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Related Concept Videos

Signal Transduction: Overview01:26

Signal Transduction: Overview

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Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
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Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and therefore cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind to internal, or intracellular, receptors that reside within the cell. Many mammalian steroid hormones use this mechanism of cell signaling, as does nitric oxide (NO) gas.
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Cell-surface receptors, also known as transmembrane receptors, are cell surface, membrane-anchored (integral) proteins that bind to external ligand molecules. This type of receptor spans the plasma membrane and performs signal transduction, converting an extracellular signal into an intracellular signal. Ligands that interact with cell-surface receptors do not have to enter the cell that they affect. Cell-surface receptors are also called cell-specific proteins or markers because they are...
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Hormones—or any molecule that binds to a receptor, known as a ligand—that are lipid-insoluble (water-soluble) are not able to diffuse across the cell membrane. In order to be able to affect a cell without entering it, these hormones bind to receptors on the cell membrane. When a first messenger, a hormone, binds to a receptor, a signal cascade is set off, causing second messengers, proteins inside the cell, to become activated, resulting in downstream effects.
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In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
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Signals and Receptors.

Carl-Henrik Heldin1, Benson Lu2, Ron Evans2

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Summary

Cell signaling relies on ligands binding to receptors, controlling cell functions like growth and differentiation. This process involves diverse receptors and pathways impacting cellular activities and gene expression.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Multicellular organisms depend on intercellular communication.
  • Cell signaling regulates critical cellular processes including growth, migration, survival, and differentiation.
  • Diverse signaling molecules (ligands) and receptor types mediate this communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the fundamental mechanisms of cell-to-cell communication.
  • To describe the types of ligands and receptors involved in cellular signaling.
  • To explain how signal transduction pathways are activated and their downstream effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established literature on cell signaling.
  • Analysis of ligand-receptor interactions.
  • Description of signal transduction pathways.

Main Results:

  • Cellular communication is mediated by secreted or cell-surface ligands binding to specific receptors.
  • Receptors include plasma membrane types (kinase-associated, seven-transmembrane) and intracellular receptors.
  • Ligand-receptor activation initiates intracellular signaling cascades affecting cellular machinery and gene transcription.

Conclusions:

  • Cell signaling is a complex, multi-component process essential for multicellular life.
  • Understanding these pathways is crucial for comprehending cellular function and dysfunction.
  • The diversity of signaling mechanisms allows for precise control of cellular behavior.