AUTOCRINE SIGNALING Meaning and
Definition
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Autocrine signaling refers to a type of cell communication wherein a cell secretes signals or molecules that bind to receptors on its own surface, leading to a cascade of intracellular events. This form of signaling allows the cell to influence its own behavior or regulate its own activity without the involvement of other nearby cells.
In autocrine signaling, a cell acts as both the sender and the target of the chemical messengers it produces. These chemical signals, known as autocrine factors or autocrine agents, are typically proteins, polypeptides, or growth factors that are released by the cell and bind to specific receptors on its own surface. This binding activates intracellular signaling pathways, initiating changes or responses within the same cell.
This type of signaling is crucial for various physiological processes such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and the regulation of immune responses. Autocrine signaling plays a significant role in development, tissue repair, and maintenance of homeostasis in multicellular organisms.
Aberrant autocrine signaling can also contribute to the development and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In cancer cells, autocrine signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, as the cells continuously stimulate themselves through the production and response to autocrine factors.
Autocrine signaling is an important cellular communication mechanism that enables cells to coordinate their own activities and respond to changing environmental conditions or internal cues, ultimately contributing to the overall function and regulation of the organism.
Common Misspellings for AUTOCRINE SIGNALING
- zutocrine signaling
- sutocrine signaling
- wutocrine signaling
- qutocrine signaling
- aytocrine signaling
- ahtocrine signaling
- ajtocrine signaling
- aitocrine signaling
- a8tocrine signaling
- a7tocrine signaling
- aurocrine signaling
- aufocrine signaling
- augocrine signaling
- auyocrine signaling
- au6ocrine signaling
- au5ocrine signaling
- auticrine signaling
- autkcrine signaling
- autlcrine signaling
- autpcrine signaling
Etymology of AUTOCRINE SIGNALING
The etymology of the word "autocrine" comes from the Greek roots "auto", meaning "self", and "krinein", meaning "to separate or segregate". Therefore, "autocrine" can be understood to mean "acting on oneself" or "self-secreting". "Signaling" refers to the communication or transmission of information. Thus, "autocrine signaling" describes a process where cells release chemical signals that act on receptors located on their own cell surface, affecting their own function or behavior.
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