Signalling networks in cell shape and motility

the long version

Understanding the processes that regulate cell morphology is critical to understanding complex biological questions such as cell migration during embryonic development, axonal guidance, or the basis for metastasis of cancer cells. This book addresses key questions in this field, including the following: (1) What are the organising principles behind cell shape change? (2) Are there 'master switches' present in every cell type? (3) How are extracellular signals interpreted by the cell in order to activate intracellular mechanisms? (4) What is the influence of the extracellular matrix on cell movement and internal signalling pathways? (5) How do pathogens subvert cellular systems in order to stimulate or block their uptake? There are also discussions of the potential applications of the data to clinical problems, particularly the problems of cell motility in cancer.