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Calcineurin-NFAT Pathway

Meaning

The Calcineurin-NFAT Pathway is a fundamental intracellular signaling cascade that translates external stimuli, particularly sustained calcium flux, into changes in gene expression. Calcineurin, a calcium-dependent phosphatase, dephosphorylates the Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT) transcription factors, allowing their translocation into the nucleus. This pathway is a critical regulator of cellular adaptation, hypertrophy, immune response, and the expression of genes related to muscular and neuronal plasticity.