RTKS and cells signalling first lecture Flashcards
What is signal transduction?
Signal transduction is the process by which a cell converts an extracellular signal into a response.
What are the three types of chemical cell-to-cell communication?
Autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine.
What is the difference between autocrine and paracrine signaling?
Autocrine signaling is when a cell releases a signal that acts upon itself, while paracrine signaling is when a cell releases a signal that acts upon nearby cells.
What are the four main steps in a signal pathway?
Signal binds to receptor protein, activation of intracellular signal molecules, alteration of target protein, and creation of a response.
What are some examples of signaling molecules?
Peptides/proteins (growth factors, vasoconstrictors), amino acid derivatives (epinephrine, histamine), other small biomolecules (ATP), steroids, prostaglandins, gases (nitric oxide), photons, damaged DNA, odorants, and tastants.
What are the two main types of receptor locations, and what are their general characteristics?
Cell membrane receptors: fast response, for lipophobic ligands that can’t enter the cell (e.g. growth factor receptor).
Cytosolic/nuclear receptors: slower response, for lipophilic ligands that can enter the cell, often regulate gene expression (e.g. steroid hormone receptor).
What are the four types of membrane receptor classes and their examples?
Ion channel-linked receptors (e.g. nAChR)
Receptor-enzyme linked receptors (e.g. EGFR)
G-protein coupled receptors (e.g. Angiotensin R)
Integrin receptors (e.g. Integrin αIIbβ3)
What are the main components involved in signal transduction?
Membrane receptor, protein, amplifier enzymes, second messenger molecules, protein kinases, increasing intracellular calcium, phosphorylated proteins, and calcium-binding proteins.
How do pathways amplify the signal?
Through enzyme cascades and signal amplification during relay, a small signal can produce a large cell response.
What is the role of EGFR in the growth factor pathway?
EGFR, or epidermal growth factor receptor, is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to specific growth factors, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt.
What is the Wnt pathway?
The Wnt pathway is a signaling pathway involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. It plays a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
What is the Hedgehog pathway?
The Hedgehog pathway is a signaling pathway that regulates cell differentiation, proliferation, and tissue patterning during embryonic development and tissue repair.
What is the Akt/mTOR pathway?
The Akt/mTOR pathway is a signaling pathway that regulates cell growth, proliferation, and survival. It is often dysregulated in cancer and other diseases.
What is the Jak/Stat pathway?
The Jak/Stat pathway is a signaling pathway involved in immune response, cell proliferation, and differentiation. It is activated by cytokines, such as interleukins, and plays a key role in inflammation and immune regulation.
How do cells communicate with each other during signal transduction?
Cells communicate with each other during signal transduction by releasing signaling molecules, which bind to specific receptors on the target cell and trigger a response.
How do cells maintain intracellular homeostasis through signal transduction?
Cells maintain intracellular homeostasis through signal transduction by responding to changes in their environment and regulating various cellular processes such as nutrient uptake, energy production, and gene expression.
How does autocrine signaling work?
In autocrine signaling, a cell releases signaling molecules that bind to receptors on its own surface, triggering a response within the same cell.
How does paracrine signaling work?
In paracrine signaling, a cell releases signaling molecules that diffuse through the extracellular space and bind to receptors on nearby cells, triggering a response in the target cells.
How does endocrine signaling work?
In endocrine signaling, a cell releases signaling molecules (hormones) into the bloodstream, which are then transported to distant target cells, where they bind to specific receptors and trigger a response.
What happens when a signal molecule binds to a receptor protein?
When a signal molecule binds to a receptor protein, it triggers a conformational change in the receptor, which activates intracellular signal molecules.
How do intracellular signal molecules alter target proteins?
Intracellular signal molecules can alter target proteins by adding or removing phosphate groups, binding to specific domains, or promoting conformational changes, which ultimately modulate their activity.
How do peptides/proteins function as signaling molecules?
Peptides/proteins, such as growth factors and vasoconstrictors, can bind to specific receptors on target cells, initiating signal transduction pathways that regulate various cellular processes
What are the roles of amino acid derivatives as signaling molecules?
Amino acid derivatives, such as epinephrine and histamine, function as signaling molecules by binding to specific receptors on target cells, modulating cellular responses like inflammation, vasodilation, or the fight-or-flight response.
How do steroids function as signaling molecules?
Steroids are lipophilic molecules that can pass through the cell membrane and bind to intracellular or nuclear receptors. Upon binding, they can modulate gene expression and regulate various cellular processes, such as growth, development, and metabolism.