%0 Journal Article
%T Communication is the key
%A Bernard Perbal
%J Cell Communication and Signaling
%D 2003
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1478-811x-1-3
%X We wish to present a few features of Cell Communication and Signaling: an open access, peer-reviewed journal devoted to the publication of manuscripts covering all aspects of cell communication, with a particular focus on molecular processes that govern intercellular signaling and events that sustain cellular communication, both in normal and pathological conditions.The launching of Cell Communication and Signaling provides us the opportunity to present a brief overview of basic processes underlying cell communication and the signaling processes that take place within and between cells to permit an efficient communication.Birth, life and death involve the integration of a complex array of biosignals that living cells sense and process to respond and adapt to modifications of their environment.The signals that are sent and received by cells during their whole existence are essential for the harmonious development of tissues, organs and bodies. They also govern movement, thought and behavior.It is now well established that cells do not behave as selfish entities but rather tend to form £¿microsocieties£¿ whose proper functioning requires a precise coordination of emission and reception of signals. Dysfunctioning of the networks is associated with pathological situations that can range from abnormal proliferation to death.Deciphering the molecular basis for the coordinated treatment of biological signals is a challenge of prime importance. It will provide better insight into the processes governing fundamental biological activities such as growth, differentiation, and quiescence. It will also open the road to new therapies in order to fight diseases resulting from improper signaling.Once thought to be restricted to higher eucaryotes and multicellular organisms, cell communication has been shown to be essential throughout the living world.For example, the existence of bacterial cell communication involving chemical signal molecules has been abundantly documented during th
%U http://www.biosignaling.com/content/1/1/3