The broad area I work on in is called cell signalling. Cell signalling describes the pathways cells in the body use to communicate with each other, and within themselves, to ensure everything happens as it should.
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Who am I?
I am a biology PhD student and I have a Master's degree in biology and chemistry. I know a lot about science - but whilst I love to cook, bake and eat - I know a lot less about food. I started writing this blog so I could learn more about the science in the food I eat every day.
Cell signalling
Also cell signalling
When an element in one of these pathways goes wrong, it can cause large scale problems for the cell, and the organism that cell is in. Problems in signalling pathways is one of the fundamental issues that can lead to cancer. The element of a signalling pathway I study is called autotaxin. Autotaxin is an enzyme secreted from cells and its job is to convert a lipid called LPC to another lipid, LPA.
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LPA the binds receptors on the cell that are complimentary to its shape. These receptors then activate pathways in the cell that result in a variety of responses. For example, making the cell grow and divide, or making them move.