AUTOCRINE CYTOKINE Meaning and
Definition
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Autocrine cytokines are signaling molecules produced by cells that regulate their own function or activity. Cytokines are a group of small proteins that play a crucial role in cell communication and immune system modulation. They are secreted by various cells and act as messengers, allowing cells to communicate with each other, coordinate their functions, and initiate an immune response.
Autocrine cytokines are unique because they act on the same cell that produced them. Unlike other cytokines that target neighboring cells (paracrine) or distant cells through the bloodstream (endocrine), autocrine cytokines bind to receptors on the surface of the same cell, mediating effects on their own cell behavior.
These self-regulating signaling molecules are involved in numerous physiological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, migration, and cell death (apoptosis). By exerting their effects on the producing cell, autocrine cytokines maintain homeostasis and ensure that cell functions are tightly regulated.
The autocrine mechanism allows cells to respond rapidly and precisely to changing conditions in their microenvironment. This cellular self-stimulation is essential for immune responses, wound healing, tissue development, and several diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
In summary, autocrine cytokines are signaling molecules produced by cells that act on the same cell that released them. They play a vital role in various physiological processes, maintaining homeostasis, and regulating cell behavior.
Common Misspellings for AUTOCRINE CYTOKINE
- zutocrine cytokine
- sutocrine cytokine
- wutocrine cytokine
- qutocrine cytokine
- aytocrine cytokine
- ahtocrine cytokine
- ajtocrine cytokine
- aitocrine cytokine
- a8tocrine cytokine
- a7tocrine cytokine
- aurocrine cytokine
- aufocrine cytokine
- augocrine cytokine
- auyocrine cytokine
- au6ocrine cytokine
- au5ocrine cytokine
- auticrine cytokine
- autkcrine cytokine
- autlcrine cytokine
- autpcrine cytokine
Etymology of AUTOCRINE CYTOKINE
The word "autocrine" is derived from the Greek words "autos" meaning "self" and "krinein" meaning "to separate". In biology, it refers to a type of signaling in which a cell produces signaling molecules that bind to receptors on its own surface, thereby influencing its own behavior.
The word "cytokine" comes from the combination of two Greek words, "cyto" meaning "cell" and "kinein" meaning "to move". Cytokines are a group of small proteins that are secreted by cells and function as signaling molecules. They play a crucial role in cell signaling and the regulation of various cellular processes.
Therefore, when combined, "autocrine cytokine" refers to a signaling molecule secreted by a cell that acts upon the same cell or cells of the same type, leading to autocrine signaling and regulation.
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