How Do Signaling Pathways Maintain Cellular Function?
Signaling pathways are crucial for a variety of cellular functions, including:
1. Cell Growth and Division: Pathways like the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK are essential for regulating cell proliferation. 2. Apoptosis: The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis involve a series of signaling events that lead to programmed cell death, maintaining tissue homeostasis. 3. Differentiation: Signaling pathways such as the Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways are critical for cell differentiation during development. 4. Metabolism: Pathways like the AMPK pathway regulate cellular energy status and metabolic processes.
