Protein Kinase Functions
by James Woodgett
Category: Science

Since the publication of Protein Kinases in 1994 many novel protein kinases have been discovered, but perhaps more importantly there have been dramatic advances in our understanding of the cellular functions of this remarkably diverse class of proteins. Protein Kinase Functions is not just an update of the previous edition but provides a new focus on the context and function of protein kinases, thus reflecting the recent advances in kinase biology. Chapters on genetic approaches to protein kinase functions, the MAP kinase pathway, and cyclin-dependent kinases have been completely updated and new topics covered in depth are: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signalling, JAK-STAT signalling, suppression of tyrosine kinases by the SOCS family proteins, the TGFß superfamily, and the involvement of protein kinases in response to DNA damage. Throughout, emphasis is placed not on individual kinases, but on the functional aspects of the whole system and the relationship between processes and molecules. It is the aim of Protein Kinase Functions to enable the reader to assimilate, compare, and integrate the molecular machinery used by cells to co-ordinate and respond to their environments.