Cell signalling by inositol pyrophosphates

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

The cells of our body are required to communicate and coordinate external inputs, such as nutrient availability or hormone levels, in order to behave properly. In cells information is collected and spread through molecules, via changing of their amounts and locations. Loss of control of these complex cellular processes leads to pathological conditions and human diseases. We aim to understand how information is created, stored and communicated inside cells and throughout our bodies by studying a certain collection of these “signalling” molecules: the inositol phosphates. This family comprises a number of molecules that are found in all organisms, and are essential for correct cell health and behaviour. So far we know that inositol phosphates are involved in coordinating the use of the important nutrient phosphate, but we are still working to understand how this is achieved. The amounts and roles of inositol phosphates are altered in pathological conditions such as diabetes and obesity; the ultimate goal is to fix these problems at a cellular level, and thus help patients.