Systems-based approaches for investigation of inter-tissue communication

J Lipid Res. 2019 Mar;60(3):450-455. doi: 10.1194/jlr.S090316. Epub 2019 Jan 7.

Abstract

Secreted proteins serve as crucial mediators of many physiology processes, and beginning with the discovery of insulin, studies have revealed numerous context-specific regulatory networks across various cell types. Here, we review "omics" approaches to deconvolute the complex milieu of proteins that are released from the cell. We emphasize a novel "systems genetics" approach our laboratory has developed to investigate mechanisms of tissue-tissue communication using population-based datasets. Finally, we highlight potential future directions for these studies, discuss several caveats, and propose new ways to investigate modes of endocrine communication.

Keywords: cytokines; diabetes; genetics; hormones; receptors/hormone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Systems Biology / methods*

Substances

  • Proteins