ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a thorough treatment of the subject of dephosphorylation of proteins by different phosphatases. It emphasizes structural features of the IGF-1 receptor and the regulation of its tyrosine kinase activity by IGF-1 and intracellular messengers. The book details structural and functional characteristics of the Platelet-derived growth factor receptor. It also provides a account of phosphorylation of the β-adrenergic receptor emphasizing the mechanism(s) of desensitization. The book presents to problems and future trends associated with the β-adrenergic receptor system. It explores a comprehensive view of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in relation to the mechanism of transmembrane signaling. The EGF actions are mediated by EGF-specific and saturable binding to EGF receptor, which is randomly distributed on the surface of target cells.
