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Cellular Phenotype Switching

Meaning

Cellular Phenotype Switching describes the dynamic process where a cell fundamentally changes its specialized characteristics and function in response to specific microenvironmental or hormonal cues. This transformation involves a dramatic shift in gene expression, protein profile, and morphology, leading the cell to adopt a new, stable identity. In hormonal health, this is often observed in conditions like vascular disease or cancer progression, where normal cells adopt pathological phenotypes. This biological plasticity is a key factor in tissue remodeling and disease pathogenesis.