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Overview of Signaling Molecules definitions

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  • Extracellular Signaling Molecule
    A chemical messenger released by one cell to communicate with another, coordinating activities in multicellular organisms.
  • Steroid Hormone
    A lipid-based messenger capable of diffusing through membranes and binding nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression.
  • Nuclear Receptor
    A protein inside the nucleus that binds lipid-soluble messengers, triggering gene transcription.
  • Nitric Oxide
    A gaseous messenger that diffuses rapidly across membranes, influencing blood vessel dilation and blood pressure.
  • Neurotransmitter
    A chemical messenger released by neurons to transmit signals across synapses to other neurons or target cells.
  • Peptide Hormone
    A protein-based messenger that binds to plasma membrane receptors, unable to cross the lipid bilayer directly.
  • Growth Factor
    A protein signal that binds cell surface receptors to regulate cell growth, division, or differentiation.
  • Eicosanoid
    A lipid-derived messenger that binds membrane receptors, modulating immune responses like inflammation and fever.
  • Plasma Membrane Receptor
    A cell surface protein that binds extracellular messengers, initiating intracellular signaling cascades.
  • Endocrine Signal
    A long-distance chemical message transported via the bloodstream to affect distant target cells.
  • Paracrine Signal
    A local chemical message acting on neighboring cells within the same tissue.
  • Autocrine Signal
    A self-targeted chemical message produced and received by the same cell for self-regulation.
  • Second Messenger
    An intracellular molecule activated by a receptor, relaying and amplifying signals within the cell.
  • Signal Transduction
    The process of converting an extracellular message into an intracellular response through a series of molecular events.
  • Signaling Cascade
    A sequential activation of multiple proteins, amplifying and distributing a cellular message for a robust response.