Molekuláris forródrótok
Molecular Hotlines: Intracellular Signal Transduction Pathways

Summary/Abstract: The proper functioning of multicellular organisms depends on the coordinated action of individual cells. Therefore, cells need to constantly communicate without disturbing each other. This is achieved by secretion of signaling molecules, which are sensed by the target cells through specific receptors. After binding their corresponding signaling molecules (called ligands), receptors change their three-dimensional shape, i.e. get activated. In the case of intracellular receptors, the activated receptor-ligand complexes act directly in the nucleus by augmenting or suppressing transcription of particular genes. However, the majority of signaling molecules released by signal sending cells cannot enter the target cells; therefore, most of the receptors are embedded in the cell membrane. The intracellular domains of these receptors activate the so-called second messengers, which transmit the signal inside the cell. The cellular response is usually the result of the activation of a specific intracellular signaling pathway. Here we discuss the molecular components of the most important signaling pathways emphasizing some aspects of their physiological and pathological functioning.

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