Cell Signaling Molecule

A Cell Signaling Molecule is a chemical compound that transmits biological information between cells to coordinate cellular activity and maintain physiological homeostasis.

• AKA: Signaling Molecule, Signal Molecule, Chemical Messenger, Intercellular Messenger.
• Context:
  • It can typically bind to Specific Receptors on or in target cells.
  • It can typically trigger Signal Transduction Pathways upon receptor binding.
  • It can typically regulate Cell Function through molecular mechanisms.
  • It can typically act at Low Concentrations with high specificity.
  • It can typically be produced by Signaling Cells in response to stimuli.
  • It can typically undergo Regulated Release through various secretion mechanisms.
  • It can typically be degraded or removed through clearance mechanisms.
  • It can typically exhibit Dose-Response Relationships in biological effects.
  • It can typically mediate Cell-Cell Communication across tissues.
  • It can typically maintain Tissue Homeostasis through coordinated signaling.
  • ...
  • It can often activate Multiple Signaling Pathways through receptor crosstalk.
  • It can often be modulated by Receptor Desensitization and downregulation.
  • It can often interact with Extracellular Matrix affecting signal propagation.
  • It can often be sequestered by Binding Proteins regulating bioavailability.
  • It can often exhibit Synergistic Effects with other signaling molecules.
  • It can often show Antagonistic Effects opposing other signals.
  • It can often be involved in Pathological Processes when dysregulated.
  • It can often be targeted by Pharmaceutical Agents for therapeutic intervention.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Small Molecule Messenger to being a Large Molecule Messenger, depending on its molecular size.
  • It can range from being a Hydrophilic Signaling Molecule to being a Hydrophobic Signaling Molecule, depending on its solubility property.
  • It can range from being a Short-Range Signaling Molecule to being a Long-Range Signaling Molecule, depending on its action distance.
  • It can range from being a Stable Signaling Molecule to being a Labile Signaling Molecule, depending on its molecular stability.
  • ...
  • It can utilize Endocrine Signaling for distant communication via circulation.
  • It can employ Paracrine Signaling for local communication within tissues.
  • It can use Autocrine Signaling for self-regulation of producing cells.
  • It can involve Juxtacrine Signaling through direct cell contact.
  • It can mediate Synaptic Signaling across neural synapses.
  • It can participate in Intracrine Signaling within single cells.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Hormones, such as:
    • Peptide Hormones, like insulin and growth hormone.
    • Steroid Hormones, like cortisol and estrogen.
    • Amino Acid-Derived Hormones, like thyroid hormone and epinephrine.
  • Neurotransmitters, such as:
    • Small Molecule Neurotransmitters, such as:
      • Acetylcholine, mediating neuromuscular transmission.
      • Dopamine, regulating reward and motor control.
      • Serotonin, modulating mood and behavior.
      • GABA, providing neural inhibition.
      • Glutamate, mediating excitatory transmission.
    • Neuropeptides, such as:
      • Endorphins, modulating pain perception.
      • Substance P, transmitting pain signals.
      • Neuropeptide Y, regulating feeding behavior.
  • Cytokines, such as:
    • Interleukins, coordinating immune responses.
    • Interferons, mediating antiviral defense.
    • Tumor Necrosis Factors, regulating inflammation.
    • Chemokines, directing cell migration.
  • Growth Factors, such as:
    • Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), promoting epithelial growth.
    • Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), stimulating tissue repair.
    • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), inducing angiogenesis.
    • Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β), regulating cell differentiation.
  • Eicosanoids, such as:
    • Prostaglandins, mediating inflammation and pain.
    • Leukotrienes, promoting allergic responses.
    • Thromboxanes, regulating platelet function.
  • Gas Signaling Molecules, such as:
    • Nitric Oxide (NO), regulating vasodilation.
    • Carbon Monoxide (CO), modulating neural function.
    • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), affecting cardiovascular function.
  • Morphogens, such as:
    • Sonic Hedgehog, patterning embryonic tissues.
    • Wnt Proteins, controlling cell fate.
    • Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, inducing tissue differentiation.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Structural Protein, which provides mechanical support rather than signaling function.
  • Metabolic Enzyme, which catalyzes biochemical reactions rather than transmitting signals.
  • Nutrient, which provides energy or building blocks rather than information.
  • Antibody, which recognizes antigens rather than transmitting cellular signals.
  • Ion, which may affect membrane potential but doesn't bind specific receptors.
  • pH, which is a chemical property rather than a signaling molecule.
• See: Cell Communication, Signal Transduction, Receptor, Second Messenger, Cellular Response, Homeostasis, Endocrine System, Nervous System, Immune System, Paracrine Signaling, Autocrine Signaling, Synaptic Transmission, Developmental Biology, Pathophysiology.

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