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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Cell Signaling01:23

Overview of Cell Signaling

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Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate with the environment.
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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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The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity. 
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Liquid-liquid phase separation: Orchestrating cell signaling through time and space.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cell signaling relies on precise spatiotemporal regulation of molecules.
  • Subcellular organization via organelles and nanodomains is crucial for signal transduction.
  • Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) emerges as a key mechanism for molecular organization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of LLPS in cellular signal transduction.
  • To highlight signaling pathways regulated by LLPS.
  • To examine how LLPS controls signaling dynamics and its functional/pathological consequences.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of LLPS in cell signaling.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms driving LLPS in specific pathways.
  • Examination of signaling events controlling LLPS and vice versa.

Main Results:

  • LLPS provides high specificity and spatiotemporal control for signaling molecules.
  • LLPS compartmentalizes signaling components, enabling non-linear signal amplification.
  • LLPS modulates signaling dynamics, influencing cellular responses.

Conclusions:

  • LLPS is a pervasive organizing principle in signal transduction.
  • Understanding LLPS is critical for deciphering complex cellular communication.
  • Dysregulation of LLPS has significant functional and pathological implications.