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Serine Phosphorylation

Meaning

Serine phosphorylation is a common and crucial post-translational modification in cellular biology where a phosphate group is covalently attached to the hydroxyl group of a serine amino acid residue within a protein structure. This modification, catalyzed by specific protein kinases, acts as a molecular switch, fundamentally altering the protein’s conformation, activity, stability, or its ability to interact with other cellular components. In the endocrine context, serine phosphorylation is a key mechanism for regulating the sensitivity and signaling capacity of various hormone receptors, including the insulin receptor. This process is essential for cellular signal transduction.