Cells utilize an array of mechanisms to sense and respond to
their environment. Typically, the initiation of a cellular
response begins with the interaction(s) between cellular
receptors and their cognate ligands. These events trigger a
cascade of sequential, intracellular events within the cell.
Specific assays and reagents are important in order to
characterize these protein-protein interactions and
modifications, as well as to measure changes in cell surface
proteins or those released from the cell. Together, cell
signaling systems allow cells to detect, respond to and
communicate with other cells, both locally as well as
systemically.