Includes bibliographical references and index.

The "brain of the cell" : data processing by protein networks -- Supplying the network with energy : basic biochemistry of signal transduction -- Evolution of cellular data processing -- Basic equipment : G-proteins, second messengers, and protein kinases -- Signal transduction by receptors with seven transmembrane domains -- Signal transduction by serine/threonine kinase-coupled receptors -- Signal transduction by tyrosine kinase- and protein phosphatase-coupled receptors : a late invention of evolution -- Gene transcription : the ultimate target of signal transduction -- Signals controlling mRNA translation -- Signal transduction by small G-proteins : the art of molecular targeting -- Mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor k̳B modules -- Cancer and regulation of cell division -- Signal transduction by proteolysis and programmed cell death -- Signal transduction by ions -- Sensory signal processing -- Signaling at synapses : neurotransmitters and their receptors -- Putting together the pieces : the approach of systems biology.