1 - Cell Communication - Intro Flashcards
What is cell communication important for?
Development, Homeostasis etc.
(Can breakdown with age)
What happens during contact dependant signalling?
The signalling cell communicates directly with the target cell on an one to one basis.
eg, synaptic transmission
What happens during paracrine signalling?
The signalling cell releases a Local mediator that travels to various target cells around it.
What happens during endocrine signalling?
The endocrine cell releases hormones into the bloodstream which then travels to the receptors on the target cells around the body.
Why do cells react in different ways?
On the basis of strength of the signal they receive (qualitatively different reponse)
What is a morphogen gradient?
Where responses only occur at specific thresholds.
What causes the fastest speed of response?
Changing the structure of an existing protein, eg ion channel.
What causes a relatively fast speed of response?
Changing the post translational modification, eg phosphorylation.
What causes a relatively slow speed of response?
Changing protein levels via gene expression.
How is signalling regulated?
By positive and negative feedback
What do fast responses require?
a rapid turnover of the effector.
How can problems that come with fast responses be fixed?
By altering the activity of the protein rather than making and destroying (Post translational modification eg phosphorylation)
What are myeloproliferative neoplasms?
- A group of rare blood cancers in which excess red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets are produced in the bone marrow.
- Caused by, JAK2 VG17F is a mutation in the negative regulatory psuedokinase domain of JAK2
