Description:
Describes a
series of chemical reactions in which a group of molecules
in a cell work together to control a cell function, such as
cell division or cell death. A cell receives signals from
its environment when a molecule, such as a hormone or
growth factor, binds to a specific protein receptor on or
in the cell. After the first molecule in the pathway
receives a signal, it activates another molecule. This
process is repeated through the entire signaling pathway
until the last molecule is activated and the cell function
is carried out. Abnormal activation of signaling pathways
may lead to diseases, such as cancer. Drugs are being
developed to target specific molecules involved in these
pathways. These drugs may help keep cancer cells from
growing.
