Science Signaling

Science Signaling
Title	Science Signaling
Discipline	Cell signaling, molecular biology
Abbreviation	Sci. Signal.
Publisher	American Association for the Advancement of Science
Country	United States
History	1999–present
Website	stke.sciencemag.org

Science Signaling. It is a peer-reviewed scientific journal established in 1999, originally titled Science's STKE, that publishes research and resources related to cellular signaling pathways. The journal is published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science and focuses on mechanistic insights into signal transduction across all biological systems. Its content includes original research articles, reviews, perspectives, and teaching resources aimed at advancing the understanding of how cells communicate.

Overview

The journal serves as a central resource for the signal transduction research community, covering processes from ligand-receptor interactions to downstream gene expression outcomes. It emphasizes systems-level understanding, often exploring networks involving kinases, phosphatases, and transcription factors. Editorial content is managed by a team of professional editors from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, with guidance from an international board of academic researchers. The publication is closely associated with the broader ''Science'' family of journals, sharing its commitment to high-impact, interdisciplinary science.

History and development

The journal was launched in 1999 as Science's Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment (STKE), an online resource supported by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. Its creation was driven by the burgeoning complexity of signaling research following key advances like the cloning of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily and the mapping of the MAPK/ERK pathway. In 2008, it was renamed Science Signaling to reflect an expanded scope beyond a knowledge environment to a full-fledged journal. This evolution paralleled the rise of systems biology and the need for journals dedicated to dynamic cellular communication networks, distinct from broader publications like ''Cell'' or ''Nature''.

Key concepts and mechanisms

Core themes include the architecture of signaling pathways such as the Wnt signaling pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Research frequently details post-translational modifications like phosphorylation mediated by protein kinase A or ubiquitination by complexes like the SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. The journal explores spatial and temporal regulation, including the role of scaffold proteins and second messengers like cyclic AMP and calcium. Concepts of feedback loops, crosstalk between pathways like NF-κB and AP-1, and signaling plasticity in diseases such as cancer are central. The integration of signals from the extracellular matrix via integrins is another major focus.

Research methods and techniques

Featured methodologies include fluorescence resonance energy transfer for monitoring protein-protein interactions in live cells and mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics to map signaling networks. The use of RNA interference screens, pioneered by researchers like Craig Mello, and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing are common for functional studies. Techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and super-resolution microscopy, like STORM microscopy, enable the dissection of signaling heterogeneity. Computational approaches, including modeling with Boolean networks and analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, are also emphasized for pathway reconstruction.

Applications in medicine and biology

Findings published in the journal directly inform therapeutic strategies, such as the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors like imatinib for chronic myelogenous leukemia. Research on G protein-coupled receptor signaling underpins drug discovery for conditions from hypertension to psychiatric disorders. Insights into T cell receptor signaling have advanced immunotherapy approaches, including CAR-T cell therapy. In developmental biology, studies on bone morphogenetic protein signaling inform regenerative medicine. The journal also covers plant signaling, with applications in improving crop resistance via salicylic acid-mediated pathways.

Notable findings and discoveries

Seminal work includes the elucidation of non-canonical NF-κB activation pathways and the role of autophagy in innate immune signaling. The journal has featured research on the HIPPO pathway and its control of organ size, relevant to cancer biology. Discoveries regarding paracrine signaling by fibroblast growth factors in angiogenesis have been highlighted. It has also published key studies on the DNA damage response network coordinated by ATM kinase and the mechanism of programmed cell death regulation by Bcl-2 family proteins. Contributions from notable researchers like Tony Hunter and Michael Karin frequently appear.

Category:Cell signaling Category:Molecular biology journals Category:American Association for the Advancement of Science academic journals