Sejtjelátviteli

Sejtjelátviteli, a Hungarian term, translates to cell signaling or cell communication in English. It refers to the intricate process by which cells within an organism communicate with each other. This communication is essential for a vast array of biological functions, ranging from the regulation of growth and development to the coordinated response to stimuli and the maintenance of homeostasis.

Cell signaling involves a series of events where a signaling molecule, or ligand, is released by a signaling cell and then binds to a specific receptor protein on a target cell. This binding initiates a cascade of intracellular events within the target cell, ultimately leading to a specific cellular response. These responses can be diverse, including changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, cell shape, or even cell division and death.

The types of signaling molecules are numerous and varied, including hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, and cytokines. Receptors can be located on the cell surface or within the cell's cytoplasm or nucleus. The complexity of cell signaling pathways allows for highly specific and regulated responses, ensuring that cells react appropriately to their environment and to signals from other cells. Dysregulation of cell signaling is implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders, highlighting its fundamental importance in health and disease.