Published May 19, 2009 | Version Accepted Version
Journal Article Open

Deciphering Signaling Outcomes from a System of Complex Networks

Abstract

Cellular signal transduction machinery integrates information from multiple inputs to actuate discrete cellular behaviors. Interaction complexity exists when an input modulates the output behavior that results from other inputs. To address whether this machinery is iteratively complex—that is, whether increasing numbers of inputs produce exponential increases in discrete cellular behaviors—we examined the modulated secretion of six cytokines from macrophages in response to up to five-way combinations of an agonist of Toll-like receptor 4, three cytokines, and conditions that activated the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Although all of the selected ligands showed synergy in paired combinations, few examples of nonadditive outputs were found in response to higher-order combinations. This suggests that most potential interactions are not realized and that unique cellular responses are limited to discrete subsets of ligands and pathways that enhance specific cellular functions.

Additional Information

© 2009 American Association for the Advancement of Science. Submitted 23 September 2008. Accepted 1 May 2009. Final Publication 19 May 2009.

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Identifiers

PMCID
PMC2711542
Eprint ID
17984
DOI
10.1126/scisignal.2000054
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20100414-150652667

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Created
2010-04-28
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Updated
2021-11-08
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