DEV3011 Lecture 4: Signaling Pathways 2

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to signaling pathways in development, focusing on the receptor tyrosine kinase, FGF signaling, TGF-beta signaling, and related mechanisms.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK)

A family of receptors that share a tyrosine kinase domain and are activated by ligand binding, initiating signaling pathways.

FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor)

A family of at least 24 growth factors essential for development, known for stimulating fibroblast growth and various other developmental processes.

Dominant Negative Receptor

A mutated form of a receptor that can bind a ligand but fails to activate the signaling pathway, used experimentally to downregulate signaling.

TGF-beta Signaling Pathway

A signaling pathway involving transforming growth factor beta that regulates critical developmental processes through receptor interactions.

Functional Redundancy

The phenomenon where multiple genes can compensate for the loss of one another, ensuring essential functions are maintained.

Mutation in FGF Receptors

Alterations in the FGF receptors that can lead to human developmental syndromes, such as lethal dwarfism.

Phosphorylation Cascade

A series of events in signaling pathways where proteins are sequentially phosphorylated by kinases, leading to a cellular response.

MAPK Pathway

A major signaling pathway activated by receptor tyrosine kinases that regulates various cellular responses, including gene expression.

PI3K Pathway

Another significant intracellular signaling pathway that promotes cell survival, growth, and metabolism, activated by receptor tyrosine kinases.

G Protein

A molecular switch that transmits signals from receptor to intracellular effectors, playing a key role in MPAK and PI3K pathways.

Serine/Threonine Kinase Receptor

Receptors that mediate TGF-beta signaling, phosphorylating serine and threonine residues upon activation.

Smed Proteins

Transcription factors activated through TGF-beta receptor signaling that regulate gene expression in response to growth factors.

Crosstalk

Interactions between different signaling pathways that can modulate each other's effects on target genes and cellular responses.

Ligand Binding

The process where signaling molecules (ligands) bind to their specific receptors, triggering a conformational change and activating signaling pathways.

Autophosphorylation

The process by which a kinase phosphorylates itself, often involved in the activation of receptor tyrosine kinases.

Dominant Negative Effect

When a mutant receptor prevents normal signaling by dimerizing with wild-type receptors but failing to signal properly.

Transgenic Mice

Genetically modified mice used in experiments to study gene function and the role of specific genes in development.

Conditional Knockout

A genetic manipulation technique where a specific gene is inactivated in a particular tissue or at a certain developmental stage.

Ectoderm, Mesoderm, Endoderm

The three primary germ layers formed during embryonic development, each giving rise to different tissues and organs in the body.

Gradient Morphogens

Molecules that influence cellular behavior based on their concentration gradient, leading to different developmental outcomes.

Limb Development

The developmental process influenced by growth factors, where specific signaling pathways dictate the formation of limb structure.

Achondroplasia

A human developmental syndrome caused by mutations in the FGF receptors, resulting in dwarfism due to abnormal bone growth.