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Cell signalling

Our research into cell signalling aims to understand how different signals are transmitted, and their relevance to disease.

Cells in our body work together and respond to changes in their environment. Many proteins are involved in transmitting signals within and between cells. Disruptions to this signalling is the cause of many diseases.

Our research into cell signalling aims to understand how different signals are transmitted, and their relevance to disease.

Our cell signalling research

Our researchers are investigating cell signalling in healthy cells, to understand what goes wrong to cause disease.

Particular foci of our research are:

  • investigating proteins that enable cell signalling, and how these signals are switched off
  • defining the cell signalling pathways that trigger cell death and inflammation
  • understanding how cell signalling pathways are subverted in diseases such as cancer, immune disorders and infections
  • developing new treatments for disease that target key signalling molecules

What is cell signalling?

Our bodies are composed of billions of cells that work together. Each cell responds to external signals from other cells, and from its environment. Cell signalling refers to the translation of an external signal into a cell’s response.

External signals can include:

  • direct contact with other cells or structures
  • molecules that are secreted by other cells
  • viral or bacterial infections
  • nutrients, toxins or other molecules present in the environment.

Cells can have many different responses to external signals. A few examples are:

  • growing or dividing, or stopping division
  • becoming activated to perform a specific function (e.g. to kill bacteria or infected cells)
  • dying, or staying alive
  • moving or changing shape
  • secreting a substance.

A particular signal may elicit different responses in different cell types. A cell’s response to a signal may also depend on other signals the cell receives, or has previously received.

Find out how you can support our research

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Illuminate Summer 2023
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