Introductory Chapter: Invitation for Peripheral Membrane Proteins

The peripheral membrane proteins transduce the outer membrane signaling into the cells. The molecules include trimetric G proteins that consist of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits; transporters; and channels. These proteins trigger the intercellular signaling by the stimulations such as ligands including proteins and chemicals. The signaling which is transduced via the peripheral membrane proteins activates several pathways including the G protein signaling, mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta signaling, Wnt signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Meanwhile, the peripheral membrane proteins, such as cadherins, transduce the signaling from the extracellular ligands into the cells. This book intends to provide the readers with a comprehensive overview of the features and signaling of membrane proteins, which includes the molecular structure and interaction. The insights in membrane proteins associated with diseases and the therapeutics and the effects of the drugs and chemicals are also in the scope of the book.