Canadian Medical Guide > Biological Sciences > Biological Phenomena, Cell Phenomena, and Immunity > Cell Physiology > Cell Communication > Signal Transduction Terms and Definitions




Signal Transduction

Medical Definition: The intercellular or intracellular transfer of information (biological activation/inhibition) through a signal pathway. In each signal transduction system, an activation/inhibition signal from a biologically active molecule (hormone, neurotransmitter) is mediated via the coupling of a receptor/enzyme to a second messenger system or to an ion channel. Signal transduction plays an important role in activating cellular functions, cell differentiation, and cell proliferation. Examples of signal transduction systems are the GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID-postsynaptic receptor-calcium ion channel system, the receptor-mediated T-cell activation pathway, and the receptor-mediated activation of phospholipases. Those coupled to membrane depolarization or intracellular release of calcium include the receptor-mediated activation of cytotoxic functions in granulocytes and the synaptic potentiation of protein kinase activation. Some signal transduction pathways may be part of larger signal transduction pathways; for example, protein kinase activation is part of the platelet activation signal pathway.
Guide Notes: "inter- or intracellular transfer of information through a signal pathway"
Also Called: Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction,Signal Pathways,Signal Transduction Pathways
Previously Indexed: Membrane Potentials (1977-1988),specific compounds/physiology (1977-1988)
Signal Transduction Categories.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Mechanotransduction, Cellular - The process by which cells convert mechanical stimuli into a chemical response. It can occur in both cells specialized for sensing mechanical cues such as MECHANORECEPTORS, and in parenchymal cells whose primary function is not mechanosensory.

Signal Transduction Medical Definitions and Terms

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