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Peptidic Signaling Cascades

Meaning

Peptidic Signaling Cascades describe the intricate, sequential chain of molecular events initiated when a small protein, or peptide, binds to its specific cell-surface receptor, ultimately leading to a cellular response. These cascades involve a series of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation reactions, often utilizing second messenger molecules, that amplify the initial signal from the peptide. Peptides, acting as highly specific messengers, regulate a vast array of physiological functions, including hormone release, appetite control, and tissue repair, making these cascades central to systemic homeostasis.