Kasvutekijäsignaloinnin

Kasvutekijäsignalointi refers to a complex system of communication within cells that regulates cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. This process is initiated by growth factors, which are signaling proteins released by cells in response to various stimuli. When a growth factor binds to its specific receptor on the surface of a target cell, it triggers a cascade of intracellular events.

These intracellular events typically involve a series of protein phosphorylations, where phosphate groups are added to proteins, altering their activity. This signaling cascade amplifies the initial signal and ultimately leads to changes in gene expression or protein activity within the cell. These changes dictate the cell's response, such as dividing, maturing into a specialized cell type, or undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The pathways involved in growth factor signaling are diverse and often interconnected. Key players include receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and various downstream signaling molecules like MAP kinases (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase). Dysregulation of growth factor signaling is implicated in numerous diseases, most notably cancer, where uncontrolled cell proliferation is a hallmark. Understanding these signaling pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapies for various medical conditions.