One type of protein for which our DNA codes is the receptor. We are finding that more and more cellular physiology is based on receptor-signal protein interaction. This can be good in the case of growth hormone, pituitary stimulants, and neurotransmitters.Our somewhat less than stellar success in treating cancer may be due to the downside of receptor physiology. Receptors allow for cells to "turn on and turn off" in a controlled fashion; cancers cells do neither, very probably due in part to altered receptors. Our current chemotherapeutics go after pretty much all receptors, including healthy ones. Research in this area should prove fruitful; in the meantime, be good to your receptors.
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