Signal Transduction Antibodies

Signal transduction refers to the process of signaling between cells or other molecules in the cellular environment that occurs when a surface cell receptor is activated by a molecule, such as an antibody, creating a response. The resulting action then mediates a reaction within the cell through a second messenger which elicits the physiological response. Along the way, amplification signals can be used to further facilitate the signal. Signal transduction antibodies and molecules include the subclasses of protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and G proteins. Protein kinase is an enzyme that is key in regulating cell function. It adds phosphate groups to proteins. Protein phosphatases are also enzymes which are involved in the hydrolysis of phosphoric acid esters. G proteins are a group of proteins that have a unique mechanism of action used to transmit chemical signals. Simplified, the process involves a binding of a ligand on the surface of a cell to a G protein coupled receptor. This transmits a signal into the cell which activates a G protein. This protein undergoes certain changes and is essentially activated, released by the receptor, and able to bind to distant binding sites.

Anti-signal transduction antibodies such as the anti- LOX1 (oxLDL) have long been thought to have a role in alcohol misuse. LOX1 antibody is involved in the inflammatory process by adhering to leukocytes during inflammation caused by endotoxins and alcohol. Serum antibody titres of anti- LOX1 antibody are higher in those experiencing alcoholism. In addition, the LOX1 protein and those in the same family have been implicated in myocardial infarction susceptibility and possible involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. Anti- cortisol binding globulin antibody binds to the major transport protein for glucocorticoids and progestins in the blood of many species of vertebrates. Defects in this protein or antibodies cause CBG deficiency (corticosteroid- binding globulin deficiency) which is extremely rare and characterized by low blood concentrations of corticosteroid- binding globulin which manifests itself in muscle fatigue, elevated blood pressure, or drops in blood pressure.

• Protein Kinase Antibodies
• Protein Phosphatase Antibodies
• G Protein Antibodies