SH2 domains, interaction modules and cellular wiring

SH2 domains serve as the prototype for a growing family of protein-interact ion modules, characteristic of polypeptides involved in transmitting signal s from external and internal cues. The specific interactions of proteins wi th one another, and with other cellular components such as phospholipids an d nucleic acids, provide a very general device to organize cellular behavio r. We discuss the idea that rewiring of the cell's interaction network by p athogenic microorganisms and mutant cellular proteins contributes to dysreg ulation of cell signaling and thus to disease.