Signalling pathways
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 signalling pathway until the last molecule is activated and the cell
function is carried out. Abnormal activation of signalling 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 growing1.