CELL
COMMUNICATION
The process of
information transfer
between cells.
Chemical signals
Internal Communication
Cell Signaling
“Process by which cells
communicate with other
cells within their body or
with the external
environment.”
Multicellular organisms
need cell signaling to
regulate different functions.
E.g., nerve cells in
coordinate with muscle
cells to help in body
movement.
Disruptions in cell signaling
2
lead to diseases like cancer
Stages of Signal Transduction
Signal transduction
pathway is the complex
process; a series of
1 steps that take a signal
from outside the cell
.
and convert it into a
change in the cell's
2 behavior.
.
• Signal reception
3
. • Signal transduction
Feeling overwhelmed 3
4 • Cellular response
Types of
Cell Signaling
Endocrine Signaling
In endocrine signaling, signaling
molecules called hormones travel
long distances through the
bloodstream to reach their target
cells. Hormones are produced by
endocrine glands, such as the
thyroid gland and the adrenal
glands.
Examples of hormones include
insulin, testosterone, and estrogen.
5
Paracrine signaling
Paracrine signaling involves
signaling molecules acting on
nearby cells. These signaling
molecules typically diffuse through
the extracellular fluid over short
distances.
Examples of paracrine signaling
include growth factors and
neurotransmitters.
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Autocrine signaling
In autocrine signaling, a cell
secretes a signaling molecule that
binds to receptors on its own cell
surface. This type of signaling can
be used to regulate a cell's own
activity.
For instance, histamine released
from mast cells can bind to
histamine receptors on the same
mast cells, causing further
degranulation and inflammation.
7
Types of Receptors
Cell surface receptors are
transmembrane integral
proteins that interacts with
ligands and initiates a cellular
response.
Ion Channel Linked
Receptors
Ionotropic Receptors
Ion channel gate receptor
Pore-forming membrane
proteins that allow ions to
pass through it.
Ligand Gated Ion Channels
Voltage Gated Ion Channels
9
Enzyme Linked Receptor
It have intrinsic
enzymatic activity or are
associated with an
enzyme (usually a
kinase).
• Receptor Tyrosine
Kinases (RTK)
• Serine/Threonine
Kinases
• Tyrosine Kinase –
Associated Receptors 10
G Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR)
GPCR Structure:
Integral membrane proteins
have 7 hydrophobic
transmembrane helices
connected by extracellular and
intracellular loops (7 TM
receptors).
G Protein:
Trimeric (α,β,γ)
α and β subunits have small
lipid molecules that anchor
them to inner layer of plasma
membrane.
α subunit is bound to
GDP, this receptor is in
Inactive or Off State.
After the binding of ligand to
receptor, this GDP is
exchanged for GTP then this
receptor is Active or On
State.
Glucagon Action: Blood Sugar Boost
• Release: Low blood sugar triggers
glucagon release from pancreatic alpha
cells.
• Binding: Glucagon finds receptors on
liver cells (targets).
• G Protein: Glucagon binding activates a
cellular "switch" called a G protein.
• cAMP Production: The G protein
activates an enzyme that makes cAMP, a
messenger molecule.
• Protein Kinase A: cAMP activates
protein kinase A (PKA), another enzyme.
• Phosphorylation: PKA adds phosphates
to enzymes involved in glycogen
breakdown.
• Glucose Release: Key enzymes break
down glycogen and release glucose into
the bloodstream, raising blood sugar 13
levels.
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YOU
