Cell Signaling: Module 6, Lecture 1

The process by which a cell receives and responds to signals in its environment.

A type of cell surface receptor involved in cell signaling, often controlling the production of specific cells (like red blood cells).

A type of cell surface receptor that triggers a phosphorylation cascade via a small G-protein like Ras and regulates gene expression.

A type of cell surface receptor that activates an effector protein to produce a second messenger, often cAMP, to regulate processes like cell metabolism.

Internal pathways within a cell that process and respond to received signals.

A small molecule produced inside a cell in response to a signal that regulates cellular responses.

A series of enzymatic reactions that involve adding phosphate groups to proteins, often triggered by RTKs.

A molecule produced by one cell that influences the behavior of another cell.

A cell with a receptor that can bind to a specific signaling molecule.

A protein on a target cell that binds to a specific signaling molecule.

The series of chemical reactions inside a target cell that interprets and acts on a received signal.

A tripeptide signal that bacteria release unintentionally, which neutrophils respond to.

A type of receptor that initiates signal transduction when a signaling molecule binds to it.

The precise fit between a signaling molecule and its receptor.

The process by which the signal is removed, stopping the target cell response.

A quick cellular response initiated directly by changing the activity of an existing protein.

A cellular response that involves changing protein levels through the process of transcription and translation.

A receptor located on the cell membrane that binds to extracellular signals.

A receptor found within the cytoplasm or nucleus, able to bind signals that pass through the cell membrane.

The intracellular signal transduction pathway determines how a cell responds to a particular signal.

Proteins that bind to DNA and regulate gene expression in response to signals.

The actions a cell takes in response to a signal, ranging from changes in protein activity to changes in protein levels.

Methods for assessing or quantifying cellular responses to signals

Signaling molecules that regulate cell division, promoting it or inhibiting it based on cellular and environmental cues. These factors can act as 'on' or 'off' switches for cell growth.

A specific signaling pathway involved in cytokine receptor signaling that's crucial for red blood cell production, among other processes. It's activated by the binding of a cytokine to its receptor.

A protein domain that binds to phosphorylated tyrosine residues on target proteins, enabling specific protein-protein interactions.

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often a protein, which can change its activity or binding properties. This is a key regulatory mechanism in cell signaling.

A type of protein-protein interaction where the association between two proteins can be easily broken and reformed, allowing for dynamic cellular processes.

A transcription factor that plays a key role in red blood cell production by regulating the expression of genes involved in erythroid cell differentiation.

A protein that prevents apoptosis (programmed cell death) and is essential for the survival and differentiation of red blood cell precursors.

A protein that links different signaling molecules together, facilitating signal transduction pathways. They act like bridges connecting parts of the pathway.

A type of adaptor protein with multiple protein-binding domains that can assemble proteins in a specific order, enhancing efficiency and organization within the signal.

A region in a protein containing a sequence of proline amino acids, often serving as a binding site for SH3 domains.

A protein that acts as a molecular switch, toggling between active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states, participating in various cellular processes.

The ability of a G-protein to hydrolyze GTP into GDP, eventually inactivating itself. This process is intrinsic to the protein.

A small G-protein involved in many signaling pathways, often activated by RTKs. It plays a crucial role in cell growth regulation.

A process where a phosphate group is added to or removed from a protein, acting like a molecular on/off switch. This reversible modification plays a significant role in regulating protein activity.

A cytokine protein that signals red blood cell production, stimulating maturation of erythroid progenitor cells.

A cytokine receptor found on erythroid progenitor cells that specifically binds erythropoietin, triggering a signal transduction pathway.

STAT5 is a transcription factor activated by the JAK-STAT pathway. Once activated, STAT5 translocates to the nucleus and regulates the expression of genes essential for erythroid cell differentiation and maturation.

Bcl-xL is a protein that inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death). Its expression is upregulated by the JAK-STAT pathway, promoting the survival of erythroid progenitor cells so they can differentiate into mature red blood cells.

A protein on the surface of erythroid progenitor cells that binds to erythropoietin (Epo), triggering a cascade of events leading to red blood cell production.

The process where two erythropoietin receptors come together, forming a pair, when Epo binds to them. This brings two JAK kinases close together.

When two JAK kinases, brought together by receptor dimerization, phosphorylate each other. This activates their kinase activity.

Phosphorylated spots on the intracellular domain of the erythropoietin receptor that act as 'landing pads' for other proteins involved in the signal transduction pathway.

A type of enzyme that adds phosphate groups (phosphorylates) to target proteins, specifically tyrosine residues. JAK kinases are activated by Epo binding and play a key role in erythropoiesis.

Ligand binding to RTKs triggers dimerization, bringing two kinase domains together. This proximity allows autophosphorylation, increasing kinase activity and initiating a signaling cascade.

Activated RTKs initiate a cascade that leads to Ras activation. Ras, a small G-protein, gets activated by GEF and helps relay the signal.