Signaling pathway

Signaling Pathway

A Signaling pathway is a group of molecules in a cell that work together to control one or more cell functions, such as cell division or cell death. After the first molecule in a pathway receives a signal, it activates another molecule. This process is repeated until the last molecule is activated and the cell function is carried out. Abnormal activation of signaling pathways can lead to cancer, and drugs are being developed to block these pathways. These drugs may help to treat cancer.

Overview

In biology, a signaling pathway is a part of the complex system of communication that governs basic cellular functions and coordinates cell actions. The ability of cells to perceive and correctly respond to their microenvironment is the basis of development, tissue repair, and immunity, as well as normal tissue homeostasis. Errors in signaling interactions and cellular information processing are responsible for diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, and diabetes.

Types of Signaling

There are four categories of signaling. These include:

• Endocrine signaling: Signals are produced by specialized cells and released into the bloodstream, which carries them to target cells in distant parts of the body.
• Paracrine signaling: Signals are released into the extracellular fluid and affect nearby target cells.
• Autocrine signaling: Cells respond to substances that they themselves release.
• Juxtacrine signaling: Signals are transmitted along cell membranes via protein or lipid components integral to the membrane and are capable of affecting either the emitting cell or cells immediately adjacent.

Signaling Pathways and Disease

Abnormalities in signaling pathways have been associated with various diseases, including cancer. For example, the Ras signaling pathway is often mutated in different types of cancer. Understanding these pathways allows researchers to develop drugs that target specific parts of the pathways, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

See Also

• Cell signaling
• Signal transduction
• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Ligand (biochemistry)

References

Signaling pathway Resources
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