Handbook of Neuronal Signaling

Neurons are largest cells, which have polarized and complex morphologies. They are divided into pre- and post-synaptic regions, synapse, dendrite, soma, and axon, all of which are necessary for their functions. Their typical process lengths in many species range from millimeters to centimeters, and axons can even reach meters in large mammals. Signaling inside and between neuronal compartments needs the positioning of sophisticated mechanisms for setting basal conditions, which allows processing of information and ensures transmission of encoded data to the end destination. Molecular processes are involved in the origin, variation, and death of cell in the nervous system. These molecular processes comprise lipid mediators, lipid-binding proteins, protein-lipid interactions, protein misfolding and not fully characterized membrane-protein receptors. Bioactive lipids and transcription factors trigger signal transduction. Deregulation of lipid-mediated processes results in neurodegenerative diseases, such as retinopathies, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It can also cause proliferative disorders like diabetic retinopathy and brain cancer. This book explores all the important aspects of neuronal signaling in the present day scenario. It will help the readers in keeping pace with the rapid changes in this field. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.