The lab you work in has discovered a previously unidentified extracellular signal molecule called QGF. You add purified QGF to different types of cells to determine its effect on these cells. When you add QGF to heart muscle cells, you observe an increase in cell contraction. When you add it to fibroblasts, they undergo cell division. When you add it to nerve cells, they die. When you add it to glial cells, you do not see any effect on cell division or survival.
A) How can the same signaling molecule cause such diverse affects? Why do the glial cells not respond at all?
B) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to increase contractions in in the heart. (Hint: Ca2+ is very important for muscle contraction)
C) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to lead to apoptosis of nerve cells. Give possible proteins or genes that need to be activated or inactivated.
D) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to induce cell division in the fibroblast cells? Give possible proteins or genes that need to be activated or inactivated.
The lab you work in has discovered a previously unidentified extracellular signal molecule called QGF. You add purified QGF to different types of cells to determine its effect on these cells. When you add QGF to heart muscle cells, you observe an increase in cell contraction. When you add it to fibroblasts, they undergo cell division. When you add it to nerve cells, they die. When you add it to glial cells, you do not see any effect on cell division or survival.
A) How can the same signaling molecule cause such diverse affects? Why do the glial cells not respond at all?
B) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to increase contractions in in the heart. (Hint: Ca2+ is very important for muscle contraction)
C) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to lead to apoptosis of nerve cells. Give possible proteins or genes that need to be activated or inactivated.
D) Using effectors and second messengers discussed in class, devise a signaling pathway that QGF could use to induce cell division in the fibroblast cells? Give possible proteins or genes that need to be activated or inactivated.
