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Receptor Recycling

Meaning

Receptor recycling is the continuous, energy-dependent process by which cell surface receptors, after binding to their ligand and internalizing into the cell, are sorted and returned to the plasma membrane for reuse. This dynamic process is a crucial mechanism for maintaining cellular sensitivity to circulating hormones and growth factors, ensuring the cell can respond repeatedly to external signals. Failure in receptor recycling can lead to receptor down-regulation, contributing to conditions like insulin resistance where the cell’s responsiveness is diminished.