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Autocrine Signaling

Meaning

Autocrine signaling is a specialized mode of cellular communication where a cell secretes a signaling molecule, such as a hormone or growth factor, that subsequently acts upon receptors located on the very same cell. This self-regulating loop allows a cell to modulate its own function, proliferation, or differentiation in a highly localized and immediate manner. It represents a precise, short-range control mechanism distinct from endocrine or paracrine communication. This localized self-regulation is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and responding to microenvironmental changes.