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Signaling Cascades

Meaning

Signaling Cascades are the sequential, highly regulated series of biochemical reactions within a cell that are initiated by the binding of an extracellular molecule, such as a hormone or growth factor, to a specific cell surface receptor. These cascades serve as the cell’s internal communication network, amplifying the initial signal and ultimately leading to a change in cellular function, such as gene expression, enzyme activation, or cell division. The integrity and specificity of these pathways are essential for coordinating the actions of the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems to maintain systemic homeostasis. Dysregulation in these cascades is a hallmark of many chronic diseases.