An important feature of these networks is the multiple reversible reactions of protein phosphorylation (catalyzed by protein kinases) and dephosphorylation (catalyzed by protein phosphatases). Protein kinases mediate most of the signal transduction events in cells by phosphorylation of specific substrates - modifying their activity, cellular location, and/or association with other proteins. Protein phosphatases act in opposition to protein kinases thus making themselves also integral to many signal transduction pathways. Protein phosphorylation plays a crucial role in biological functions and controls nearly every cellular process. Therefore, it is easy to understand why changes in the activity of these two important protein groups lead to severe developmental disorders and to diseases like cancer.
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