Cell Signaling Pathways
Cell signaling, often called signal transduction, is a complex system of communication that enables cells to perceive, communicate with and respond to their microenvironment.
Cell signaling may occur in three forms:
- Extracellular signals, such as contact with other cells, chemoattractants, or extracellular matrix (ECM).
- Interaction between cytosolic signaling proteins in response to either intracellular molecules or signals generated from the cytosolic face of transmembrane receptors.
- Nuclear response to stimuli, leading to changes in gene expression.
Kinases in Signaling and Disease
Reversible phosphorylation is the most common regulator of cellular events, regulating an estimated 30% of cellular proteins. Therefore, kinases are intensely studied and frequently targeted for drug development.
The cell’s ability to respond to its environment is essential for normal development, cellular repair and immunity and is the basis of homeostasis. Errors in these pathways, caused by mutations that may result in constitutive expression or total inhibition of protein transcription, are responsible for such diseases as diabetes, autoimmune disorders and cancer.
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