G-Protein Signaling and Receptor Pathways

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts regarding G-Protein signaling, receptor tyrosine kinases, autophosphorylation, and the role of cytokines in cell signaling and inflammation.

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs)

A large class of enzyme-linked receptors that can autophosphorylate to enhance their own activity.

• activate pathway themselves

• exist as monomers of low activity until signaling molecule causes monomers to dimerize

• active dimer often a kinase - an enzyme that attaches phosphate from nucleic acid ( ex. ATP) to a substrate

• most enzyme linked receptors activate transcription factors for regulating gene expression

Autophosphorylation

The process by which a receptor kinase phosphorylates itself to increase activity.

Ras/MAP pathway

A model signaling pathway associated with Receptor Tyrosine Kinases that is often targeted in cancer therapies.

Crosstalk in signaling pathways

The interaction between different signaling pathways that allows for fine-tuning of cellular responses.

Hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes

An increase in the number of keratinocytes in skin, often a result of RTK pathway activation during inflammation.

JAK/STAT pathways

A common signaling mechanism utilized by many cytokine receptors, involved in regulating immune responses.

Cytokine receptors

Receptor proteins that bind to cytokines, resulting in autophosphorylation and mediating inflammation and cell differentiation.

Cytokine overexpression outcome

Can lead to frequent irritation of the gut lining from inflammation due to overactive signaling.