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Upregulation

Meaning

Upregulation is a precise cellular process where the number of receptors for a specific hormone or neurotransmitter on the surface of a target cell increases, leading to a heightened sensitivity and a more pronounced physiological response to that signaling molecule. This adaptive mechanism is a key component of cellular plasticity, allowing tissues to become more responsive to low concentrations of a vital messenger. It is a dynamic method for amplifying a biochemical signal.