BIO 473
CELL RECEPTORS
2. WEEK
Cell Signaling
• Signaling pathways often have a cascade architecture which result in strong signal amplification.
Signal transduction is the biochemical mechanism of
transmitting signals inside the cell
Signaling pathways regulate early all cellular functions
Processes regulated by cell-cell signaling
• Metabolism
• Cell growth and division
• Cell movement
• Differentiation
• Development
• Processing of sensory information
Cellular response to signaling can be fast or slow….
RECEPTORS
Receptor bind signaling molecules.
Receptors are sensitive ans specific
More than 1500 human gens encode receptors
Signaling Ligands
Ligands that bind to cell-surface receptors:
1. Neurotransmitters (NT) 2. Peptide hormones (P) 3. Growth factors (GF)
4. Lipophilic signaling molecules
Signaling Ligands
Ligands that bind to intracellular receptors:
Lipid soluble hormones