This book is the first one written about the JAK/STAT pathway. The JAK (Janus Kinase) Protein tyrosine kinases are novel phosphotransferases absolutely required for cellular signalling downstream of non-catalytic cytokine receptors (amongst others). These molecules are components in pathways utilising the STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) transcription factors. The basic components of the JAK/STAT pathway are covered in detail, and the centre piece of the book is a guided tour of the pathway itself. An interesting addition to the book is the chapter on the use of Drosophila melanogaster as a genetic system to probe the pathway at the whole organism level. The book is targeted to researchers who have an interest in intracellular signalling.

1. Intracellular Signal Transduction

2. The Cytokine Receptor Family
3. The JAK Family of Protein Tyrosine Kinases
4. Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription: The STAT Proteins
5. STFs: STAT-Containing Transcription Factors
6. Somatic Cell Genetic Dissection of Interferon Signal Transduction Pathways
7. A Guided Tour Through the JAK-STAT Pathway
8. Hopscotch/Tumorous Lethal: A JAK Family Member from Drosophila melanogaster
9. Future Trends
References.