Hormonos

Hormonos are a broad class of signaling molecules that function as hormones in multicellular organisms. They are produced by specialized cells and released into extracellular fluids, where they travel to target tissues to regulate physiological processes. Hormonos can act at distant sites (endocrine) or near their site of synthesis (paracrine and autocrine), often at very low concentrations.

Chemistry and biosynthesis: Hormonos include diverse chemical types, such as peptide, steroid, lipid-derived, and amino acid–derived molecules. They are synthesized through enzymatic pathways, stored in secretory vesicles or produced on demand, and released in response to cellular signals. After release, many Hormonos travel bound to carrier proteins, while others circulate freely.

Mechanisms and receptors: Hormonos exert effects by binding to specific receptors, which can be located on the cell surface or inside the cell. Receptor activation triggers signaling cascades or alters gene expression, shaping the nature and duration of the response. Signal termination involves degradation, reuptake, or receptor desensitization.

Functions and regulation: Hormonos regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, stress responses, immune function, and behavior. They interact with other signaling networks and are modulated by feedback loops, circadian rhythms, and nutritional status. Evolutionarily, Hormonos show both conservation and diversification across lineages, reflecting organismal needs.

Research and applications: The study of Hormonos informs physiology and medicine, with dysregulation linked to endocrine disorders, metabolic disease, and cancer. Therapeutic strategies include synthetic analogs, receptor modulators, and targeted delivery. The term Hormono is used here as a generic label for a broad hormone-like class in this article.