Signaling actions of small molecules

Our life is fine-controlled by various molecules in cells. Different types of molecules include macromolecules (e.g., protein, nucleic acid) and small molecules. In addition to classical views of central dogma, emerging roles of small molecules called metaboites have been recently proposed to significantly impact biological events. Metabolites are contiuously and dynamically produced by different metabolic pathways, thus playing key roles in energy metabolism as well as macromolecular biosynthesis/degradation. Accumulating evidence clearly suggests that certain types of metabolites exert signaling actions through interactions with macromolecules. Compared to other protein-protein and nucleic acid-protein interactions, metabolite-protein interactions appear significant in living cells, therby mediating specific actions in regulating target protein functions and activities.

This 6 week-course will give you a solid introduction to the basic fundamentals of metabolite-mediated cell signaling. I will first define the concept of metabolites and introduces major types of molceular interactions. Throughout 6 weeks, we will study biochemical basis of metabolite actions in cell signaling. In particular, we will study interesting examples of how endogenous small molecules intreact with target proteins and control their functions. These major topics will be explained in the context of human health and disease such as cancer and inflammtion. Everyone appreciates that cell signaling is essential for sustaining life. How can you explain the action of noxious gases like nitric oxide in controlling blood pressure? What can be the fundamental mode of energy metabolites in modulating gene expression? Have you ever thought about ways of how our gut microbiota can influence our body? By studying signaling actions of metabolites, we can better understand the complex but wonderful nature of our cellular signaling system, further identifying novel ways to manage major human disease.