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Genomic Signaling

Meaning

Genomic signaling describes the complex molecular process by which external or internal signals, particularly steroid hormones, directly influence the transcription of specific genes within the cell nucleus. This mechanism involves the binding of a signaling molecule to its specific intracellular receptor, forming a complex that then interacts directly with DNA to alter protein synthesis. It is the fundamental, slow-acting process through which steroid hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, exert their profound and long-lasting effects on cellular function and tissue development.