Edited by
Sarah Bondos,Texas A&M University, USA
A. K. Dunker, Indiana University, USA
Vladimir Uversky, University of South Florida, USA
Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs and IDRs) are of crucial importance to cell communication and signaling. IDRs increase the complexity of regulatory networks by combining a wider range of protein interactions with alternative splicing and post-translational modification to elicit unique cellular outcomes. Indeed, harnessing the power of cell signaling for applications in biotechnology will require understanding and engineering the roles of IDPs and IDRs in the various signaling pathways and in the environments in which they operate. This special issue explores many cell signaling pathways and their applications in light of recent advances in the field of intrinsic disorder. Our collection consists of thirteen papers covering topics including chemical signaling, sensing and responding to temperature, pressure, and light. Also included are the roles of disorder in designing sensors, switches, and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
It is clear that articles assembled into this special issue only scratched the tip of the iceberg and many important questions related to the role of intrinsic disorder in regulation of cell signaling and communication are waiting to be asked and answered. Cell Communication and Signaling encourages additional submissions on this research topic. If you believe that you can add to one or more questions related to this subject, please to submit your manuscript to become a part of this thematic series.
