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Intracellular Signaling

Meaning

Intracellular signaling refers to the complex network of biochemical pathways within a cell that are activated in response to external stimuli, such as hormones, growth factors, or neurotransmitters. This process involves a series of molecular events, including phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, and the generation of second messengers, which ultimately relay the external signal to the cell’s machinery. The efficiency and fidelity of intracellular signaling are paramount for coordinating cellular functions, regulating gene expression, and determining the cell’s ultimate biological response. Dysfunction in these pathways is often implicated in pathologies like cancer, metabolic disorders, and hormone resistance.