This complexity allows an organism to respond dynamically to changes in its surroundings, such as injury or infection. However, it is also an Achilles’ heel, since loss of control of cell signaling can do considerable damage. In allergies and autoimmune diseases, for example, the immune system reacts incorrectly to harmless stimuli, and turns against its own host with sometimes life-threatening consequences.
All cells in an organism communicate with one another and with their environment through integrated signaling pathways. By exploring the molecular events that shape cellular decision-making, we can predict and control the fate of individual cells as well as complex tissues.
This complexity allows an organism to respond dynamically to changes in its surroundings, such as injury or infection. However, it is also an Achilles’ heel, since loss of control of cell signaling can do considerable damage. In allergies and autoimmune diseases, for example, the immune system reacts incorrectly to harmless stimuli, and turns against its own host with sometimes life-threatening consequences.