Transcription Factor Crem: A Key Element of the Nuclear Response to cAMP

A prerequisite for normal cell growth and differentiation is that each cell must be able to receive, interpret and respond appropriately to signals from other cells and the environment. The plasma membrane is the external interface of the cell and bears many elements which are required for the primary analysis of such signals. Among these elements are membrane receptors which are able to interact specifically with a variety of compounds. Binding of a ligand to its receptor initiates a cascade of events which modulate a variety of cellular functions including the control of gene expression. By altering the spectrum of genes expressed, the cell appropriately modifies its physiology for a given stimulus. Aberrations in this process can lead to deregulated cell proliferation and ultimately tumorigenesis.