a section explaining how the signalling network described might be of a potential therapeutic target. In this issue of the IJBCB, our first article in this series by Dr. Erwin Wagner and Dr. Rainer Zenz explores the Jun signalling pathway. This is an exciting pathway in which new facts are continuously emerging. Jun
夽 This article was originally published in issue 38/4, doi:10.1016/ j.biocel.2005.11.010.
1357-2725/$ – see front matter © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2006.03.001
proteins are core components of the activator protein 1 (AP-1), a transcription factor complex. Growth factors, hormones, and a variety of environmental stresses activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades that enhance Jun/AP-1 activity affecting developmental processes, immune responses, and oncogenic transformations. Dr. Zenz and Dr. Wagner provide us with a clear insight into these functions and a concise overview of the central role of Jun/AP-1-mediated signalling. I would like to thank Dr. Wagner and Dr. Zenz for providing such a splendid inauguration of this series. I would also wish to thank Dr. Irmgard Irminger-Finger who has initiated this new “In Focus” series and has shaped its structure. I am sure Dr. Irminger-Finger would welcome proposals from experts in this ever-expanding area of cell and molecular biology. Editor-in-Chief Geoffrey J. Laurent ∗ University College London, Centre for Respiratory Research, The Rayene Institute, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JJ, UK ∗ Tel.:
+44 20 7679 6975; fax: +44 20 7679 6973. E-mail address: [email protected] Available online 15 March 2006