Signal Transduction and Receptor Kinases

These flashcards cover essential terms and concepts related to signal transduction, receptor tyrosine kinases, and cellular signaling pathways.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events.

Ligand

A molecule that binds specifically to a receptor site of another molecule.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)

A large family of membrane receptors that transmit signals inside cells through G proteins.

Tyrosine Kinases

Enzymes that phosphorylate tyrosine residues on proteins, crucial for signal transduction pathways.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often used to activate or deactivate proteins.

Phosphatase

An enzyme that removes phosphate groups from molecules, reversing the action of kinases.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

A class of high-affinity cell surface receptors that, when bound by a ligand, dimerize and auto-phosphorylate.

MAP Kinase Pathway

A signaling pathway that involves a cascade of proteins involved in a wide variety of cellular processes.

PIP3 (Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate)

A lipid molecule that recruits and activates various signaling proteins, including AKT/PKB.

Crosstalk

Interactions between different signaling pathways that can influence cellular responses.

Serum

The liquid part of blood after clotting, containing nutrients and growth factors essential for cell culture.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

A growth factor that stimulates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

Non-receptor Tyrosine Kinases

Tyrosine kinases that are not part of the receptor structure but are activated by receptor binding.

Autophosphorylation

The process where a kinase phosphorylates itself, often used in signaling pathways.

Nitric Oxide

A signaling molecule that plays a key role in vasodilation and is involved in many physiological processes.

Growth Factors

Proteins that stimulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, typically working through RTKs.

mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin)

A key regulator of cell growth and metabolism that is activated by growth factors and nutrients.