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Genomic Pathway

Meaning

A genomic pathway, in the context of endocrinology, refers to the mechanism by which a hormone or signaling molecule directly influences gene expression by binding to intracellular receptors and modulating DNA transcription. This is a slower, but more sustained, form of cellular communication compared to non-genomic actions, leading to the synthesis of new proteins that fundamentally alter cell function. Steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, primarily utilize this direct regulatory route for their long-term effects.