Signaling Networks

Doctor Josh Dubnau explains that the function of signaling networks is to receive signals from outside the cell, and transmit that information into the cell, in some cases to the nucleus.

Cells of all types, (and neurons are just very complicated cells) cells of all types, both in unicellular organisms and multicellular organisms, are constantly receiving signals about what is going on in the outside world, and then changing aspects of their function; their metabolism, their growth, whether or not to divide, in the case of neurons whether or not to release transmitter, whether or not to grow new connections with other neurons. Signaling networks are jargon for the cellular mechanisms that individual neurons (or any cell type) uses to receive signals of what’s happening outside the cell, and transmit that into the cell and in some cases to the nucleus in order to control gene expression.