Sinyal İletimi ve Gen Ekspresyonu

Authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ender M. COŞKUNPINAR, the chapter titled "Signal Transduction and Gene Expression" provides a comprehensive overview of cellular biochemical responses to external stimuli, signal transduction pathways, and their long-term effects on gene expression. The text details the functions of cell surface receptors, the specificity of cellular responses, and the regulatory roles of signaling cascades in cellular functions. Detailed examinations are provided for receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RTKs), the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, cytokine receptors operating via the JAK/STAT pathway, the TGF-β receptor family functioning through Smad transcription factors, and EGF receptors (HER family). Furthermore, it explains the types of signaling mediated by secretory molecules—including endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, and synaptic signaling—as well as secondary messenger molecules (cAMP, Ca²⁺, IP₃, DAG) and the operational principles of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Highlighted by its focus on how signal transduction defects lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and immune system disorders, this study serves as an essential reference for researchers and students in molecular biology, biochemistry, and medicine.